Astrophysicist
Astrophysicists study stars, planets, galaxies and the wider universe to improve our understanding of how the cosmos formed and continues to evolve.
Read career guideSpace includes a range of careers with different entry routes, work environments and progression opportunities. Explore the roles below to see which directions are worth researching further.
These subjects appear frequently across the career guides in this pathway. They are useful signals, not fixed requirements for every role.
Open a career guide to see what the job involves, common ways to get started, useful subjects, skills and possible progression.
Astrophysicists study stars, planets, galaxies and the wider universe to improve our understanding of how the cosmos formed and continues to evolve.
Read career guideGround Systems Engineers develop and maintain the infrastructure used to communicate with, monitor and control satellites and spacecraft.
Read career guideLaunch Operations Engineers prepare, coordinate and support rocket launches by ensuring launch systems, infrastructure and procedures are ready for safe operation.
Read career guideMission Operations Engineers monitor and control spacecraft, supporting launches and ensuring successful satellite and space missions.
Read career guideOrbital Analysts calculate spacecraft trajectories, monitor orbital behaviour and help ensure satellites remain safely positioned throughout their missions.
Read career guideRemote Sensing Scientists use satellite imagery and sensor data to monitor the Earth, supporting environmental protection, agriculture, defence and disaster response.
Read career guideSatellite Systems Engineers design and integrate satellites used for communications, navigation, Earth observation and scientific research.
Read career guideSpace Aerospace Engineers design, develop and test spacecraft, launch vehicles, satellites and exploration systems used for commercial and scientific missions.
Read career guideSpace Business Development Managers identify new commercial opportunities, build strategic partnerships and help grow organisations operating in the global space sector.
Read career guideSpace Data Scientists analyse satellite and mission data to support Earth observation, navigation, climate research and future space exploration.
Read career guideSpace Mission Planners design missions, calculate trajectories and coordinate operational activities to ensure spacecraft achieve their scientific and commercial objectives.
Read career guideSpace Programme Managers coordinate large-scale satellite, launch and exploration programmes, ensuring technical, commercial and operational objectives are successfully delivered.
Read career guideSpace Propulsion Engineers design, develop and test rocket engines and propulsion systems used to launch spacecraft and manoeuvre satellites.
Read career guideSpace Weather Scientists study solar activity and its effects on satellites, astronauts, communications systems and power infrastructure.
Read career guideSpacecraft Assembly Technicians build, assemble and inspect satellites and spacecraft components in highly controlled cleanroom environments.
Read career guideSpacecraft Test Engineers verify that spacecraft and satellites perform safely and reliably before launch by conducting rigorous testing and validation.
Read career guideThese pathways share useful subjects with Space and can be worth comparing.
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