The future of space careers: Roles in business, policy, and leadership

The space industry is no longer limited to astronauts, engineers, and rocket scientists. As space commercialization expands, there is a growing need for business leaders, policymakers, legal experts, and sustainability specialists. From space law and finance to sustainability and entrepreneurship, professionals from diverse backgrounds now have the opportunity to shape the future of space.

The demand for these roles is increasing as both governments and private companies invest in space exploration, satellite technology, and new business ventures beyond Earth. Space leadership at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University is designed to prepare professionals for this rapidly evolving industry, equipping them with the skills to navigate space business, policy, and leadership.

David Hoantee Peng, member of the Thunderbird Global Network Advisory Council and Global Thunderbird Alumni Network Advisor with a Master of International Management (MIM) and Executive Master of Global Management: Space Leadership, Business, and Policy, spoke about some of the misconceptions and realities of careers in the space industry, and what lies ahead for those considering this field.

The role of non-technical professionals in the space economy

Space is not just about technology—it’s also about governance, investment, and sustainable growth. 

As commercial space ventures like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and other emerging companies push boundaries, they require legal guidance, financial backing, strategic leadership, and regulatory compliance. 

“The U.S. is still the leader in commercial space, and it will continue to push forward the growth of the commercial space sector,” Peng said.

The space economy is expected to reach trillions of dollars in value, bringing opportunities for professionals who can manage risks, negotiate international treaties, and develop sustainable business models. Those with expertise in law, finance, policy, and entrepreneurship are now critical players in the industry’s future.

Misconceptions about careers in space 

Peng said there are major misconceptions about what is involved in the space industry. One of the biggest is the idea that space is only for scientists, engineers, and astronauts. 

“The space ecosystem today demands a broad spectrum of roles—including business strategists, financial analysts, regulatory and policy advisors, and communications experts,” he said. 

Peng said another frequent misunderstanding is that the industry is dominated by governmental agencies like NASA or the Department of Defense.

“The sector is rapidly expanding into private commercialization with dynamic companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and an increasing number of startups globally,” he said. “This makes the industry accessible to professionals from diverse backgrounds.”

Business and policy trends in space leadership

Peng sees a few key trends in space business, such as rapid commercialization, geopolitical dynamics, regulatory evolution, and the growth of the space economy.

Rapid commercialization

Peng said private entities increasingly spearhead innovation, dramatically reducing costs and expanding market opportunities. He also pointed to the use of AI to advance technological development and routes to commercialization. 

“It is important to understand how the ecosystem affects broader development and potential knock-on effects,” he said. “For example, space debris mitigation needs to be fully considered to allow broader commercialization.”

He said space debris removal and mitigation might be the best business model for a commercial space business to consider.

Geopolitical dynamics

Competition and cooperation coexist, Peng said, notably in frameworks like the Artemis Accords, which seek to balance national ambitions with collaborative international norms.

Equally important is to keep abreast of developments by other competing and friendly space faring nations, he said. While the U.S., China, Russia, and India are considered great space powers, the middle space powers such as Japan, Canada, European Space Agency, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, and Luxembourg will play leading roles in certain space sectors.

“The shocker for most is hearing that Luxembourg is a middle space power,” Peng said. “This is because Luxembourg over the past two decades have developed space policy and initiatives to allow commercial space companies to take a lead on space resources mining and utilization.”

Regulatory evolution

Space traffic management, sustainability initiatives such as debris mitigation, and clear frameworks for space resource utilization have become essential policy focal points, Peng said.

Growth of the space economy

Peng said that industry projections suggest significant economic expansion, forecasting the global space economy to approach $1.8 trillion by 2035, driven by sectors such as satellite services, space tourism, lunar economy, and deep-space exploration.

Career paths in space business, policy, and leadership

Space law and policy

With increasing space activity comes the need for legal frameworks and policies that ensure fair and responsible exploration. Space lawyers help companies and governments navigate regulations, from launch licensing to international treaties. This field also includes space ethics, addressing concerns such as resource extraction, planetary protection, and orbital debris.

