Data and software are crucial to the UK space sector’s future. They enable the industry to unlock new possibilities, from enhancing our understanding of the universe to solving complex problems on Earth.
In this blog, Dr Becky Canning, Deputy Director (Space) and an Associate Professor at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation at the University of Portsmouth, will explore why data and software are vital to the UK space industry, the challenges faced, and the opportunities they present.
The role of data in the space sector
Data is the lifeblood of the space sector. From satellite imagery to environmental monitoring, data collected from space is instrumental in addressing a wide array of challenges on Earth, including climate change, disaster management, and resource management. The UK has established itself as a leader in Earth observation, and data-driven insights from space-based sensors play a crucial role in making informed decisions across industries.
One of the key areas where data plays a pivotal role is in satellite communication. The UK’s satellite communications market is one of the largest segments of the space sector, contributing significantly to the economy. The ability to process and analyse vast amounts of data in real-time enables seamless communication services that are critical for everything from internet connectivity to global broadcasting.
Moreover, the UK’s focus on data-driven space missions, such as those conducted by the UK Space Agency and private companies, showcases the importance of high-quality data in research and development. These missions not only contribute valuable information about our planet and beyond, but also drive innovation in data analysis techniques, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Software: The unsung hero
While data is invaluable, its true potential can only be harnessed through effective software. Software enables the processing, analysis, and interpretation of complex data sets, making it possible to derive actionable insights. In the UK space sector, software applications range from mission planning and satellite control to data processing and visualisation.
Advanced software tools are essential for managing the increasing complexity of space missions. For example, software plays a critical role in the design and simulation of spacecraft, allowing engineers to model various scenarios and optimise designs before actual deployment. This reduces costs, minimises risks, and accelerates the development timeline.
In addition, software is crucial for automating operations in space. With the growing number of satellites and other space assets, manual control is becoming increasingly impractical. Autonomous software systems are therefore being developed to manage satellite constellations, optimise orbits, and ensure the efficient use of resources. This not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces the risk of human error.
The integration of software with artificial intelligence and machine learning further enhances the capabilities of the UK space sector. For instance, AI-powered software can predict and mitigate the impact of space debris on satellites, improving the safety and longevity of space assets. Such innovations are critical as space becomes more congested with an increasing number of satellites and missions.
The challenges that need to be addressed
While the importance of data and software in the UK space sector is clear, there are challenges that need to be addressed. One significant challenge is the need for a skilled workforce capable of developing and managing complex software systems. The Space Sector Skills Survey 2023 notes the number one skills gap (more than 20% higher than other skills) in the sector is in ‘Software and Data’ (72% gap) with employers' expectations that the future will bring even greater challenges (81% gap predicted).
Furthermore, ‘Artificial intelligence and machine learning’ and ‘data analysis & modelling’ are the only technical skills of the top 15 skills gaps in the current workforce which have worsened, alongside ‘strategy and leadership’.
The space sector also experiences critical recruitment and retention bottlenecks at mid-career. Respondents to the Skills Survey note that recruitment of people with 3+ years’ experience is a challenge and often expensive to acquire the correct skill sets. Mid-level software and data/AI skills are in high demand.
However, these challenges also present opportunities. The demand for advanced data analytics and software development skills opens up career opportunities for the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Addressing the skills gap
To support the career development of professionals in the space sector and to guide them through a complex and ever-evolving landscape of data from space and about space, myself and colleagues in the Space South Central region are delivering a new ‘Securing the future of space: Space Software and Data/AI’ CPD course to address these key skills gaps and help remove barriers to the sector’s growth.
This programme is funded through UK Space Agency’s Training Programmes Fund and has been specifically designed to enable companies to overcome the skills deficits in ‘Software and Data/AI’ at the mid-career level. It has been co-created with our customer base to align with the specific needs of space sector companies to enable them to strategically navigate the rapidly changing fields of software, data, and AI development.
The course is aimed at employees already in the space sector who are looking for promotion and to fulfil critical employer gaps, as well as professionals outside the sector who want to direct their talent towards the fast-growing space industry.
Whether you’re a space sector company looking to upskill your employees or an individual from any sector seeking training to take the next exciting step in your career, register your interest by contacting Dan Smith: daniel.smith@port.ac.uk
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