Cosmic Careers

Book excerpt: We are starting to see the first real progress in space exploration in the private sector, and there are many jobs becoming available in this fascinating new field. Explore what’s out there as you embark on a new expedition in Cosmic Careers. Sierra Nevada, Northrup Grumman, Boeing, and Bigelow Aerospace built prototypes of deep-space habitats that NASA began testing in March 2019. Therefore, physical evidence exists that human beings are committed to living in space for purposes of research and industrial pursuits such as mining. Now that companies are set to take both professional astronauts and well-trained passengers into space as early as summer of 2021, this book will prepare you to take your place--whether as an investor, owner, employee, or enthusiast--in the exciting world of space exploration. In Cosmic Careers, readers will: Receive a comprehensive listing of the careers and skillsets that are in demand over the coming years in space exploration. Access stories, company profiles, and technical descriptions spotlighting information that is relevant today and over the next few decades. Gain insights into the world of space exploration, its characters, and the real opportunities that are within anyone’s grasp. Cosmic Careers is filled with practical information on the issues and challenges that must be solved to further the exploration and the establishment of settlements beyond planet Earth. There will also be opportunities in harnessing energy from the sun using Earth orbiting solar power satellites; designing new forms of space transportation; and construction of facilities for refueling stations for rockets, processing minerals from near Earth asteroids, and building new spaceships and space habitats.