Government agencies like NASA and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) need policy experts, while private companies require legal counsel to ensure compliance with domestic and international laws.

Space finance and investment

The commercialization of space depends on financial experts who can assess risks, secure investments, and manage economic policies. Venture capitalists and private equity firms are increasingly funding space startups, creating opportunities for finance professionals who understand the economics of space.

Key roles include investment analysts, financial strategists, and business development executives who guide companies through funding rounds, mergers, and acquisitions. As space tourism, asteroid mining, and satellite communications grow, so will the need for financial planning and risk management.

Space sustainability and environmental considerations

With the expansion of space activity, sustainability has become a major concern. The growing issue of space debris, responsible resource extraction, and the environmental impact of launches require dedicated sustainability professionals.

Companies are hiring experts to develop policies that ensure long-term sustainability in space, addressing challenges such as deorbiting defunct satellites, minimizing launch emissions, and exploring ethical space mining. Professionals in this field work with international organizations, aerospace firms, and government agencies to establish best practices.

Space entrepreneurship and business leadership

The space industry is no longer dominated by government agencies—private companies and startups are taking the lead in innovation. Entrepreneurs are launching businesses focused on satellite services, space tourism, and commercial research.

Beyond startup founders, experienced business leaders are needed to run space companies, manage operations, and create strategic partnerships. Marketing and sales professionals also play a role in making space services accessible to a broader market. The demand for business acumen in space is growing, making this an exciting area for leadership-driven professionals.

Peng also identified such areas as:

• Program and project management
• Business development, financing, and strategy
• Legal, regulatory, and compliance specialists
• Policy analysts and strategic advisors 
• Marketing, communications, and public relations 

How to get started in a non-technical space career

Non-technical roles in the space industry have notably evolved over the past decade due to increasing commercialization and globalization, Peng said.

“Initially, space was predominantly a technical domain led by governments, but today’s environment necessitates multidisciplinary collaboration,” he said.

For professionals looking to enter the space industry without a technical background, the following steps can help:

• Educational programs: Consider programs like Thunderbird’s Space Leadership initiative, which offers specialized knowledge in space business and policy.
• Networking: Attend space industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with experts in the field.
• Industry research: Stay informed about trends in commercial space, sustainability, and regulatory changes.
• Cross-industry skills: Leverage existing expertise in law, finance, business, or sustainability and apply it to space-related challenges.

How Thunderbird prepares you for a career in space 

Peng said Thunderbird’s executive master’s degree in space leadership, business and policy uniquely prepares professionals for impactful non-technical careers in the evolving space industry by:

• Holistic curriculum: Integrating comprehensive training in global management, space economics, policy frameworks, and commercialization strategies.
• Global focus: Emphasizing the international dimensions of space leadership, promoting understanding of geopolitical dynamics, and fostering cross-border collaboration.
• Expert faculty and industry connections: Offering direct exposure to global industry leaders, policymakers, and practitioners who share real-world insights and experiences.
• Applied strategic frameworks: Providing practical tools that empower students to systematically assess investment and commercialization viability in space technology ventures.
• Strong network development: Encouraging professional relationship-building and access to Thunderbird’s extensive alumni and professional network within the space and business communities.

Through Thunderbird, students are equipped to become space entrepreneurs and find or join the right co-founders or teams, preparing them to create, analyze and implement space policy, and giving them the technical and political-economic framework with which to understand, analyze, and leverage the space economy, whether for defense or civil purposes.

Prepare for the space business future 

The space industry is no longer just for engineers and scientists—business leaders, policy experts, lawyers, and sustainability advocates are playing a crucial role in shaping its future. As space commerce grows, so do opportunities for professionals with non-technical backgrounds to lead and innovate in this expanding frontier.

“Thunderbird has helped me to develop the knowledge and expertise in a new field and shared with me the power of having a global digital mindset,” Peng said.

Thunderbird School of Global Management gives you options for your needs, with the Executive Master of Global Management: Space Leadership, Business, and Policy degree and the Space Leadership, Business, and Policy certificate. With both programs, there has never been a better time for professionals from diverse industries to explore a future in space business, policy, and leadership.