A panel featuring top women executives in the aerospace sector has highlighted their contributions and leadership within a traditionally male-dominated industry. The discussion, titled “Women Redefining Tech and Space,” took place at a recent conference and focused on the evolving landscape of the space industry and their personal journeys in aerospace and defense. Moderated by Dr. Anita Sengupta, CEO of Hydroplane Ltd., the panel included Wendy Shimata, Vice President of Autonomous Systems at Varda Space Industries, and Melanie Pittaluga, Director of Marketing and Communications at Millennium Space Systems.
The panelists shared insights into their unique paths and emphasized the importance of storytelling in inspiring future generations. Pittaluga, who initially pursued a career in fashion design, recounted her unexpected transition into aerospace after taking an astronomy class with a retired NASA astronaut. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “It was not a predictable journey… From fashion to satellites, keep an open mind. You don’t know what your journey’s going to be.”
Shimata, who has been passionate about space since childhood, discussed her experiences as the only female in her applied physics and engineering major. She shared her journey from working as a guidance, navigation, and controls engineer at Hughes Space and Communications to becoming the software lead for SpaceX’s Dragon 2 program. “To be the first mission director on communications… was just phenomenal,” she remarked, reflecting on her role in a groundbreaking project.
The discussion also touched on the significance of community and mentorship in advancing women in STEM fields. Pittaluga encouraged attendees to “tell your story, listen to stories, seek out stories,” emphasizing that sharing experiences can inspire others to explore careers in technology and aerospace. She highlighted initiatives at Millennium, such as “Supporting Women in Millennium,” which fosters a supportive environment for women in the industry.
Shimata echoed this sentiment, stating that building trust and credibility is essential in a male-dominated field. “You have to build upon your integrity, and then people start to trust you with projects,” she said, underscoring the importance of persistence and resilience.
Dr. Sengupta noted the scarcity of women-led aerospace companies, which motivated her to establish Hydroplane. “There’s almost no women who are starting aerospace companies,” she observed. Her leadership aims not only to drive innovation but also to serve as a role model for aspiring female entrepreneurs in the sector.
Both Shimata and Pittaluga emphasized the transformative potential of the space industry, particularly as launch costs decrease and access to space becomes more prevalent. Shimata pointed out that Varda Space Industries is pioneering new research opportunities, including a vehicle that successfully flew with a pharmaceutical manufacturing payload.
Pittaluga, who transitioned from the intelligence community to aerospace, shared her perspective on the importance of communication in technical fields. “I am not the technical expert on small satellites… my superpower allows me to look at what they’re talking about from an outsider point of view,” she explained. This ability to distill complex information into digestible insights is crucial for effective leadership in technology-driven sectors.
As the panel concluded, the women reiterated the importance of collaboration and community in shaping the future of aerospace. By sharing their stories and experiences, they hope to encourage more women to pursue careers in technology, ensuring that the industry continues to evolve and thrive.
The inspiring discussion at the conference serves as a reminder of the critical contributions women are making in the aerospace sector, paving the way for future generations to break barriers and redefine possibilities in space exploration and technology.
