There are some experiences that print something big in your heart and memory. When she went to the USA, in Utah, to simulate a true Mars mission with her crew, Ioana Dimitrova - a soon-to-be graduated engineer at the university UCLouvain - has lived one of those moment.
But little she knew during that experience that it will led her to continue her Space journey. During the closure event, Telespazio Belgium - which sponsors the initiative since 2023 - was present to rise awareness of every internship possibilities existing in the company.
For us, she accepted to answer a few questions.
How did you get the opportunity to make your internship at Telespazio Belgium?
In 2022, I joined M.A.R.S. UCLouvain, an association of students who conduct an analog mission at the M.D.R.S Mars simulation center in the Utah desert. We conducted experiments concerning space science for two weeks in April 2023. In order to complete this adventure, we needed sponsors and Telespazio was one of the companies that helped us out! At the end of our expedition, they also participated in our closing event with some other sponsors. At this occasion, they talked about the different opportunities available at Telespazio and when I needed to look for an internship, I knew where to look!
How was the experience in the office?
The experience was great! The team was very welcoming, it felt like I had worked there for quite some time. There aren't too many people so it's easy to meet everyone and it's also right next to ESA-ESTEC which I had the privilege to visit! It was nice to have an experience abroad and to see how things work in the Netherlands.
What did you learn the most during your internship?
I discovered the job of Payload Integration Manager that I didn't know existed. I also learned a lot about how ESA functions and about facilities aboard the ISS. It was also nice to see what working life looks like and I must say I expected worse, so that's quite reassuring!
What are your plans for the future?
One more exam session, then off to the Netherlands again for another internship. With this, and a thesis to write at some point, I will finish my Master's degree in Space Science in June hopefully! And after that, who knows, all the doors are open for now, but at least I would have tried different things and that helps with the difficult choices that await me!
Well, Ioana, it was a pleasure! Good luck for your future and we wish you a successful adventure in this incredible world that is SPACE!