Recognizing Skilled Workers in Space Age Construction

Skilled tradespeople, such as welders, electricians, metal workers, machinists, plumbers, and pipefitters, are the ones who physically construct rockets, crew vehicles, and other mission-critical elements for space exploration. However, they rarely receive the acknowledgments and accolades they deserve within the space community. The 2023 Humans to Mars Summit will feature a special panel to discuss the critical role of skilled workers in the space exploration community and establish a new program to highlight, promote, and support their role. The growth of the space sector and ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled tradespeople could help ensure that the United States is the top manufacturing nation in the world for the new space economy in the 21st century.