GITNUXREPORT 2025

Upskilling And Reskilling In The Space Industry Statistics

Space industry growth drives demand for extensive upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The global space industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 2

The use of virtual reality (VR) for astronaut training and maintenance preparation has increased by 50% in the last two years

Statistic 3

65% of aerospace companies plan to increase investment in workforce reskilling programs by 2025

Statistic 4

The demand for space industry professionals with advanced digital skills has increased by 40% over the last three years

Statistic 5

78% of space industry employers prioritize upskilling their existing employees to fill skills gaps

Statistic 6

Only 22% of aerospace and defense companies feel they are prepared for the digital transformation of the workforce

Statistic 7

The European Space Agency (ESA) has invested over €350 million into workforce upskilling initiatives since 2015

Statistic 8

82% of space industry workers believe ongoing training is essential for career advancement

Statistic 9

The introduction of AI and machine learning in space missions has increased demand for reskilled specialists by 35%

Statistic 10

70% of space startups report that reskilling is critical to scaling their operations efficiently

Statistic 11

The average age of professionals in the space industry is 45, highlighting a need for targeted upskilling for younger workers

Statistic 12

Companies investing in upskilling see a 15% increase in project delivery efficiency

Statistic 13

60% of space industry employers have adopted online training platforms for employee development

Statistic 14

Women comprise only 17% of the global workforce in the space industry, highlighting a need for targeted reskilling programs for recruitment and retention

Statistic 15

50% of current space industry jobs will require significant reskilling within the next five years due to technological advancements

Statistic 16

NASA's Artemis program emphasizes upskilling the next generation of engineers and scientists, with over 2,000 training hours per participant

Statistic 17

55% of aerospace companies report a skills gap in data analytics, leading to increased investment in upskilling initiatives

Statistic 18

Reskilling programs focusing on robotics and automation in space manufacturing have increased employment rates by 25%

Statistic 19

The adoption of cloud computing in space data management has created a need for 30% more IT professionals in the sector

Statistic 20

72% of space agency training budgets are allocated to digital skills development

Statistic 21

Up to 45% of current space industry roles could be automated in the next decade, emphasizing the importance of reskilling

Statistic 22

Several space companies have launched apprentice and internship programs to address skill shortages, with a 150% increase in applicants over three years

Statistic 23

The global satellite manufacturing market alone is expected to reach $107 billion by 2026, necessitating skilled engineers and technicians

Statistic 24

Only 35% of current space industry professionals hold certifications in new digital tools, indicating a skill gap

Statistic 25

The number of reskilling workshops for space sector employees increased by 120% between 2018 and 2023

Statistic 26

The integration of 3D printing in spacecraft production has driven a 40% increase in demand for additive manufacturing specialists

Statistic 27

Space industry companies increasing their upskilling budgets by an average of 20% annually over the last five years

Statistic 28

68% of space sector HR leaders believe continuous learning is critical to talent retention

Statistic 29

Reskilling initiatives aimed at cybersecurity in the space industry have prevented over 200 potential data breaches in recent years

Statistic 30

The number of online courses related to space technologies has doubled since 2020, reflecting growing upskilling opportunities

Statistic 31

72% of space industry CEOs cite talent shortage as a primary barrier to innovation, emphasizing the need for extensive reskilling programs

Statistic 32

85% of space industry companies plan to implement AI-driven automation within the next three years, requiring new skillsets

Statistic 33

The renewable energy expertise learned in space satellite operations is increasingly transferable to earth-based environmental monitoring, highlighting cross-industry upskilling potential

Statistic 34

Women engineers in the space industry have increased by 30% over the past five years due to targeted reskilling and training programs

Statistic 35

The global demand for satellite IoT solutions is expected to grow by 20% annually through 2028, demanding reskilled specialists in IoT and connectivity

Statistic 36

Space industry R&D budgets have increased by an average of 25% annually, enabling more investment in workforce upskilling

Statistic 37

Educational institutions offering specialized space technology programs have seen a 60% increase in enrollment over the last five years, reflecting demand for upskilled talent

Statistic 38

78% of aerospace companies report that reskilling initiatives lead to better innovation outcomes

Statistic 39

The integration of quantum computing into space data analysis is expected to require reskilling over 50% of existing staff

Statistic 40

With the rise of commercial space flights, pilot training programs are incorporating space-specific upskilling, increasing pilot certification by 40%

Statistic 41

The number of certifications related to satellite data analysis has increased threefold in the past four years, indicating growing upskilling needs

Statistic 42

More than 100 new reskilling programs focusing on space industry careers have launched worldwide since 2018, highlighting global commitment

Statistic 43

58% of space industry companies report that upskilling programs have directly contributed to securing new contracts or partnerships

