Tom Mueller, the engineer who signed on as SpaceX’s first employee, has credited British aerospace innovation as a driving force behind his work. In a recent interview, Mueller described how the pioneering spirit of the UK’s space and rocket industry inspired the early days of the company now synonymous with commercial spaceflight.
Mueller, who helped design the engines that power SpaceX’s Falcon rockets, said he drew heavily on the achievements of British engineers. ‘The UK has a proud history of rocket development, from Black Arrow to the work at Rolls-Royce,’ he noted. ‘That heritage was a key influence on our approach to building reliable, cost-effective launch systems.’
The revelation comes as the UK government pushes to expand its domestic space sector, with plans to establish launch sites in Scotland and Cornwall. For workers in the North of England, where manufacturing jobs have dwindled, the hope is that such high-tech industries could provide a new generation of skilled employment. But critics warn that without sustained investment in education and infrastructure, the benefits may remain concentrated in the South.
Mueller’s remarks also underscore the global nature of the aerospace industry. While SpaceX has disrupted the market with reusable rockets, British firms like Reaction Engines and Orbex are developing their own cutting-edge technologies. For the thousands of engineers and technicians who lost jobs during the decline of traditional manufacturing, the question is whether this sector can deliver the stable, well-paying roles that communities need.
‘We saw what happened when the steel mills and coal mines closed,’ said Alan Briggs, a former factory worker from Sheffield now training in aerospace engineering. ‘If we get this right, it could be a lifeline. But it has to be more than just a few high-profile projects. It has to reach places like this.’
The government has pledged £350 million for space-related projects, but unions argue that more must be done to ensure fair wages and long-term security. As Mueller himself acknowledged: ‘You can’t build a rocket with just a handful of people. You need a whole workforce behind it.’
