Sciences and jobs in these fields of study

If you are interested in physics

Physics is the study of the general properties of matter, space and time, and the laws and theories that explain natural phenomena. Scientists who work in the space industry study the atmospheres and magnetic fields of planets, the sun and stars, the solar system and the physics of materials in zero-gravity conditions.

Their studies include space observations from spacecraft with advanced instruments.

You could be a

• physicist
• astronomer
• physical oceanographer
• biophysicist
• geophysicist
• aerophysicist
• meteorologist

If you are interested in mathematics

Mathematicians work on problems related to the sciences and space techniques using all their resources: algebra, geometry, number theory and logic. Their role is to simplify complex calculations or find solutions. These calculations help in the design of spacecraft and advanced computer software. Mathematicians also calculate the orbits of planets and spacecraft and determine the rotation of planets. For example, thanks to mathematical calculations, the Martian robot SPIRIT was able to land on Mars right in the middle of the crater Gusev after a 487,000,000 km voyage!

You could be a

• mathematician

If you are interested in... Biology

Biologists are experts on living organisms, such as plants, insects and animals. Through their research, they hope to increase scientific knowledge in the field and apply their findings in other fields.

In the space field, biologists conduct research and perfect experiments, prior to their being conducted on space shuttles, the space station and satellites, that will help them better understand how the human body works.

You could be a

• biologist
• exobiologist
• biological oceanographer
• biochemist

If you are interested in chemistry

Chemistry is the study of how matter is constituted in its smallest elements: molecules and atoms. It also looks at the interaction between atoms and molecules.

In the space field, information is gathered using space probes, launched to explore faraway planets and asteroids. This is done in the hopes of discovering the presence of such elements as water and minerals that could be necessary for future space expeditions and life on other planets.

You could be a

• chemist
• biochemist
• geochemist
• chemical oceanographer
• atmospheric chemist

Profile
	Name: Tim Pope Education: Post Doctorate in Surface Science Occupation: Researcher Workplace: National Optics Institute, Quebec City, QC
When undertaking a project, Tim has always done everything he can to ensure its success. The same is true of his studies. He started out conducting experiments at home, so it was logical that he would later obtain a BA in Chemistry at the University of Waterloo (ON). When he started his MA, it was suggested that he continue his research and do a doctorate. His post doctorate research was conducted while working at the National Optics Institute, a research centre in Quebec, where projects are being carried out on fiber lasers that make communication possible between satellites and infrared microprocessors to take pictures. According to Tim, it is very gratifying when a technology developed at the Institute is used in space. What is a post doctorate in surface science? I studied the reactions to contact between two surfaces. Tim's advice: Study science if that's what you like; you have to enjoy doing research and documenting and being very thorough is a must.

Related sciences

Geology is the study of  the Earth, answering questions such as how the Earth was formed, what it's composed of, and how it evolves. Thanks to space research, geologists are able to analyze information and images of Earth returned by satellites to understand its evolution. The images allow them to follow the movement of geological formations, such as glaciers and the continents. Did you know that a strong link existed between geology and space? In fact, one of the astronauts who walked on the moon was a geologist. This science will play a very important role in exploring Mars and understanding its evolution, and it is a way of learning more about our own planet.

Oceanography is the study of water and sea floors. Oceanographers may specialize in marine biology and study wildlife and flora. For example, studies have been conducted on small marine creatures that are useful in helping us understand the ocean food chain. Oceanographers may also specialize in chemistry or physics. Information for the study of marine phenomena can be obtained through the observation of wave, current and tide movement. This information is transmitted to them by Earth observation satellites.

Meteorology is a branch of physics that deals with the observation of meteorological conditions to predict meteorological changes. Many advances have been made in this science thanks to the space industry: we are now able to collect data using special satellites. Clouds, rays, wind, dust, precipitation and all other phenomena that could affect the weather are observable through satellites and sounding balloons. Meteorology also has areas of specialization. For example, climatologists study climates of the past, present and future.

Astronomy, the ultimate space science

Astronomy is the study of celestial phenomena using specialized tools, such as Earth and space telescopes that transmit data and images via satellite. Astronomers design the instruments they need to gather and analyze data.

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	Name: Francis LeBlanc Education: Doctorate in Physics Occupation: Researcher and professor Workplace: University of Moncton, NB
I am an associate professor and Director of the Physics and Astronomy Department at the University of Moncton. In addition to teaching general astronomy, astrophysics and space science, I also conduct research. My main area of research is stellar astrophysics, that is, I study the importance of phenomena in terms of atoms in stars. Francis's advice: Scientists must be curious, but they also have to have analytical ability.

If you are interested in astronomy, you can be

• an astrophysicist and study the physical properties of heavenly bodies
• an astrobiologist (exobiologist) and research the possibility of life in the universe
• a cosmologist and study the structure and evolution of the entire universe
• an astrometrist and measure the position of heavenly bodies and their movement

Photo: Rémi Lacasse, Mirabilis Observatory

If you are interested in Engineering

Engineers can also become scientists and conduct research to advance knowledge in their field. Here are some examples.

Aerospace Equipment Scientists
These scientists design, develop, apply and test new light-weight materials used in the construction of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and launchers. These materials must be resistant to extreme temperature variations, the void of space, ultraviolet and cosmic rays and collisions with space debris and meteorites.

The QUELD II (Queen's University Experiments
in Liquid Diffusion) was an experiment on fusion
and combinations of various materials in microgravity.

Each of the combinations of materials was placed in a sealed sheath the size of a pencil and heated in a special oven. Built by Millenium Biologix in Kingston, Ontario, the QUELD II oven is no bigger than a shoebox and can reach temperatures of 900°C.

Future versions of the device could reach even higher temperatures, without the use of energy-intensive electrical elements or less safe gas burners. The heat produced by the combustion of a careful mix of chemical elements could approach temperatures of 3,000 to 4,000°C.

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	Name: Érick Dupuis Education: Doctorate in Robotics Occupation: Robotics Team Leader Workplace: Canadian Space Agency
Érick was a gifted student and  excelled to be able to live his dream of working in a field that combines both his passions: robotics and space exploration. He obtained a bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and went on to study robotics. He did his master's at the prestigious MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in the United States. To satisfy his curiosity, he then completed a doctorate. Today, he is working on developing concepts for upcoming Mars missions. Érick's advice: Quite simply, do what you love!