The placements, which will run for a minimum of eight weeks,
include using satellite images to map deforestation and working
on electric propulsion systems.
The scheme, which offers paid work placements for students who
graduated in 2017 or 2018 or postgraduate students, is funded by
the Agency’s Space Placements in Industry (SPIN) programme, with
grants of up to £3,000 for the organisations involved.
Speaking during World Space Week, Kathie Bowden, Point of Contact
for Skills and Careers at the UK Space Agency, said:
I am delighted that our SPIN scheme is proving to be so popular
with companies in the UK space sector. We have some fantastic
opportunities available for people to apply for and we will be
announcing more placements in the coming weeks. The space
sector is a growing success story in the UK and these
opportunities offer a great taste of working within this
exciting industry.
The UK space sector is growing fast, with an additional 30,000
new staff required by 2030. This scheme, which is supported by
the Satellite Applications Catapult in Harwell, is part of the
Agency’s efforts to help build a skilled workforce in the UK.
While Tim Peake’s Principia mission captivated people across the
world, inspiring millions of youngsters, working in space is not
just for astronauts: there are many exciting jobs behind the
scenes. This scheme allows students to experience the breadth of
opportunities that the sector can offer, developing skills
crucial to the success of the sector and supporting the growth of
businesses within the sector.
The list of placements was unveiled during World Space Week,
which runs from 4-10 October. The week-long international
celebration of science and technology is co-ordinated by the
United Nations and involves thousands of events around the world.
The start dates for each post will be agreed between the
applicant and the host organisation. Each placement must be
completed by 28 February 2019.
The first four placements are below and there will be at least
six more announced in the coming weeks:
Carbomap
A forest mapping company using Earth observation data for carbon
monitoring, based in Edinburgh, the project will use Sentinel
data to map deforestation.
S&AO Ltd
An atmospheric remote sensing company based in Harwell, the
project involves working on a feasibility study to develop a
radar wind profiler to provide key ocean data.
University of Sheffield
An opportunity to gain experience in the space engineering
industry developing rocket engineering and space technology.
AVS UK
A company developing a wide range of electric propulsion systems
that will enhance the UK capability of spaceflight and in-orbit
space propulsion, based at Harwell. This project will be working
on electric propulsion systems.
