A core achievement of ASTRAIOS was the creation of a structured and searchable online catalogue of space-related education and training programmes. The project mapped 140 degree programmes, 19 PhD programmes, and 58 continuing education courses, covering a total of 3,854 individual courses. These were systematically classified into 28 Knowledge Domains and 106 Knowledge Areas through the development of the European Taxonomy of Space Knowledge (EU-TaSK).
In parallel, ASTRAIOS conducted a detailed analysis of future trends and technological priorities in the European space sector. National space strategies across the EU-27 and the UK, as well as ESA roadmaps, were reviewed to identify emerging scientific and technological directions over the next 10–15 years. Key domains such as Earth Observation, satellite communications and navigation, launch systems, space safety, and deep-space exploration were analysed in depth. Complementary industry insights were gathered through surveys and stakeholder consultations, providing a comprehensive picture of applications, services, supporting technologies, and market dynamics.
A major component of the project focused on workforce demand and skills evolution. Through quantitative surveys, analysis of CVs, job adverts, and LinkedIn Talent Insights data, ASTRAIOS established a longitudinal dataset covering almost 20 years of skills supply and demand trends. The analysis confirmed strong demand for highly educated technical profiles, particularly in software and data, systems engineering, and emerging digital domains such as AI. At the same time, it revealed structural imbalances, including an oversupply in some traditional engineering domains and a relative under-representation of non-technical skills compared to labour-market demand. The findings also highlighted geographical concentration of the workforce in a small number of countries, mobility patterns within Europe, and the limited evidence of a short-term retirement wave.
ASTRAIOS went beyond technical skills analysis by systematically addressing transversal competences and new ways of working. A dedicated workshop with HR and talent management representatives from leading space organisations identified critical soft skills, including communication, teamwork, adaptability, creative thinking, and problem-solving. These insights informed the design and implementation of a European Space Boot Camp delivered to students and early-career professionals. To ensure scalability and long-term impact, an online course on Soft Skills and New Ways of Working was developed, making structured soft skills training openly accessible across Europe.
The project also addressed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) dimensions within the space entrepreneurship ecosystem. Through a peer-to-peer learning process involving start-ups, SMEs and established companies, ASTRAIOS mapped ESG practices, skills gaps and emerging trends. This work resulted in a comprehensive ESG report and a dedicated ESG Space Industry Practices Book, showcasing real-world case studies and linking industry needs to educational provision. The initiative strengthened awareness of sustainability, corporate responsibility and governance as integral components of future workforce development.
Geographical disparities and student mobility were analysed in depth. The project identified a strong concentration of space curricula in Western Europe and underrepresentation in parts of Eastern and Southern Europe, contributing to brain drain and uneven opportunity distribution. These findings were complemented by data on workforce migration, mobility drivers, and regional imbalances, providing a nuanced understanding of Europe’s space skills geography.
EDI were addressed through surveys, stakeholder engagement and the development of a pilot mentoring programme pairing mid-career professionals with space-sector mentors. The initiative demonstrated strong demand for structured mentoring and highlighted the importance of inclusive practices in attracting and retaining talent, particularly women and underrepresented groups.
Finally, ASTRAIOS consolidated its findings into a comprehensive gap analysis and a set of targeted recommendations addressing policymakers, universities, industry actors and individuals.
