2020
U.S. Space Employment Continues Slow, Steady Climb Since 2016
In 2022, more than 201,009 individuals worked in key sectors of the U.S. space economy, an increase of approximately 1% from 2021. Understanding trends in private sector and government space employment can provide insight into the health and future direction of the U.S. space industry.
Representation of Women and Minorities among Senior Officials and Management Compared to Representation in U.S. Workforce, 2020
While all U.S. space companies with at least 100 employees (or at least 50 employees if they do work for the government) are required to collect information on diversity and report it to the U.S. government, most do not make this data available to the public.
Active Launch Vehicle Operators by Type, 2000-2022
Orbital launch attempts have more than tripled since a lull in activity in the early 2000s bottomed out at 55 attempts in 2004. Part of the rapid growth in the past few years is due to a sharp increase in launch vehicle operators after a long period with an average just shy of 10 distinct operators per year.
NASA Civil Servant Workforce, FY 2013-2023
In 2022, NASA was named the best place to work in the federal government among large agencies for the 10th year in a row. NASA attributed this “decade of excellence” to the agency’s continuing dedication to supporting and strengthening its workforce.
Representation of Women and Minorities in Selected Industries, 2020
In the U.S. population as a whole, minorities (non-white individuals) make up nearly 42% of the workforce. Similar proportions of minorities are seen in Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing and Telecommunications.
U.S. Space Industry Employment and U.S. Total Employment Relative to 2011
Employment at U.S. private sector space companies grew nearly 2% from 2021 to 2022, reaching 155,973 people in five employment classifications, based on preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This continues a consistent pattern of growth since 2016.
U.S. College Enrollment for Engineering, 2017-2022
According to data released by the National Student Clearing House, which tracks higher education statistics, the decline has been consistent and steady since 2017, with 86,307 fewer engineering and science majors heading to class last fall.
U.S. Private Sector Space Industry Employment, 2012-2022
The private space sector has grown more than 18% over the past five years and proved to be resilient to the negative effects on total U.S. employment associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Launch Attempts by Top Operators, 2000-2022
Two of the top three launch operators — CNSA and SpaceX — have contributed to overall launch activity growth by exponentially increasing their pace, while the third — Roscosmos — decreased its annual launches by 42% from 2000 to 2022.
U.S. Military Space Spending 2005-2022
Gallagher said the military must accelerate its efforts in space and cyberspace to keep pace with Russia and China, improving Pentagon cybersecurity and redesigning Space Force satellites to harden constellations against attack.