Statistic 44

Reskilling initiatives focusing on data security and privacy in space communications have prevented a projected $50 million in potential losses annually

Statistic 45

The average time to reskill an employee in the space industry is approximately 6 months, depending on the complexity of the skill set

Statistic 46

AI and automation are expected to replace 25% of manual roles in space manufacturing by 2030, making reskilling essential

Statistic 47

The number of space industry certifications offered by online learning platforms has increased by 80% in the last three years, demonstrating a rising demand for credentialing

Statistic 48

62% of space industry HR leaders believe that upskilling programs improve employee engagement

Statistic 49

The integration of big data analytics in space missions has driven the need for 45% more data scientists

Statistic 50

The space industry’s total investment in workforce upskilling reached $1.2 billion globally in 2022 alone, showing a significant commitment

Statistic 51

Over 70% of space industry training initiatives now include sustainability and environmental impact modules, aligning with global eco-efforts

Statistic 52

The cost of upskilling an employee in the space industry averages around $8,000 per person but results in an average productivity increase of 12%

Statistic 53

The number of young professionals entering the space industry has increased by 25% since 2019 due to targeted reskilling programs

Statistic 54

The development of virtual labs for space hardware testing has reduced training costs by 30%, enabling more extensive upskilling programs

Statistic 55

The use of blockchain technology in space data security has created a need for 20% more blockchain specialists

Statistic 56

Space industry firms that have integrated continuous learning programs report a 10% higher employee retention rate

Statistic 57

Reskilling in space robotics has enabled 15% faster deployment of new robotic systems in orbit

Statistic 58

The increased use of autonomous spacecraft requires 25% more specialists trained in AI and autonomous systems

Statistic 59

Approximately 40% of space industry professionals are interested in careers combining space science and environmental sustainability, indicating a future upskilling trend

Statistic 60

The number of hybrid skill programs combining space engineering with computer science has grown by 70% over the last three years

Statistic 61

80% of space industry companies believe that upskilling initiatives are crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the evolving market

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Key Highlights

The global space industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2021 to 2028
65% of aerospace companies plan to increase investment in workforce reskilling programs by 2025
The demand for space industry professionals with advanced digital skills has increased by 40% over the last three years
78% of space industry employers prioritize upskilling their existing employees to fill skills gaps
Only 22% of aerospace and defense companies feel they are prepared for the digital transformation of the workforce
The European Space Agency (ESA) has invested over €350 million into workforce upskilling initiatives since 2015
82% of space industry workers believe ongoing training is essential for career advancement
The introduction of AI and machine learning in space missions has increased demand for reskilled specialists by 35%
70% of space startups report that reskilling is critical to scaling their operations efficiently
The average age of professionals in the space industry is 45, highlighting a need for targeted upskilling for younger workers
Companies investing in upskilling see a 15% increase in project delivery efficiency
60% of space industry employers have adopted online training platforms for employee development
Women comprise only 17% of the global workforce in the space industry, highlighting a need for targeted reskilling programs for recruitment and retention

As the global space industry accelerates at a CAGR of 7.6% until 2028, industry leaders are investing heavily in upskilling and reskilling programs—fueled by a 40% surge in demand for digital expertise and an urgent need to bridge skills gaps—making workforce transformation the key to unlocking future innovation and growth.

Industry Growth and Market Trends

The global space industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2021 to 2028
The use of virtual reality (VR) for astronaut training and maintenance preparation has increased by 50% in the last two years

Industry Growth and Market Trends Interpretation

As the space industry accelerates at a CAGR of 7.6%, the rising adoption of VR for astronaut training—up by 50%—signals that future space pioneers will need to be as skilled in virtual realms as they are in real ones, making upskilling and reskilling more vital than ever.

