Launching a satellite into space to orbit the earth, or a probe to visit another celestial body, remains a huge challege for space science, despite the major progress that has been achieved in recent decades. 

Several families of rockets have been developed (i.e. Soyuz, Ariane, Atlas, Delta) and satellites have become the essential platform for space research. They are launched into different orbits, depending on their mission - to function as communication, earth observation, navigation or positioning technologies.

Space technology is the area where the tools and equipment required to explore the far reaches of the universe are developed. For example, spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and launcher propulsion, thermal control technology, environment control, life support technology, robotics and optics. 

This is an innovative and exciting career area. It is at the cutting edge of new technologies. New developments in information technologies, computing power and molecular research into materials are all contributing to rapidly advancing these technologies. Manufacturing technology for the sector is leaping forward with developments such as 3D printing or 'Additive manufacturing' which is currently under study in several space agencies and related industrial producers. These technologies have been tested in the space sector to produce models and prototypes. Space agencies and industry are looking at integrating these capacities into industrial processes, testing different metal alloys to build parts and create new equipment.

Technologies are usually developed to respond to specific needs. However, once they are developed, they may have multiple uses. Over the years, technologies developed in the space sector have found their way into sectors as diverse as health and medicine, transportation, manufacturing practices and materials, and computer technologies. For example, air purification systems in hospital intensive care wards started out as space technologies; radar surveying of tunnel rock is now used to improve safety for miners; enhanced materials developed for use in space are now used in a variety of sporting products, from racing yachts, to sports shoes. Ultrasound and cardiac imaging both derived from camera technologies onboard NASA earth survey satellites.

Developers work on increasingly complex system architectures. Whole new classes of missions for navigation, communications, remote sensing and scientific research for both civilian and military purposes, are being designed in universities, research centres and industry.

All of these developments bring together a diverse range of skills and qualifications. This is an attractive career sector for people who are curious, creative and inventive and who like excitement and innovation. The sector is home to many highly-skilled professionals, mainly technicians, scientists and engineers.

The range of technology disciplines required can be quite wide, depending on the specific area of activity - mechanical, mechatronic electronic, electrical, biomedical, communications and software engineering, as well as basic science subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology and maths - all are valuable skills in this area.

Applied Mathematics & Data Processing

Careers in the space sector utilise the skill of mathematical analysis in a practical environment, to identify problems and engineer solutions in space programme development. This is necessary to support the work of all divisions in the Space Science and Technology sector to ensure the smooth running of every project.

Science and Engineering roles in the space industry cover a wide range of specialisations, for example, mechanical, electrical, communications and systems engineers. Mechanical and materials engineers develop the hardware required for space science and exploration. This would include the equipment and technology needed. 

The space sector is a technology intensive industry, and the work that is carried out is highly specialised. Companies in Ireland are involved in the areas of electronics, aerospace, structures, materials, hardware and software, all of which are integral components needed for space programmes.