Almost all space organisations lack employees skilled in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), according to a new survey by the UK Space Agency.

The report found that around 95 per cent of all space organisations have experienced shortages while 37 per cent are missing expertise in software and data analysis. Software and data analysis skills account for half of all vacancies across the sector.

The UK Space Agency said it plans to invest £15 million in education, skills and outreach over the next two years to bridge the skills gap.

It claimed the UK space industry had grown over the past decade, more than doubling its income from £8.3 billion in 2009 to £17.5 billion in 2021 creating the need for more skilled professionals.

When asked about the future, around half of the survey respondents expected the skills need to change over the next three years. Some 58 per cent said they would see a need for employees with stronger strategy and leadership skills, while 30 per cent said they would need stronger cyber security skills in the near future compared to 15 per cent who said these skills were needed now.

Professor Anu Ojha, director for championing space at the UK Space Agency, said: “Our rapidly evolving space sector is home to ambitious organisations pursuing cutting edge science and technology and generating significant investment opportunities. We’re committed to catalysing this growth and ensuring a strong pipeline of highly skilled professionals into the sector.

“The valuable information from this report strengthens this work by helping us build a clear picture of the skills landscape across the board, so we know where to focus our support.”

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