gcw-cropped

The UK Space Agency

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.  We support the government to boost UK prosperity, understand the Universe, and protect our planet and outer space. Space is a part of everyday life. Satellites underpin our national economy, from agriculture and banking to aviation and shipping, and support our national security. Space science provides critical data to understand and address global challenges such as climate change, while missions to explore our solar system unite nations and advance humanity’s horizons.

Find Out More

About Us

We support a thriving space sector in the UK, which generates an annual income of £16.5 billion and employs around 55,000 people.

Through our portfolio of programmes and projects, we encourage the development of national space capabilities and space research and development.  We promote the UK space sector’s interests and achievements, make connections to join up industry and academia, and represent the UK in international space programmes. 

We also provide opportunities to engage and support the next generation of the space workforce and ensure space careers are accessible to all.

Building a clear understanding of how climate change impacts the Earth is crucial to guiding decisions and investments that support the government’s net zero priorities, and most of the data we need can only be measured from space. 

Our National Space Strategy outlines Earth observation missions that will bring us unprecedented insight into the natural world and climate change, such as:

BIOMASS mission, which will effectively weigh the carbon contained in forests so we can better understand the role they play in the carbon cycle and how we can protect them.

MicroCarb, the first European satellite designed to measure carbon fluxes on Earth by precisely measuring carbon dioxide from around the world.

Active satellites share their orbits with a huge quantity of human-made space debris such as defunct satellites, spent rocket boosters, and smaller fragments of old spacecraft.  A satellite collision could disrupt the critical services we all rely on every day, including navigation, weather forecasts and online banking, as well as vital activities such as climate monitoring, scientific research and disaster relief. With more satellites being launched every year, this is an increasing problem which requires innovative solutions.

The UK Space Agency works to protect the space environment for future generations through a wide range of initiatives, from working on regulations and standards to prevent irresponsible behaviours, to developing new technologies to tackle the problem head on.  British engineers are working on Active Debris Removal missions to clean up space debris, and In-orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing technologies such as satellite refuelling and de-orbiting, to prolong the lifetimes of satellites, reduce the number we need to launch, and ensure they do not become debris at the end of their lives. 

We have a powerful global voice, partnering with institutions across the world, including the European Space Agency. More information about the Agency is available here

About Us

We support a thriving space sector in the UK, which generates an annual income of £16.5 billion and employs around 50,000 people.

Through our portfolio of programmes and projects, we encourage the development of national space capabilities and space research and development.  We promote the UK space sector’s interests and achievements, make connections to join up industry and academia, and represent the UK in international space programmes. 

We also provide opportunities to engage and support the next generation of the space workforce and ensure space careers are accessible to all.

Building a clear understanding of how climate change impacts the Earth is crucial to guiding decisions and investments that support the government’s net zero priorities, and most of the data we need can only be measured from space. 

Our National Space Strategy outlines Earth observation missions that will bring us unprecedented insight into the natural world and climate change, such as:

BIOMASS mission, which will effectively weigh the carbon contained in forests so we can better understand the role they play in the carbon cycle and how we can protect them.

MicroCarb, the first European satellite designed to measure carbon fluxes on Earth by precisely measuring carbon dioxide from around the world.

Active satellites share their orbits with a huge quantity of human-made space debris such as defunct satellites, spent rocket boosters, and smaller fragments of old spacecraft.  A satellite collision could disrupt the critical services we all rely on every day, including navigation, weather forecasts and online banking, as well as vital activities such as climate monitoring, scientific research and disaster relief. With more satellites being launched every year, this is an increasing problem which requires innovative solutions.

The UK Space Agency works to protect the space environment for future generations through a wide range of initiatives, from working on regulations and standards to prevent irresponsible behaviours, to developing new technologies to tackle the problem head on.  British engineers are working on Active Debris Removal missions to clean up space debris, and In-orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing technologies such as satellite refuelling and de-orbiting, to prolong the lifetimes of satellites, reduce the number we need to launch, and ensure they do not become debris at the end of their lives. 

We have a powerful global voice, partnering with institutions across the world, including the European Space Agency. More information about the Agency is available here

Satellite image of UK Heatwave. Credit: Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2022), processed by ESA”

Why work in Space?

Space is one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK economy and employs about 55,000 people across the country. With the motivation, and the right skills and qualifications, you could join them.

