-
More than a dozen women leaders in the aerospace field launched their messages of struggle to girls and young women who dream of becoming astronauts or leading companies in the aerospace sector
-
The fifth day focused on female talent in an industry that has undergone many changes, but is still far from reaching parity
-
The event closed a first edition that has had a great reception and in which young talent, universities, public-private collaboration in the sector and how the ‘New Space’ can help citizenship have been discussed
New Space & Solutions’ closed its first edition with the fifth day dedicated entirely to female talent. Fourteen women leaders in the aerospace sector shared their experience and transmitted motivational messages to the new generations. In this first edition of the event, almost 40% of the speakers were women, all of them leaders in their companies or organizations, which highlighted the important role they play in the sector.
One of the most repeated messages during the day was that “young women should pursue their dreams”. This was stated by Cecilia Hernández, Director of Programs and Industry at the Spanish Space Agency (ESA), the first Spaniard to chair ESA’s Science Committee. “To the girls I would tell them to be aware of the challenges, analyze them and face them. They should believe in their capabilities and not punish themselves with negative self-perceptions,” said Cecilia Hernández, who advocated “not to be afraid of making mistakes, because you can always find your way back on track.”
“Science is the greatest adventure of all. It is the opportunity to go where no one has been before, to discover and to change the world. “This inspiring message came from Ersilia Vaudo, ESA’s Chief Diversity Officer, who capped off the day and the edition of ‘New Space & Solutions’ by talking about inclusion and diversity.
The ‘Ellas Vuelan Alto’ Association inspires new generations
The Association ‘Ellas Vuelan Alto’, created six and a half years ago with the aim of making female talent in the aeronautical and aerospace sector visible, as well as to create references and inspire new generations, had several representatives at this event. Its president, Gema Martín del Burgo, summarized her participation with three pieces of advice to young women: “Take advantage of opportunities, dare and ask for help if necessary”; while Irene Rivera Andrés, head of the Space Division of Ellas Vuelan Alto and head of patrol and helicopter pilot of the DGT, gave as an example her experience recognizing that “it is never too late to make a dream come true”. “Spain offers opportunities in a growing industry and we want the new generations, especially girls, to be aware of this,” she corroborated.
From the Andalusian delegation of ‘Ellas Vuelan Alto’, Silvia de los Santos, technical manager of the aerospace sector and Production Processes at the Technological Corporation of Andalusia (CTA), acknowledged that girls “often do not enter this sector simply because they have not considered it”. Her work focuses on connecting the industry with the best technologies developed in Andalusian research centers and universities.
The base from the culture of effort
For Rocío García Rubio, coordinator of the local group in Madrid of Women in Aerospace Europe (WIA-E), “breaking stereotypes and giving visibility to female experts is a task for the whole of society”. “Families, teachers and professionals must inspire and guide young people towards this path,” said the director of the Galileo program at Thales Alenia Space Spain and ambassador in Spain for the ShaktiSat mission, an initiative that will teach 12,000 girls from 108 countries how to design, build and test a mini-satellite.
On the other hand, Carmen García Roger, 2021-2022 candidate for ESA parastronaut, shared one of the most inspiring experiences of the day by giving a first-person account of the selection process she went through for a position as an astronaut with a disability (Parastronaut Feasibility Project). “To those who dream of becoming astronauts, I would tell them to follow their passion without fear of making mistakes. On this path, failing is inevitable, but it’s part of learning.“
“To today’s girls I would say there are no limits. With ambition, hard work and resilience they can achieve their goals.” This was the message of Carmen Sillero, Senior Economic and Policy Analyst at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, who recognized that any young person is capable of going far: “In a hyperconnected world, any citizen, even from a small Andalusian village, can be part of the New Space.
Eva Vega, director of the space programs department of the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), assured that “space is not a world of geniuses, but of people who work as a team, joining forces”. A similar message was sent by Esperanza Caro, technical advisor to the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines of the Regional Government of Andalusia, who highlighted “knowledge and attitude” as the most useful skills for future generations: “If you are clear about your objective and you are passionate about what you do, you will give it your all. That energy is transmitted and connects with other people, facilitating collective success”.
Eva Villaver, deputy director of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, stressed the “need for diversity in the sector, because different approaches generate better solutions”. “Science has advanced thanks to those who have thought differently, and the inclusion of more women and diverse groups will only strengthen the advancement of knowledge,” she noted in a very similar vein to Margarita Chrysaki, head of communication, policy and projects at the Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies (NEREUS): “We need diverse voices in the space sector. Therefore, I invite everyone to educate themselves, develop critical thinking and strengthen their voice to participate with confidence in this field”.
Fighting against limits and social barriers
Another very inspiring message was shared by Lucía Fonseca de la Bella, director of strategic projects in the space sector at the University of Surrey, who considered it essential to “build children’s confidence and self-esteem,” allowing them to explore their interests without limitations. “Many children are fascinated by space and science, but eventually abandon those dreams due to social barriers,” said Lucía, who encouraged parents to support their children’s curiosity so that they can pursue their goals with confidence. Similarly, Mariló Torres Soto, our country’s first female astronaut, sent a message of effort to the younger ones: “I tell them not to set limits for themselves, to fight for their dreams and not to lose hope in the face of difficulties. With effort and perseverance, everything is possible“.
All presentations will be available for on-demand viewing through ‘The Observatory’, the digital platform of Medina Media Events, where each intervention will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, free of charge.
The first edition of ‘New Space & Solutions’ is organized by Medina Media Events with the collaboration of the City Council of Seville and the Ministry of University, Research and Innovation of the Andalusian Regional Government and with the participation of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), Portuguese Space Agency, ESA, NASA, JAXA, Italian Space Agency, Airbus, European Commission, EUSPA, EBU, NEREUS, Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities; CDTI Innovation, Regional Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines; Regional Ministry of Sustainability, Environment and Blue Economy; Regional Ministry of Economy, Finance and European Funds; Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, CATEC, Ametic, ORBEX, CTA, B2Space, BULL, Hisdesat, Hispasat, Hi Iberia, Indaero, INTA, AstroEmociones, Novaindef, Open Cosmos, Sceye, Solar MEMS, Telespazio, WIA-E, Asociación ‘Ellas Vuelan Alto’, Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía, Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, University of Seville, University of Huelva, University of Malaga, University of Cordoba, University of Cadiz, University of Almeria, University of Jaen, School of Engineering of the US, Polytechnic University of Valencia, University of Surrey, the community of analog astronauts, as well as the PCT Cartuja, CanalSurMás and ADM.
The event is supported by Rohde & Schwarz, ALTER, Ansys, Augusta Abogados, CT Ingenieros, DEKRA, Integrasys, Kistler, Orbital EOS, PARSEC, Proexca (Government of the Canary Islands), Space-Aero, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, CEU Universidad Fernando III, among others.