New Space Programs Demand New Skills
What is the future for employment in space? A study conducted by Brevard Workforce in 2008 concluded that the direction in aerospace is going from reusable vehicles to expendable man-rated launch systems. This shift combines technology that retains high reliability and safety, but uses considerably less man power.
More easily maintained and operated with a far smaller workforce, space programs will require shifts in workforce functions including advanced specialists, analysts, engineers and integrators in:
- Advanced avionics
- Embedded systems testing
- Monitoring functions
- Advanced microprocessors
As a result, more skills are needed in: - Spacecraft systems design and engineering, especially in advanced avionics
- Launch vehicle structural design for maintainability and operability
- Launch vehicle reliability and quality assurance design
- Advanced computer software design and software integration
- Advanced microprocessor design and engineering for space systems
- Advanced environmental control and monitoring system design
- Human and machine cognition design and interface
- Advanced space program management and cost, schedule and technical performance measurement
- Advanced group support systems design and engineering
- Space mission planning and mission modeling and simulation
- Robotics and man/machine modeling and simulation
- Remote interoperability of lunar surface equipment
- Lunar life support science
- Environmental systems design
- Advanced flight control systems design
- Materials bonding technology
- Embedded sensor systems/self test and measurement systems
- Advanced battery and power systems design and interface
- Advanced propulsion design and handling systems
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Staying in Aerospace?
Technical Education Available at SpaceTEC®
SpaceTEC®, the National Science Foundation's Center of Excellence for Aerospace Technical Education, is the focal point for providing aerospace related post-secondary technical education for aerospace employees. SpaceTEC® and its industry partners offer programs that prepare aerospace technicians to become Certified Aerospace Technicians™. Additional information about SpaceTEC® related activities can be obtained by calling the SpaceTEC® Headquarters at (321) 730-1020. |
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For additional information on workforce issues and services, visit Brevard Workforce
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