In the June 2023 Issue of Longitude, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Marco Tantardini published an article on the state of the space industry work force. He noted that the average age of many employees of aerospace companies is rising closer to retirement and that there is competition from other sectors for qualified engineers.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has about 2,400 staff members and expects that by 2030 44% of its personnel will retire.

Marco Tantardini

Forward Defense leads the Atlantic Council’s US and global defense programming, developing actionable recommendations for the United States and its allies and partners to compete, innovate, and navigate the rapidly evolving character of warfare. Through its work on US defense policy and force design, the military applications of advanced technology, space security, strategic deterrence, and defense industrial revitalization, it informs the strategies, policies, and capabilities that the United States will need to deter, and, if necessary, prevail in major-power conflict.

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