Introducing Luca
We recently caught up with Luca Ferrone, a Space Segment Engineer at European Space Agency who kindly shared what he does on an average day, challenges he has faced and his hopes for the future of Space.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in the Aviation/Space industry?
I’ve always been deeply passioned about sci-fi and technology, the Space sector is the perfect place where I could explore and combine my personal and professional interests.
What has been a highlight of your career so far?
During my first years in the industry, I had the opportunity to work in very important projects such as NEOsat or Copernicus, developing the different Propulsion systems from paper to qualification and launch. The decision to move to the European Space Agency was a major change in my professional life, carrier of many interesting scenarios.
Have you faced any challenges throughout your career?
Since the projects I worked for and the activities I managed were highly complex, many were the challenges I faced, especially linked to critical situations handling such as anomalies occurrence.
Day overview
Give us an overview of what you do on an average day in your role?
- 8:30am: I make my first cup of coffee at home, take the car keys and start my 20min drive journey to the office
- 9:00am: I turn on the laptop and look for all the emails that came through overnight. I try to answer to most I can, for the others I flag them for later and send the request for information to the relevant people.
- 10:00am: I attend the meetings of the day, that can vary from regular meetings with the team or with Contractors.
- 12:00pm: Lunch time with my colleagues: lots of food and friendly chats!
- 1:00pm: back to work with more meetings.
- 3:00pm: If the meetings are finished for the day, it is the time to close some activities left over the past days. The afternoon is usually quieter…unless you work with America!
- 5:30pm: On quite days, it’s time to leave! I close the last points, send the last emails and turn off my laptop.
What are your goals and plans for the future?
Future is always uncertain and each choice that we make can has an impact on it. I try not to think too far, but mainly use long term objectives as guidelines. We should always make our choices based on what we like but keeping in mind what is our long term desire.
What are your hopes for the future of the Space industry?
I would like to see the Space sector more accessible and affordable, in order to increase the amount of players and investments. Things are moving fast today, it is a good historical moment for Space.
What is one thing you would like to have known before starting your career?
I would love to have know the best way to solve complex situations before starting
What kind of skills/characteristics do you feel you need to have in order to do your job?
Curiosity, tenacity, self-control, communication skills, management skills, language speaking.
