Professor Markos Trichas
Head of Secure Space, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
Wide-ranging skills and talents are being sought to help take the UK’s space sector to new heights and advance the development of new technology.
A skills shortage could be adversely impacting the UK space sector’s growth, according to Professor Markos Trichas, Head of Secure Space at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence.
Varied skills needs in space
While there are numerous job opportunities, Prof Trichas is concerned that the sector is not attracting enough candidates — of all genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnic groups and types of neurodiversity, spanning various ages and levels of expertise — to fill these roles.
This is combined with a perception that ‘astronauts are the only people qualified for space.’ However, he points out: “For every astronaut, you need hundreds, or even thousands, of people with very different skills.”
This is why BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business is focused on fostering diverse space talent. Formed in 2022, the company brings together expertise and solutions to address the advanced threats faced by businesses, citizens and nations globally.
Its 4,800 employees support organisations across critical sectors — and space is a key part of its work. It leverages its legacy in multi-domain defence technology to advance the UK’s sovereign space capability, creating secure space-enabled solutions for defence, civil and commercial use cases.
Diversity needed in the space sector
Prof Trichas says: “We’re focusing on developing the UK’s space capability, which involves growing the nation’s supply chain and creating the skills needed to achieve this goal. However, the challenge of attracting and retaining talent across a range of skills — from engineering to other technical and soft skills — could hold the sector back from fulfilling its potential.”
The company’s research shows that 56% of aerospace decision-makers believe the combination of attracting and retaining talent hinders digital maturity within organisations. Additionally, 26% cited a lack of diversity in recruiting STEM talent.
Our degree apprentice programme helps people develop all the technical skills they need. At the same time, the space sector also needs support functions.
Alternative routes into the sector
Through its Azalea space programme, the company is creating its first cluster of multi-sensor satellites. “To do that, you need to develop skills,” Prof Trichas says. “We are trying to inspire the next generation of talent in the UK because we will need more people to fulfil the sector’s potential.”
He points to an array of routes and popular pathways into the sector beyond traditional, degree-based options. These include apprenticeships, entry-level support roles, online courses and more.
Even with these options, building a robust STEM talent pipeline for the future will require collaboration across the space ecosystem; among space agencies, academia, industry – both primes and SMEs – and the Government. Prof Trichas advocates for UK Government investment in a national space programme to boost support for UK sovereign space primes and SMEs, develop skills and allow the UK to manufacture satellites for export, ensuring a profitable return on investment.
Space degree apprenticeship and inspiring students
Further BAE Systems Digital Intelligence initiatives include work experience for students, apprenticeships, graduate entry programmes and establishing the first space degree apprenticeship. The apprenticeship, with the University of Portsmouth, will allow participants to design, manufacture and test spacecraft and work on the Azalea programme and future space projects.
“Our degree apprentice programme helps people develop all the technical skills they need. At the same time, the space sector also needs support functions; commercial and financial people, managers and admin personnel. A huge variety of skills are needed, and many of them are transferable,” Prof Trichas adds.
Moreover, the company collaborates with Haileybury College in Hertfordshire to support students in developing and launching a CubeSat satellite, aiming to inspire engagement with younger generations and foster interest in the UK space sector.
Prof Trichas concludes: “While there is a technical element covering areas such as AI and data science, strong collaboration and problem-solving skills, being passionate and ambitious and an ability to communicate with stakeholders will all be essential to take the UK’s space sector to new heights.”
