The space sector needs diverse expertise – Finnish higher education institutions offer courses that explore space as an operating environment

The space sector is experiencing strong growth, and Finland is determined to remain at the forefront of these developments. Launched in late 2025, the SpacEconomy research project aims not only to strengthen space-related expertise but also to create new pathways for developing the skills needed in the space industry.

These efforts have now been translated into practical opportunities for students, especially those pursuing engineering degrees, through the SpacEconomy cross-institutional study network, which gives students access to space-related courses offered by the participating institutions.

Through the SpacEconomy network, students can complete courses outside their home institution and have the credits recognised as part of their degree.

Tampere University is currently the only institution in the network to offer an openly available minor subject, Space Technologies and Applications, which allows students to include up to 20 credits of space-related studies in their degree.

Space education is for everyone, not only engineers

In the academic year 2026/27, the SpacEconomy network offers nearly 40 courses that fall under two main themes: space physics and space engineering. However, the courses vary considerably and cover topics ranging from space missions and satellite positioning to communications and the development of space systems.

Professor Heidi Kuusniemi, Principal Investigator of the SpacEconomy project, says that the courses provide students with an understanding of space as an operating environment and the fundamental principles of space, while also introducing them to the tools, methods, solutions and software that are relevant to careers involving, for example, the analysis of satellite data.

A major strength of the space sector is that it offers career opportunities for graduates from virtually any background.

“These opportunities are not limited to engineering graduates. For example, this year the European Space Agency (ESA) invited applications for internships from students with a background in the social sciences. Space is becoming an increasingly important area of general knowledge, and its role is only expected to grow in the years ahead,” says Ia Hyttinen, Coordinator of the SpacEconomy project.

Some courses available through the SpacEconomy network have prerequisites, for example, in mathematics or the natural sciences.

However, the network also offers non-technical courses that are suitable for students from all disciplines. One example is the course Fundamentals of Space Economy, which is available at Tampere University.

“This introductory course provides an overview of the space sector from multiple perspectives. It was developed in collaboration with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme. All the course materials are based on resources provided by the EU, which has also recognised the growing demand for skilled professionals in the space sector and the significant growth potential that this sector holds for Europe,” says Kuusniemi.

More than 200 companies operate in Finland’s space sector

The space sector is growing rapidly in Finland, with more than 200 companies now operating in the industry. The Tampere region has emerged as a particularly active hub, as it benefits from strong links between the space sector and other industries, including the defence sector.

Successful Finnish space technology start-ups include ICEYE, ReOrbit and Kuva Space. Several established technology companies, such as Nokia, Gofore and CGI, are also actively involved in developing space-related technologies and services. The sector continues to see a steady stream of new start-ups entering the market.

Companies across the space sector face a common challenge: a shortage of skilled professionals.

Professor Heidi Kuusniemi lists some of the roles currently in demand in the space sector, including electronics engineer, project manager, software developer, sales specialist and marketing manager.

While these job titles are familiar from many other industries, the key difference lies in the operating environment: space. The courses offered through the SpacEconomy network are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the space sector. 

“For example, a student pursuing a degree in software engineering can become familiar with satellite imagery by completing a few courses in satellite image analysis or remote sensing,” says Kuusniemi.

According to Kuusniemi, the SpacEconomy network aims to ensure that students interested in space are better prepared to pursue careers in the sector after graduation.

“For example, ICEYE has a large number of open positions, and many of the job titles are identical to those found in a traditional software company. However, the company has to provide new employees with additional training in the specific requirements of the space environment. Having access to graduates who already possess this knowledge would improve efficiency and productivity,” says Kuusniemi.