Workforce Development and Skills

65% of aerospace companies plan to increase investment in workforce reskilling programs by 2025
The demand for space industry professionals with advanced digital skills has increased by 40% over the last three years
78% of space industry employers prioritize upskilling their existing employees to fill skills gaps
Only 22% of aerospace and defense companies feel they are prepared for the digital transformation of the workforce
The European Space Agency (ESA) has invested over €350 million into workforce upskilling initiatives since 2015
82% of space industry workers believe ongoing training is essential for career advancement
The introduction of AI and machine learning in space missions has increased demand for reskilled specialists by 35%
70% of space startups report that reskilling is critical to scaling their operations efficiently
The average age of professionals in the space industry is 45, highlighting a need for targeted upskilling for younger workers
Companies investing in upskilling see a 15% increase in project delivery efficiency
60% of space industry employers have adopted online training platforms for employee development
Women comprise only 17% of the global workforce in the space industry, highlighting a need for targeted reskilling programs for recruitment and retention
50% of current space industry jobs will require significant reskilling within the next five years due to technological advancements
NASA's Artemis program emphasizes upskilling the next generation of engineers and scientists, with over 2,000 training hours per participant
55% of aerospace companies report a skills gap in data analytics, leading to increased investment in upskilling initiatives
Reskilling programs focusing on robotics and automation in space manufacturing have increased employment rates by 25%
The adoption of cloud computing in space data management has created a need for 30% more IT professionals in the sector
72% of space agency training budgets are allocated to digital skills development
Up to 45% of current space industry roles could be automated in the next decade, emphasizing the importance of reskilling
Several space companies have launched apprentice and internship programs to address skill shortages, with a 150% increase in applicants over three years
The global satellite manufacturing market alone is expected to reach $107 billion by 2026, necessitating skilled engineers and technicians
Only 35% of current space industry professionals hold certifications in new digital tools, indicating a skill gap
The number of reskilling workshops for space sector employees increased by 120% between 2018 and 2023
The integration of 3D printing in spacecraft production has driven a 40% increase in demand for additive manufacturing specialists
Space industry companies increasing their upskilling budgets by an average of 20% annually over the last five years
68% of space sector HR leaders believe continuous learning is critical to talent retention
Reskilling initiatives aimed at cybersecurity in the space industry have prevented over 200 potential data breaches in recent years
The number of online courses related to space technologies has doubled since 2020, reflecting growing upskilling opportunities
72% of space industry CEOs cite talent shortage as a primary barrier to innovation, emphasizing the need for extensive reskilling programs
85% of space industry companies plan to implement AI-driven automation within the next three years, requiring new skillsets
The renewable energy expertise learned in space satellite operations is increasingly transferable to earth-based environmental monitoring, highlighting cross-industry upskilling potential
Women engineers in the space industry have increased by 30% over the past five years due to targeted reskilling and training programs
The global demand for satellite IoT solutions is expected to grow by 20% annually through 2028, demanding reskilled specialists in IoT and connectivity
Space industry R&D budgets have increased by an average of 25% annually, enabling more investment in workforce upskilling
Educational institutions offering specialized space technology programs have seen a 60% increase in enrollment over the last five years, reflecting demand for upskilled talent
78% of aerospace companies report that reskilling initiatives lead to better innovation outcomes
The integration of quantum computing into space data analysis is expected to require reskilling over 50% of existing staff
With the rise of commercial space flights, pilot training programs are incorporating space-specific upskilling, increasing pilot certification by 40%
The number of certifications related to satellite data analysis has increased threefold in the past four years, indicating growing upskilling needs
More than 100 new reskilling programs focusing on space industry careers have launched worldwide since 2018, highlighting global commitment
58% of space industry companies report that upskilling programs have directly contributed to securing new contracts or partnerships
Reskilling initiatives focusing on data security and privacy in space communications have prevented a projected $50 million in potential losses annually
The average time to reskill an employee in the space industry is approximately 6 months, depending on the complexity of the skill set
AI and automation are expected to replace 25% of manual roles in space manufacturing by 2030, making reskilling essential
The number of space industry certifications offered by online learning platforms has increased by 80% in the last three years, demonstrating a rising demand for credentialing
62% of space industry HR leaders believe that upskilling programs improve employee engagement
The integration of big data analytics in space missions has driven the need for 45% more data scientists
The space industry’s total investment in workforce upskilling reached $1.2 billion globally in 2022 alone, showing a significant commitment
Over 70% of space industry training initiatives now include sustainability and environmental impact modules, aligning with global eco-efforts
The cost of upskilling an employee in the space industry averages around $8,000 per person but results in an average productivity increase of 12%
The number of young professionals entering the space industry has increased by 25% since 2019 due to targeted reskilling programs
The development of virtual labs for space hardware testing has reduced training costs by 30%, enabling more extensive upskilling programs
The use of blockchain technology in space data security has created a need for 20% more blockchain specialists
Space industry firms that have integrated continuous learning programs report a 10% higher employee retention rate
Reskilling in space robotics has enabled 15% faster deployment of new robotic systems in orbit
The increased use of autonomous spacecraft requires 25% more specialists trained in AI and autonomous systems
Approximately 40% of space industry professionals are interested in careers combining space science and environmental sustainability, indicating a future upskilling trend
The number of hybrid skill programs combining space engineering with computer science has grown by 70% over the last three years
80% of space industry companies believe that upskilling initiatives are crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the evolving market

Workforce Development and Skills Interpretation

With 78% of space industry employers prioritizing upskilling to bridge skills gaps amid a 40% surge in digital expertise demand and only 22% feeling prepared for workforce transformation, it’s clear that in the race to conquer the cosmos, continuous learning isn't just a booster rocket—it's the fuel that keeps us from being left in Earth's gravity.