【2024年版】宇宙ビジネス業界マップ ~宇宙産業の求人動向とキャリアガイド~

In recent years, businesses in the space industry have been expanding their market size due to the entry of private companies and technological innovations. Space development is full of potential as a new industry beyond the government-led framework of the past, such as rocket recycling technology, miniaturization of satellites, and even space travel. However, it is also true that there are many aspects of the space business industry that are difficult to understand.

In this article, we will explain the current state and future prospects of the space industry, also known as Space Tech, based on the latest information available in 2024. It details the major companies in the industry, the hottest space ventures, the latest technology trends, as well as the latest job trends and future forecasts that our space industry specialist recruitment consultants are in contact with on a daily basis, providing a practical guide for engineers, researchers, and businesspeople who are looking for a career in the space industry.

• Hello, my name is Ami! Talisman Corporation’s Space Tech Specialist Consultant.
  We hope you find this industry map useful as a first step in realizing your career change to the space industry.

  

  Ami

The space tech industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, with the global space industry market size reaching approximately 54 trillion yen in 2022. In addition, according to Morgan Stanley’s forecast,the market size will reach 140 trillion yen by 2040. Considering that the market size of the entire automobile industry, which has developed over more than 100 years since the Industrial Revolution, is estimated to be about 400 trillion yen, the market size and growth speed of the space industry may be objectively understood.The evolution of technology and the active participation of private companies have contributed greatly to this growth, and the transition from the traditional public-sector initiative to private-sector initiative is underway.(Current market breakdown: about one-quarter of the total market is government budget, and about three-quarters is private companies’ commercial satellite services and space transportation-related)
※Calculated at 140 yen to the dollar.

Space development in Japan has for many years been driven mainly by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the following major heavy industry and electronics companies.

• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
  Leader in Japanese space transportation technology, responsible for the development and launch of the H-IIA and H3 rockets.
• SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation
  As Japan’s largest satellite operator, it has played an important role in the operation of communications and broadcasting satellites
• NEC Corporation
  Supported satellite development and the HAYABUSA project, contributing to space exploration and satellite technology
• TOSHIBA CORPORATION
  Supported space communications and exploration technology through the development of satellite communications equipment and space exploration electronics

Recent years have seen the emergence of venture companies.In particular, about 100 start-up ventures derived from universities and other institutions are actively starting operations in the space sector. Representative start-ups are listed below.

• ispace
  Lunar exploration and payload services (transport to the moon’s surface and lunar orbit).
• iQPS, Inc.
  Development of a small SAR satellite capable of observing the earth’s surface regardless of weather conditions and day/night time.
• Astroscale Japan Inc.
  Involved in space debris removal and other on-orbit services.
• Axelspace Corporation
  Development of microsatellites and earth observation service projects, etc.

The Japanese space industry currently has a market size of approximately 4 trillion yen, but the Government aims to double this in the early 2030s (to approximately 8 trillion yen) and has established a 10-year, 1 trillion yen ‘Space Strategy Fund’ at JAXA. The fund will initially provide up to 300 billion yen in 22 themes in the three fields of space transportation, satellites and exploration. It is expected that medium- to long-term financial support for private companies and universities will stimulate the space business in Japan to a greater extent than ever before.

As for technological trends, advances in technologies such as reusable rocket technology, space debris removal, miniaturisation of satellites and satellite constellations (networks of several small satellites) are notable.And around them, exploration technology, including robot teleoperation technology, and surface observation technology have developed respectively.
In Japan, in line with the Space Technology Strategy newly formulated by the Japanese Government for 2024, the development of various technologies related to lunar exploration and development, such as lunar landing, communications and lunar resource development and utilisation, is also of high importance.
These new technologies have significantly reduced the cost of access to space and facilitated the expansion of space business. Commercial Earth observation satellite data and space infrastructure are also being developed, with potential applications in a wide range of fields, including disaster prevention and mitigation, environmental monitoring and agricultural support.

The space tech industry map summarises the companies of note by segment and the top countries in terms of the number of companies in the space tech domain.
Looking at the segments, it can be seen that Japanese companies (shown in light blue bold) are the focus of attention for their activities in the areas of ‘Platform’ and ‘Other (services, etc.)’.
In terms of the number of companies by country, the USA is in first place with almost 5,600 companies, far ahead of the second place and accounting for half of the world’s total number of companies. Japan ranks ninth in the world with approximately 180 companies, and third in Asia after India and China.

• Some of the jobs that Talisman can introduce you to are shown at the bottom of the article↓.
  Some are not open to the public, so please feel free to contact us for more information!

