Spacecraft communicator
Communicate with the crew of a spacecraft on a space mission. Also known as a CAPCOM or capsule communicator.
Also known as: CAPCOM
About the job
What it's like
You'd be a crucial part of a space mission, playing a key role from the ground. Imagine providing a familiar and friendly voice for astronauts out in space. You could be keeping them updated with things happening in mission control or giving life-saving instructions during an emergency.
It's important that only one person relays messages between astronauts and the team working from Earth. If everyone was to try and speak to each other, things could get quite confusing! You'd give messages from the mission control team to the astronauts and pass information the other way too.
Being clear and concise is key. You'd need to choose your words carefully so they're easy to understand and relay messages quickly.
What you might do:
monitor communication from the mission control team and on board the spacecraft
make sure communications equipment is working
communicate decisions made by a flight director to the spacecraft
be a voice for the astronauts in space, providing their perspective
look after astronauts' safety, highlighting issues on their behalf
Hours
Your hours of work would vary depending on the needs of the specific mission. Communication between Earth and astronauts needs to be available 24/7. To do this, a space agency might appoint space communicators to work round the clock, in 8-hour shifts. You could work late or through the night to keep in contact with your colleagues in space.
Environment
You'd likely work for a space agency, in a busy mission control centre. You'd be sitting at a desk for long periods of time monitoring communication channels. 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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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- spacecraft
- launch vehicle systems
- cryogenics
- nasa standards
- static load
- random vibration
- structural load
- kinematics
- iterative design
- dimensioning
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- making decisions
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- listening
- cooperating
- 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:
Computing Science
Design and Manufacture
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
English
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Science
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Applications of Mathematics
This is a very specialised role that's often only open to astronauts or former astronauts.
Other employees working for a space agency might also be able to do the role. You'd need to have a strong background in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline. This could be a degree or postgraduate qualification in aerospace engineering.
Competition for jobs in the space sector is very high. You'll likely need some relevant work experience. Check out the Space Placements in Industry scheme (SPIN). It offers placements each year to students considering working in the sector.
You'd do further training while working for a space agency to prepare for this role. You'd learn about how mission control centres operate and do simulations of different scenarios you could deal with.
You'd need to have a strong understanding of different aspects of an astronaut's job. This includes being familiar with things like:
vehicle systems
control systems
flight dynamics
life-support readings aboard the spacecraft
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