Become aSpace Tourism Operator

Imagine being the one to make someone’s dream of floating in space a reality! As a Space Tourism Operator, you’ll be joining the burgeoning space tourism industry, orchestrating unforgettable journeys beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

• Be part of the future of space travel.
• Help people experience space first-hand.
• Work in a innovative industry.
• Combine adventure with advanced technology.

Space Tourism Operators facilitate and coordinate space travel experiences for adventurous individuals looking to venture beyond Earth. From booking flights on commercial space vehicles to organising training and accommodations, their role is to ensure that every aspect of the space tourism experience is safe, seamless, and unforgettable.

As space travel becomes increasingly commercially available, space tourism operators will begin to offer custom travel packages. These will vary from basic trips into earth’s orbit to tours across the solar system, stopping off on frozen planets and volcanic moons.

Space tourism operators will create these packages, as well as providing tour guides and information services. Space tourism operators require a strong sense of adventure and a desire to explore the unknown. They must have a good understanding of what space tourists want from their travel and have good organisational and logistics skills.

Explore the diverse industries where Space Tourism Operators play a pivotal role in shaping the future of space travel and exploration:

• Aerospace and Aviation
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Event Management
• Entertainment and Media
• Education and Outreach

Embark on your journey as a Space Tourism Operator equipped with a versatile set of skills that blend organisation, communication, and passion for space exploration.

Skills that connect to this career path include:

• Organisation
• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service

Prepare for your career as a Space Tourism Operator by orbiting into subjects that deepen your understanding of space science, enhance your communication skills, and equip you with the knowledge to navigate the cosmos.

• Physics (Understanding the principles of space travel and celestial mechanics)
• Business Studies (Developing entrepreneurial skills and business acumen)
• Communication Studies (Mastering effective communication techniques)
• Astronomy (Exploring the wonders of the univers

As a Space Tourism Operator, you’ll have the opportunity to arrange zero-gravity experiences, coordinate visits to space stations, organise space-themed events and parties, and even plan weddings in orbit – the sky’s not the limit, it’s just the beginning!

Plan space travel experiences for clients
Design and organise unforgettable space journeys, creating itineraries that take people to the edge of space and beyond.

Collaborate with astronauts and space engineers
Work with professionals in the space industry to ensure that space travel experiences are safe, exciting, and technically flawless.

Prepare passengers for the adventure of a lifetime
Guide clients through pre-flight training, preparing them for the incredible journey ahead and teaching them how to handle zero-gravity.

Monitor space tourism flights in real-time
Be part of the control team, tracking live space tourism flights and ensuring everything runs smoothly from take off to landing.

Stay updated on space travel advancements
Keep up with the latest developments in space travel technology and science, integrating the newest innovations into your space tourism services.

Create unforgettable space-related events on Earth
Organise space-themed events, exhibitions, or virtual reality experiences that give people a taste of space without leaving the planet.

Australia is home to incredible women who are helping shape the future of space exploration, blending adventure with immersive technology and science.

Dr. Kimberley Clayfield
As the Executive Director of the Space Division at CSIRO, Dr. Clayfield is a key figure in space exploration and innovation, contributing to Australia’s role in space tourism.

Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Katherine is one of Australia’s emerging space leaders, with experience at the European Space Agency. She has been actively involved in projects that intersect space exploration and tourism opportunities.

Andrea Boyd
Andrea is a Flight Operations Engineer at the European Space Agency. Though based in Europe, her work helps to inspire space tourism possibilities globally, including her home country, Australia.

Dr. Alice Gorman
Also known as “Dr. Space Junk,” Dr. Gorman is a space archaeologist whose work on space history and exploration highlights the cultural aspects of space tourism.

While space tourism is still in its infancy, individuals like Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos are leading the charge in commercial space travel with companies like Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, and Blue Origin, making space exploration more accessible to the public.

A Space Tourism Operator could benefit from personality traits that will empower you to navigate the challenges of space travel with confidence, empathy, and resilience. These might include:

• Adventurous
• Curious
• Resilient
• Empathetic
• Innovative

A degree in aerospace engineering, space studies, or tourism management provides a solid foundation for aspiring Space Tourism Operators. Below are some options:

Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering)
This degree covers the technical aspects of space travel, including rocket design, flight mechanics, and spacecraft systems, providing a strong foundation for careers in space tourism.

Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Technology)
For those who want a deep understanding of space exploration, this degree focuses on space systems, astronomy, and planetary science, preparing students for roles in the space industry.

Bachelor of Business (Tourism Management)
This course offers insights into the management side of tourism, including creating and marketing unique travel experiences. It is particularly relevant for those looking to focus on the business aspect of space tourism.

• Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering
• Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Bachelor of Business Administration (with a focus on space tourism)
• Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Space Science
• Bachelor of Event Management

Imagine combining your love for science with your knack for business, or blending your passion for travel with your fascination for space. With interdisciplinary studies, you can explore unique combinations like Aerospace Engineering and Tourism Management or Astronomy and Event Management. By combining degrees or mixing different types of learning, you’ll create a customised path that’s as unique as you are, setting you up for success in the thrilling world of space tourism.

As a Space Tourism Operator in training, you’ll find a universe of knowledge, including:

• The principles of space travel and rocket science
• The ins and outs of managing space tourism operations
• Customer service and hospitality skills for catering to space travellers
• Business management and marketing strategies for promoting space tourism ventures
• Safety protocols and emergency procedures for space travel

Looking to gain some stellar experience while you study? Consider internships, volunteering, or part time jobs in fields related to aerospace, tourism, or event management. Whether you’re assisting with space-themed events, participating in aerospace projects, or working at a tourist attraction, every experience will launch you one step closer to becoming a Space Tourism Operator.

If traditional university degrees aren’t your thing there are other paths to becoming a Space Tourism Operator, such as:

Vocational Training and Certifications
Practical courses in tourism management or aviation offer more direct, hands-on experience for those interested in space tourism.

• Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management
  This course equips students with the skills to manage high-end travel experiences, including space tourism.
• Certificate IV in Aviation (Space Operations)
  Designed for those who want to work in the space sector, this certificate offers technical knowledge in space operations and flight management.

Micro-Learning and Online Courses
Online platforms offer flexible learning for those looking to develop specific skills in space tourism and operations.

• Introduction to Space Tourism
  This course teaches the basics of space tourism, from safety regulations to the logistics of planning a space journey.
• Space Flight Fundamentals
  Focused on the technical side of space travel, this course covers the principles of flight and space exploration, ideal for those looking to understand the scientific aspects of space tourism.

Workplace Opportunities

Seek out apprenticeships, internships, or beginner level positions in industries like tourism, hospitality, or event management, where you can learn the ropes of space tourism operations first hand.