Space Tourism Managers

Space tourism managers have a variety of backgrounds, including in business, marketing, logistics, aerospace operations, and other fields. As a result, you should obtain as much general experience and knowledge in these fields as possible, and then drill down and focus on the field where your interest is strongest. For example, if you’re interested in aerospace operations, engineering, or another technical specialty, then you should sign up for aerospace or general STEM summer exploration programs, get involved in STEM competitions, and participate in information interviews with space tourism managers, mission control specialists at NASA, and/or aerospace engineers. Consider joining youth organizations and professional associations that provide membership options for students. For example, the Technology Student Association provides students a chance to explore career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; enter academic competitions; and participate in summer exploration programs. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) offers free membership to high school students. Members receive an online subscription to Aerospace America, the organization’s monthly membership magazine, and AIAA Daily Launch, an email news digest. They also receive the opportunity to participate in its Mentor Match program and apply for the $10,000 Roger W. Kahn Scholarship, which they can use to fund their aerospace education. The AIAA offers Careers in Aerospace (https://www.aiaa.org/get-involved/students-educators/Careers-in-Aerospace), a 16-page booklet that provides advice on high school and college preparation for aspiring aerospace professionals, profiles of current workers in the field, a list of key skills for success, and other resources. Other resources for K–12 students are available at https://www.aiaa.org/get-involved/k-12-students. Additional career resources are provided by the European Space Education Resource Office at https://www.stem.org.uk/esero/careers-space

Visit aerospace museums such as the National Air and Space Museum (https://airandspace.si.edu) at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. to see spacecraft and learn about space exploration. Consider touring a NASA or commercial aerospace research, manufacturing, or launch facility. NASA (https://www.visitnasa.com) has visitor centers in nearly 10 states. Some aerospace companies—such as Blue Origin and Boeing—offer limited tours. Contact these companies for more information.