Jobs In Space

Specific to space travel, there are a number of careers and employers available. It is rare for a single person to own a ship, though older, decommissioned classes of ships are sometimes sold by Isely or the GAF. There are programs throughout the various military, governmental, and private sectors that offer paths to ship ownership over the course of many years working for them, but few have the stamina and dedication necessary to avail themselves of these opportunities.

Isely Corp - Starting at the base, Isely has branched out from the design and manufacture of space ships. It now boasts a bleeding edge RnD tech department that uses ships and crew to explore on their behalf. Typically, crew are Isely employees who are 'loaned' a company ship for these jobs. Occasionally, they will hire a freelance ship and, even less frequently, they'll contract with the GAF. They also do a brisk trade in freighting to stations and planets that have Isely operations on them.

GAF - The largest contractor of explorative missions. This may change as time goes by; New Horizons, a company funded by both the Global Alliance and private investors for the purpose of terraforming and colonization, is quickly gaining ground in terms of both ships and pioneers, but for now the organized task of mapping the galaxy is run by the military. The GAF obviously has its own very comprehensive fleet, but will sometimes hire private ships if short-handed, mostly for freight transport to colonies or space stations.

New Horizons - The only colonization company approved by the Global Administration, New Horizons often hires outside ships to help with transport of colonists (Trailblazers) and terraformers (Pathfinders) as well as equipment and supplies. They have their own company ships, but their business is growing so rapidly, they often need outside contracts. Generally they hire by the run, rather than a specific length of time.

Private Corporations - By far the most frequent hire of freelance ships are the dozens of private companies looking to mingle with the big trifecta of space travel - the GAF, Isely, and the Global Administration. These companies can't afford their own fleets, so they hire whoever they can to transport whatever they need to wherever they need it. There are two types of private hires - the Aboveboard and the Belowdeck. These colloquialisms describe not the legality of the operations, but more the transparency. Aboveboard business is known and approved by the Global Administration, and meets the GA's standards of operation and safety. It passes rigorous ship inspection, keeps detailed travel logs, and is generally considered 'clean'. Belowdeck business is less rigid, conducts itself without government oversight and, while less organized and bureaucratic, isn't necessarily illegal. After all, the GA doesn't have the right to control or regulate private businesses. In the end, it's a choice between having the distinction and appeal of a GA-approved company, or one with a bit more freedom to do as it pleases. Of course, there are plenty of illegal things going on Belowdecks.