  

  Ami

The following is a list of companies listed in the SpaceTechMap 2024, published by Seraphim Space, the world’s largest investment company specialising in the space sector. You can also search by category, which is useful for gathering information.
The category ‘UPSTREAM’ in the table indicates business areas in infrastructure, such as the manufacture and launch of rockets and satellites. DOWNSTREAM’ refers to business areas that utilise data acquired mainly from space.

As many space tech companies accelerate their space-related projects, the demand for engineers and other professionals is increasing rapidly. This section provides an overview of the current and future job situation in the space tech industry.

• Increased demand for jobs
  The number of jobs in the space technology industry is increasing year by year, with demand rising, particularly for positions related to satellite launches and space exploration. By region, there is a wide variety of jobs in the USA and Europe, where the market is large.

• Engineering positions (rocket, satellite)
  There are many opportunities in engineering jobs related to satellite development and rocket launches. Due to the increasing complexity of each project, engineers with a wealth of practical experience are required, and it is generally a difficult field for those with no industry experience to take on the challenge. Embedded software engineers are also required to have a major or experience in a similar field, such as automotive or robotics.
• Data scientist and analytical engineer
  These positions analyse the vast amounts of data acquired from satellites and space exploration missions, and are in increasing demand by governments and commercial companies in many countries, particularly for their ability to utilise AI and big data.

• USA
  The USA is a leader in space tech, with some 5,600 space companies (as of 2021), mainly large companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman, generating a relatively large number of job opportunities. Engineering jobs are also increasing, particularly in California, where SpaceX is also headquartered, and in Texas, which is home to many technology companies and has historically been a leader in space exploration from the Johnson Space Center.
• EU
  Europe is also seeing an increase in job opportunities, particularly in ESA (European Space Agency) and Airbus Defence and Space. The UK (world’s second-largest space company), Germany (fourth-largest) and France (seventh-largest) are of particular interest, as are their participation in space exploration and communications satellite projects.

• Changing talent needs in each phase of the business
  During the business start-up phase in space ventures, there is a high need for business positions and other positions that oversee the entire project. As the commercialisation and mass production phases progress, there is a tendency for highly specialised positions such as technical/solutions and manufacturing positions to be sought after.
  The ideal candidate needs to be breakthrough and highly motivated in order to create and expand innovative businesses, and all positions tend to require people who can work on a global scale.
  （Source: 令和４年度宇宙産業技術情報基盤整備研究開発事業(SERVIS プロジェクト)のうち宇宙産業人的基盤強化に資する 調査事業 事業報告書 令和5年3月 デロイト トーマツ コンサルティング合同会社）

• Increase in low earth orbit (LEO) satellite projects
  Business using low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations is accelerating worldwide, including SpaceX’s Starlink in the USA, and the demand for engineers is expected to increase further as a result. In particular, the number of engineering jobs in satellite design and system operations is expected to increase.
• Expansion of space exploration missions
  Private companies as well as state-affiliated organisations are actively participating in space exploration missions, such as NASA’s privately procured payload transportation services (CLPS) to the Moon. Demand is expected to continue in projects related to Mars and lunar exploration, making this a field where long-term career development is possible.

• Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) engineers
  The increase in the number of satellites creates a greater demand for attitude and orbit control system (AOCS) engineers, who are particularly needed for satellite communications and observation missions, as they provide the technical support to ensure that satellites maintain their orbits accurately and are able to carry out their missions.
• Flight Dynamics Engineer
  The role of flight dynamics engineers, who perform orbit calculations and predictions during satellite operations and launches, is also becoming increasingly important. The need for such specialists will increase, especially in complex missions involving multiple satellites.
• Data scientist
  As the amount of data acquired from satellites grows, the demand for data scientists to analyse data and develop AI-based systems will continue to increase. Data analysis for new satellite missions, earth observation and weather data will become more advanced.

• Commercial space travel
  In September 2024, the first ever ‘extra-vehicular activity’ in space by a private citizen was widely covered in the news by a SpaceX spacecraft. Commercial space travel led by SpaceX and Blue Origin is expected to continue to develop, and new occupations are likely to emerge, such as astronaut training, mission support and life support in the space environment.
• Sustainability and space debris disposal
  With the increase in satellite destruction experiments and small satellite constellations, space debris is also increasing at an accelerated rate, and the deterioration of the space usage environment is becoming an issue. As rules are developed around the world regarding the control of space debris generation in orbit and the reduction of space debris, demand for companies with debris disposal technology and satellite life extension technology is expected to increase and new jobs related to these technologies are also expected to increas.
  Japanese start-up Astroscale is one of the companies ahead of the US and Europe in debris removal technology demonstrations and is attracting a lot of attention.

