Due to continued growth, Astroscale has an exciting opportunity for a Space Policy Officer to join our pioneering business at our state-of-the-art facility in Harwell, Oxfordshire.
As Space Policy Officer, you will play a vital role in advancing our space policy and regulatory initiatives across the UK and Europe. Reporting directly to the Head of Legal, Regulatory Affairs, and Space Policy, you will focus on researching, analysing, and summarising policy documents, conducting independent research on topics such as space sustainability and debris removal, and drafting internal policy positions. You will also respond to national and international consultations on licensing frameworks and space safety, support policy strategy development to enable Astroscale's missions and projects, and assist in spectrum policy strategy and implementation.
Additionally, you will coordinate activities and events within Astroscale and with external stakeholders, contributing to our growing influence in national and international space policy forums. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organisation shaping the future of space sustainability.
The closing date for applications is 7th March 2025.
Responsibilities
As a Space Policy Officer, your key responsibilities will include:
* Conduct comprehensive research on space safety, sustainability, in-orbit servicing and manufacturing, space debris removal, and relevant laws and policies pertaining to RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations) missions.
* Monitor space law and policy developments in the UK and Europe, preparing regular reports for department heads.
* Analyse space law and policy documents, including conducting comparative analysis of national space legislation and technical requirements as conditions for authorisation, and summarise key findings for internal stakeholders.
* Continuously monitor and follow up on opportunities for space policy engagement with national and international organisations, intergovernmental organisations, and industry groups in the UK and Europe.
* Support regulatory affairs activities, including licensing for orbital operations and access to spectrum, and collaborate with the legal team to address policy and regulatory aspects of end-to-end licensing for Astroscale's RPO mission types in the UK.
* Assist in the preparation of space policy and strategy papers, contributing to the evolution of Astroscale's space policy initiatives.
* Provide coordination and support to the Head of Department to ensure alignment of Astroscale UK's space policy strategy and implementation with the Astroscale Group's global space policy objectives for maximum international impact
* Collaborate with Engineering and Business Development teams on technology and product roadmaps to align with policy frameworks.
* Act as the primary contact for the Legal, Regulatory Affairs, and Space Policy team for internal policy projects and their implementation, including the development of Astroscale's policy documents on space safety and sustainability.
* Assist in the implementation of Astroscale's global space policy and related activities.
* Represent the organisation at space policy engagements, workshops, and meetings in the UK and Europe, as required.
* Coordinate internal and external activities and events, serving as a key liaison with stakeholders.
* Maintain a coherent set of presentation materials and prepare briefings for the Head of Legal, Regulatory Affairs, and Space Policy.
* Provide ad hoc support to the department head, including assistance with daily matters and special tasks.
* Proactively identify and address emerging policy issues and propose solutions to support Astroscale's objectives.
Essential Skills
* An undergraduate or Master's degree in fields related to policy, international relations, law (with a focus on space law), political science, or a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.
* At least 3-5 years of experience in policy, international relations, with a focus on space activities or relevant engineering fields.
* Strong knowledge of the UK institutional framework, policies, and regulations governing spaceflight activities.
* Familiarity with the European and international space sector, including institutional, regulatory and commercial landscapes.
* Familiarity with technical aspects of RPO missions and non-binding space debris mitigation instruments, such as: IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines; UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines; Relevant ISO Standards; etc.
* Understanding of Astroscale's core business and mission.
* Knowledge of the legal and regulatory environment for space activities, including relevant conventions, rules, regulations, and policies.
* Exceptional ability to summarise complex papers, documents, and policies concisely and accurately.
* Strong communication skills, including clear and precise writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication.
* Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Desirable Skills
* Proficiency in French, and/or other European languages.
* Experience in negotiating effectively with industry stakeholders and international partners.
* An understanding of diverse cultural perspectives and sensitivity when collaborating internationally.
* Strong conflict resolution and diplomacy skills to navigate competing interests effectively.
* Eligibility for or possession of Security Clearance (SC)
* Experience in contributing to multilateral agreements and forums related to space exploration and policy.
* A proactive and adaptable mindset, capable of thriving in a fast-paced and evolving industry.
Benefits
* Competitive base salary
* Opportunity to work with a highly talented, diverse & dynamic international team with cutting edge technology
* Flexible working around core hours in a friendly and supportive environment
* Hybrid working available (dependent on individual role requirements)
* Optional 9/75 working fortnight
* 25 days holiday (increasing yearly up to a maximum of 28 days) + 8 days Bank Holiday
* Life insurance and long-term sick pay
* Private healthcare (taxable benefit)
* Relocation allowance
* State of the art office and cleanroom facility
* Regular social events
Location
Astroscale UK (Harwell), with potential for some travel to Astroscale Japan (Tokyo)
About Astroscale
Founded in 2013, Astroscale is the global leader in on-orbit servicing, dedicated to the secure and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations. We provide trusted and value-added solutions for government and commercial clients from their geography of choice, to drive the long-term, circular space economy. Astroscale is also collaborating with government and commercial stakeholders to develop norms, regulations, and incentives that promote the sustainable growth of space.
Since our first successful launch in March 2021, Astroscale has proven rendezvous and proximity operations technologies in orbit during the ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions, establishing the company as a leader in on-orbit servicing. Astroscale spacecraft have been selected for pioneering missions with JAXA, the U.S. Space Force, the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency, and Eutelsat OneWeb. As more satellite operators adopt on-orbit servicing to routinely inspect, service and remove, the potential of a circular space economy — and a future of no waste in space — is being unlocked.
At Astroscale we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture. Our essential criteria are based solely on the requirements necessary to perform the role. If any criteria could present a barrier, we are open to discussing reasonable adjustments and are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. Astrsocale is also open to supporting job share arrangements, to further our flexible working offering.
Note to recruitment agencies: Astroscale operates a preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency approaches. Please do not forward candidate CVs or details in response to this advert, or to any Astroscale employee.