What to Know
Space careers include studying planets, designing spacecraft, writing software, and supporting missions from Earth. Astronautics is the engineering of spaceflight. You can work on space missions without becoming an astronaut.
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SKY RIDERS GATEWAYUnderstand the work, training, and next steps.
CAREER PATH
Space Science & Astronautics
Study spacecraft, missions, planetary science, space systems, and the environments beyond Earth.
Spacecraft and mission systemsPlanetary and space scienceEngineering, data, and research Book-informed guide · official sources linked below
What the work is like
A scientist might analyze measurements to answer a research question. An engineer might test a component, and a mission team might plan how to use an instrument. These contributions depend on people explaining their work across specialties.
Could this fit you?
This may appeal if you enjoy difficult questions and long-term teamwork. Progress often involves repeated tests and revisions rather than a single dramatic launch.
Training and routes into the field
Choose the discipline behind the task: physics, computing, engineering, or another relevant field. Research positions may require graduate study, while other roles have different entry routes. NASA's career and student resources show the range of professions involved.
This guide focuses on U.S. pathways. Use the linked sources and current job or course listings to check the requirements for your situation.
Terms you will hear
- Astronautics
- The science and engineering of spaceflight.
- Mission operations
- The work of planning and supporting what a spacecraft does during a mission.
Try a first step
Explore a NASA mission and identify three people or teams behind it. Choose a small coding, design, or science project related to one of their tasks.
A question to ask someone in this field
Which subject should a student explore first to try the kind of work your team does?
Sources and further reading
Career exploration builds on Ishitha's Cleared for Takeoff, “Careers in the Aviation Industry,” pages 32–42, with additional explanations and suggested activities from Gateway. Official sources reviewed September 13, 2026.