Ground controller
Also known as ‘flight controller’, you'd work in the mission control centre on Earth during space missions. Controllers monitor, operate and maintain the systems essential to the mission.
Also known as: flight controller
About the job
What it's like
You'd be led by a flight director to help plan, execute and train for space missions. Imagine playing a critical role in a pioneering voyage. You could help a probe visit unexplored regions of space or land the first astronauts on Mars!
During missions, you'd stay on Earth and work within the control centre. You'd help operate and look after the different systems that support space missions. This could be:
propulsion
flight dynamics
guidance, navigation and control
communication
medical equipment and data
electronics
Your tasks might include:
taking part in planning meetings ahead of missions
learning and testing software
carrying out mission simulations
instructing others in how systems and software work
monitoring flight data during missions
communicating with other controllers and the flight director
reacting to issues or emergencies and solving problems
Hours
During missions, controllers work at a console that’s operated 24/7. You’d work in shifts to keep your console staffed. You'd work nights, weekends and holidays depending on the needs of the mission.
Environment
You'd work for a space agency, in a busy mission control centre. You'd be sitting at a desk for long periods of time monitoring technical data. It's a fast-paced environment where you'll need to stay alert. You'll have to react to any issues or complex situations that arise.
Travel
You'd likely work from a set base of operations but may need to travel occasionally depending on the needs of the mission. This could include international travel.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- written communication
- working with technology
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Engineering Science
Design and Manufacture
Computing Science
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Design and Technology
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
To work in this role, you'd need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as aerospace engineering. Other engineering subjects, maths and physics are also useful.
If you're not quite ready for university, consider an apprenticeship or college first. You can gain skills, experience and a qualification that could lead on to a degree course.
Apprenticeship
You can start learning the skills you'll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship. While you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience while you study.
Have a look at this Engineering apprenticeship on Apprenticeships.scot. It could set you up for further study or to get into a job where you can develop your skills.
If you’re 16 or older, a Modern Apprenticeship will let you work and earn while you study for a qualification. After you qualify, you'd be able to study further or move into a role where you can build experience.
Check out this Engineering Modern Apprenticeship.
You could also earn a degree level qualification through a Graduate Apprenticeship. Check out this course:
College
There are many subjects where you can learn useful practices. Some cover engineering from a general perspective and others offer more specialised knowledge. You could study:
aircraft engineering
civil engineering
electrical engineering
engineering
engineering systems
mechanical engineering
Entry requirements will depend on the subject and the level you're studying. For HNC or HND courses, you'll likely need 1 or 2 Scottish Highers at Grade C. Courses value school qualifications in maths or physics.
Search for courses relevant to this role.
University
Degrees in aerospace engineering are particularly valuable. Some subjects you could study include:
aerospace systems
aircraft engineering
civil engineering
computer science
electrical engineering
engineering
mathematics
mechanical engineering
physics
The qualifications you need for degree courses will depend on the subject. You'd likely need either:
an HNC or HND in a relevant subject
4 Highers at BBBB or above
Courses value qualifications in maths, science and technology subjects.
It’s helpful to have strong technical knowledge related to your field.
Competition for jobs in the space sector is very high. Check out the Space Placements in INdustry scheme (SPIN). It offers placements each year to students considering working in the sector.
You’ll need to get some industry experience before moving into this role. That might be in an engineering role or working elsewhere in the space industry.
You'd do further training while working for a space agency to prepare for this role. You'd gain certification to work as a flight controller.
Before you start work, you'd need to pass background checks and a physical examination.
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