  

  Ami

• LinkedIn↗︎
  ‘LinkedIn’ is a powerful tool that allows you to connect directly with space exploration companies and recruiters through a global network. By keeping your profile up-to-date and highlighting your relevant skills and experience, you can expect to be scouted by agents and recruiters.
• space-job.jp↗︎
  The space industry-focused job site ‘space-job.jp’ is a valuable source of information on job vacancies at space-related companies in Japan and abroad. It is a particularly strong ally for jobseekers targeting the Japanese market.
• SPACE CREW↗︎・Space-Careers↗︎
  SPACE CREW and Space Careers (Europe-centric) are the best places to look for international space-related careers. They cover a wide range of positions in engineering, research and development and project management.
• Japan Dev↗︎
  Japan Dev is a job site dedicated to engineers working in Japan, but you can also find jobs related to space exploration. The site is particularly useful for jobseekers looking to work for foreign companies or start-ups.

• Advantages of using a recruitment agent
  Recruitment agents with expertise in the space exploration industry are more likely to be able to introduce you to private jobs, and there are many scouting opportunities available through these agents. They can also help you brush up your resume and prepare for interviews, so you can proceed with confidence even if this is your first job change.
  Unfortunately, there are still not many agents in Japan with dedicated space industry teams or consultants, but we Talisman are one of the few.

  

  Ami
  In addition, although the space industry is becoming increasingly privatised, many projects are related to national politics, and from a security perspective, the country of origin of applicants may be restricted. However, some companies disclose this and some do not, so there are significant advantages to using an agent to avoid wasting effort.

  

  Ami

• Use of the scout function
  It is important to enable the scout function on LinkedIn and other job sites and make your profile attractive. In particular, detail your technical skills and experience in space exploration projects to catch the attention of company recruiters.

• Technical questions
  The space industry requires an in-depth understanding of the technical aspects of the industry, so many of the interview questions relate to technical specialisms. Technical interview questions are often related to your personal experience (CV) and you should be able to talk about them in depth by reviewing your own background rather than preparing for a pattern. From the stage of preparing your application, you should be looking ahead to the interview, reviewing your basic knowledge of your field of expertise and preparing to showcase your practical experience.
• Questions on project experience
  There are always questions about past projects. You should be able to give specific details about the scale of the projects you were involved in, the technical challenges and your role in the team. Highlight how you solved problems and contributed to the success of the project to demonstrate your practical skills.
• 企業や国の文化に関する質問Questions about company and national culture
  The fit with the culture of the company and the country is also a key factor to be checked. This is to minimise any gaps in the working environment and working style that you may experience after joining the company. For example, if you are moving from the US to Japan, you may be asked about the unique Japanese business style and salary gap.

• Emphasise problem-solving skills
  In the field of space exploration, the ability to deal with unknown challenges is of great importance. Therefore, the key to success in an interview is to demonstrate your ‘problem-solving’ and ‘innovation’ skills. It is a good idea to prepare specific episodes of how you solved technical problems and troubles you actually experienced.
• Teamwork and communication skills
  Cooperation with multinational and multidisciplinary teams is essential in the space industry. In interviews, demonstrate your leadership and communication skills by talking about your role in teams on previous projects and specific examples of collaboration with other departments.

Support for career change from Talisman Corporation

For a successful career change in the space industry, professional support is recommended. Talisman can offer comprehensive support tailored to the needs of jobseekers. Below are some of our key support offerings

• Checking the aspirations and requirements of job seekers
  First, we interview candidates in detail about their specific career goals, work location and position preferences. By confirming the desired technical field and career path, we identify the most suitable company and position for the candidate, rather than simply a vague motive such as ‘I want to be involved in space development’ or ‘I want to work in Japan’ for job seekers from overseas. This process enables a high degree of matching accuracy that cannot be achieved by direct application.

• Anxiety relief and interview preparation
  Before going to the interview, job seekers are encouraged to share any concerns or questions they may have and are supported to feel confident during the interview. Advice is also given on how to respond to specific questions and how to prepare for technical questions specific to the space industry. We also provide prompt post-interview feedback to identify additional information and areas for improvement to help you take the next step.
• Dealing with differences between Japanese and foreign interviews.
  Particularly for candidates from overseas, we provide detailed explanations of the differences in Japanese interview styles and corporate culture. We also support the interview process for each position and adjust the interview schedule according to the company’s wishes. As a liaison with the company, we ensure smooth coordination until an offer is made and that the job seeker can proceed through the process without anxiety.

• Scheduling and information sharing
  When a job seeker is interviewing with several companies, the agent shares their schedules and the progress of the selection process with them, and coordinates the interviews so that they can proceed at the optimum time. Support to help you efficiently complete multiple selections and make a decision at the best possible time, without feeling rushed, is one of the major advantages of using an agent.
  Below are some examples of successful career changes I have handled in the space tech industry in the past. The trend is that candidates with a high degree of affinity and match between their previous experience and the knowledge and experience required for the position tend to get offers.

  

  Ami