9781422270011

include the Department of Defense, (including the US Space Force, Defense Intelligence Agency, US Space Command, and National Geospatial Intelligence Agency), Central Intelligence Agency, and other agencies. The commercial sector involves companies that engage in for-profit activities (e.g., cargo delivery, satellite communication, space tourism). The leading companies are SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, Bigelow Aerospace, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and United Launch Alliance (which is co-owned by Lockheed Martin and Boeing). Many small- to midsize space technology companies also operate in this sector. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN SPACE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Approximately 198,500 people work in the US space industry (for private sector and government organizations), according to The Space Report. About 77 percent of them work for commercial space companies. Many work in science and engineering positions. The following sections provide more information about these careers. SCIENTISTS Scientists conduct research and experiments to answer questions such as, How old is the universe? What happens when black holes collide? How does low gravity affect people, plants, and other organisms? How does it alter physics as we know it? They also find answers to more practical questions such as How can astronaut extravehicular exploration suits be made safer? How can astronauts maintain good health and nutrition on long-term future trips to Mars and other planets? What are some ways to reduce the amount of space junk that is creating a hazard to spacecraft and satellites? How can we increase the yield of fruits and vegetables grown in space or on the moon?

What Do Space Scientists and Engineers Do?

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