Careers in the space sector cover everything from building spacecrafts and designing satellites, to coordinating disaster relief and analysing the impact of climate change on our planet. You could also help develop new technology and contribute to the growing field of space sustainability.

UK teams are building some of the world’s largest – and smallest – satellites, and the most advanced space robotics. They are constructing the first European Mars rover, working on missions to the Moon, Mercury and Jupiter using satellite technology to monitor life in the oceans and the possibilities of life on other planets. They are also leading missions that help protect our own planet, such as Biomass, which maps how much carbon is stored in the world’s forests to track deforestation and climate change, and MicroCarb, a UK–France satellite designed to pinpoint sources of carbon dioxide and monitor global emissions with unprecedented accuracy.

The space industry employs engineers and scientists, accountants, lawyers, communicators and project managers. There are jobs in the public and private sectors, and in universities, or large major multinational companies and small enterprises. There’s a place in space for you!

What skills do you need?

Most careers in space require innovation, creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Many jobs cover multiple disciplines and, as space is an international endeavour, they often involve working with partners around the world. Studying subjects like the sciences, engineering, IT, maths or geography will put you in a strong position for a wide range of space careers. There are also a range of roles that cross the boundaries between STEM and business-related fields such as law, business administration and finance.

There are plenty of opportunities available for apprentices and graduates. Apprenticeships, internships, technical and higher education (from undergraduate to postgraduate) qualifications are pivotal in equipping you with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to support your career in the space industry. 

Teams of engineers work together to design and build spacecraft, robots, instruments and satellite sensors. They develop practical skills and need to co-operate to solve problems. As an engineer, you might be working on a new Earth monitoring satellite, propulsion system or even missions to other planets.

From discovering planets that might support life to unravelling the mysteries of Mercury, space scientists and astronomers are tackling fundamental questions about the nature of the universe. Scientists also work with satellite technology to learn more about the Earth. Biologists use satellite sensors to investigate the effects of plastic pollution, and satellite data helps chemists and physicists predict climate change.

From coordinating the response to natural disasters to developing computer algorithms for mapping urban development, there is a wealth of opportunities to help deliver services from space and make a difference to people’s lives through the power of data and AI. This is one of the biggest growth areas in the UK space sector and organisations are looking for people with a range of skills to harness space data.

The UK’s success in space relies on a whole host of critical supporting roles, with the sector in need of project managers, policy and finance professionals, lawyers, business development experts, communications specialists and HR teams. Each of these professions has their own qualification routes, and there is something out there for everyone.

Mission patch for BIOMASS ESA's forest mission
Debris in low Earth orbit. Credit: ESA

How do I find out more?

There are many routes into a space career and plenty of support available to help you. Here are some links to useful websites:

Looking at a career in Earth Observation and climate?

You may be surprised at how many skills other than science and data are involved too!

Find out more in this resource about the TRUTHS mission to create a space-based climate and calibration observatory to improve confidence in climate change forecasts and support net zero mitigation strategies and their impact.”

How about a career in space sustainability?

Space debris is a global issue and even the tiniest piece can damage satellites we rely on every day, such as maps on our smartphones, weather forecasts and online banking.

Learn more out what the UK is doing to tackle the problem.

Working in the Space Industry: Engineering Apprenticeship

Faye works for Thales Alenia, managing a team who look after all of the equipment which supports satellites throughout pre-launch phases. To get to where she is now, Faye undertook an engineering apprenticeship.

Space careers for everyone

Watch career profile videos and resources from National Space Academy and ESERO-UK.  This collection of videos and resources showcase the wide range of diverse careers, ranging from Aerospace Engineers to Space Lawyer, from Planetary Scientist to Space Artist!”

Match your qualities and interests to space careers

Dream of working in the space sector? Or maybe you’re not sure it’s for you? Before you decide, search using your qualities or interests to find example space careers that just might suit you. You’ll find out about what these space careers involve, how to get into them, and how they relate to your subjects at school in this resource: spaceperson.co.uk

Protecting Our Planet Day

Join Protecting Our Planet Day (POP) on Thursday, 27th November! This live-streamed event for primary and secondary schools, hosted by ESERO-UK with the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency, features experts and researchers dedicated to protecting our planet from here on Earth and from space. Register here.

Find your place in space

Find support for students and professionals throughout their careers in the space sector on the SpaceCareers.uk website created in partnership with the UK Students for Exploration and Development of Space”

Facebook Twitter Youtube

(c) 2024 All Rights Reserved | National Careers Week