Jeff Foust of the New Space Journal reports on potential space related jobs that will be needed in the emerging space industry. Over the next few years, you are probably going to see companies like XCOR Aerospace, Virgin Galactic,and Space X, ramp up their operations. Could you imagine yourself working in the space industry. According to recent British report by Fast Future Research, the industry will also need tour guides and designers. I could easily imagine many other positions that will be needed for a robust commercial space industry. Let’s assume you are not a rocket scientist. What unique genius do you possess that might integrate or be of benefit to the space industry? As much as the space industry needs the techies, we will also need the marketing magicians, financial wizards, and ___________ (that could be people like YOU).
Your career 62Miles up ahead
Some of the first jobs that the emerging suborbital space industry might need according to the report by Fast Future Research.
- Space pilots
- Space Tour guides
- Space architects
Space pilots, tour guides and architects With companies already promising space tourism, we will need space pilots and tour guides, as well as architects to design where they will live and work. Current projects at SICSA (University of Houston) include a greenhouse on Mars, lunar outposts and space exploration vehicles. Want to know more? Take a look at the story and career information about becoming a space pilot at www.futuremorph.org/my_future_finder/viewitem.cfm?cit_id=4308. (Fast Future Research, Science: So what? So Everything).
Possible Emergence as a Profession: 2015 A Day in the Life
Initial developments in space tourism will involve two to three hour sub-orbital flights. This will gradually develop into longer trips – possibly extending to flights lasting several days or weeks for a visit to an orbiting space station or a distant planet. On the day of each flight, pilots will undergo rigorous health and psychological checks to ensure they are fit to travel. The next stage will be an exhaustive visual and automated programme of technical and security checks with the engineering team. The passenger manifold will be discussed in detail with the entire in-flight crew to understand exactly who is on board. Space flight is likely to remain the domain of the very wealthy for some time to come – everyone will believe himself or herself to be a VIP!
The flight itself will be handled largely by autopilot for most of the journey but the pilot and co-pilot will need to be fully in command throughout the trip. Flight rosters will typically involve extensive rest periods during and after each trip. Even days off will include regular physical and mental strength exercises to ensure the pilot is able to deal with the stresses of frequent space travel.
SICSA currently offers the only Masters of Science in Space Architecture. SICSA explains that Space Architects, like their earthbound counterparts, must address ?the total built environment, not just its component elements and systems.? Hence designing solutions for space involves ?a broad understanding of the issues and requirements that impact overall planning and design success. Important considerations include: influences of unique conditions of the space environment upon construction processes and material options; physiological, psychological, and sociological impacts of isolation and stress; and human factors design issues associated with human adaptation and performance in weightless and partial-gravity habitats.?20 A space architect‘s customers could include governments, private developers, manufacturers and, in time, firms such as banks, hotel groups and retailers.
Space tour guides will draw on cosmology, astronomy, space science, geography, history and geology to help passengers get the most out of their journey. While the factual side of the tour is important, space guides also need to be excellent storytellers and imaginers to help inspire their charges and encourage them to experience the true awe of space travel. Regular tour guides will need to undergo a similar level of physical and mental preparation and testing as pilots before each trip.
(The shape of jobs to come, Possible New Careers Emerging from Advances in Science and Technology (2010 – 2030), Final Report January 2010, Rohit Talwar, Tim Hancock, Fast Future Research).
Special Thanks to Aaron Ross of PebbleStorm for his work on helping people find their unique genius.
