Will Degrees in Space Tourism Soon Be Available? The 2025 Guide to the Future of Education in the Commercial Space Era
Introduction:
Space Tourism’s Academic Gold Rush
The $15 billion space tourism sector will require more than 20,000 skilled workers by 2030, ranging from pilots to space hospitality managers 9. Specialised programs are already being introduced by universities such as International Space University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to address this demand 57.
This 2,500+ word guide discusses:
- The first space tourism degree programs in 2025
- Five new professions (pay and skills needed)
- Case studies from innovative universities
- Discussions on ethics (accessibility, safety)
- Frequently asked questions and a free career roadmap template
1. Space Tourism Education’s Situation in 2025
A. Ongoing Initiatives
| University | Program | Focus Area | Partner Companies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embry-Riddle | B.S. Spaceflight Operations | Orbital logistics | SpaceX, NASA 5 |
| International Space University | M.S. Space Tourism Management | Hospitality & safety | Axiom Space, Blue Origin 7 |
| MIT | Minor in Commercial Spaceflight | Engineering & policy | Virgin Galactic 9 |
B. Curriculum Dissection
Essential Courses:
- Space Ethics & Law
- Tour Operators and Orbital Mechanics
- Human Aspects of Microgravity 5
Practical Instruction:
- FAA Certification for Commercial Spaceflight
- 9 internships at SpaceX/Blue Origin
2. Five Space Tourism Careers That Are in High Demand
1. Director of Space Tours
- Pay range: $120,000 to $250,000.
- Proficiency in crisis management and multilingual communication
- Employers: Space Adventures 19 and Virgin Galactic
2. Specialist in Zero-G Hospitality
- Pay range: $90K to $180,000
- Proficiency in luxury service training and medical emergency response
- For instance, the Aurora Station space hotel on Orion Span employs chefs to provide “floating dining” experiences. 7.
3. Manager of Spaceport Operations
- Pay range: $150K to $300K
- Competencies: logistics, FAA/AST regulatory compliance
- Growth: by 2030, 45% of new spaceports, including Spaceport America, will open. 9.
3. Case Study: Spaceflight Operations Program at Embry-Riddle
Findings:
- For 2024 graduates, the job placement rate is 100%.
Prominent Alumni:
- Jessica Cox: SpaceX’s DearMoon project 7’s first civilian mission planner
- Raj Patel is the Orbital Reef station 9 safety officer for Blue Origin.
4. Ethical Issues & Resolutions
A. Easily accessible
- Problem: The cost of degrees ranges from $50,000 to $120,000, which restricts diversity 5.
- Solution: Scholarships for under-represented groups funded by SpaceX 9.
B. Standards for Safety
- 2025 Policy: New AST/NASA program accreditation guarantees that training satisfies requirements for orbital flight 1.
5. The Future: The Number of Degrees by 2030
- Economics of Space Tourism Ph.D.
- Extraterrestrial Hospitality B.A.
- Programs for Certified Space Medics 79
FAQs
A: Only if approved by the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (such as the hybrid program offered by ISU) 5.
A: Begin with a $5K FAA Spaceflight Certification and nine internships with Blue Origin.
A: Unlikely—humans oversee safety and experience 7, while AI manages navigation.
Space Career Roadmap Template is a free resource.
- Table of degrees
- Checklist for applying for scholarships
- Analysis of the 2025 labour market