Shifting Boundaries: Women in Space

We speak to Bianca Cefalo, alumni of the UK Space Agency Accelerator and Co-Founder and CEO of Space Dots, a New Space tech startup with the mission of making space qualification of advanced materials faster, cheaper and simpler.

Hi Bianca! What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

I remember being a kid sitting with my dad in his garage (he had a car demolition business) and growing madly curious about how all those gears and parts and wires would make cars and engines work. He had such a spark in his eyes and I remember saying to myself: “one day I hope to have a job that will make me as happy and obsessed as my dad is right now”.

My childhood was rough though. I had to learn how to grow into an adult and a caregiver figure for myself and my family much faster and more prematurely than I was meant to. So Maths, Physics, Astronomy, Science, and the otherworldly endeavours of engineering and space exploration became my escapism from my rocky reality, my safe place. Learning how things worked, and drowning myself into equations and the big questions of human existence became my coping mechanism.

From my dad’s garage my fascination moved to Formula 1 and aerodynamics of racing cars, but I had no idea of where to study any of that or what to do with it, so when I was a teen I looked up on the internet: “How do I become an expert in aerodynamics?” and the answer was “Go study Aerospace and Astronautics Engineering”.

I went back home and I informed my parents of my aspiration to become an Aerospace Engineer. They thought I was crazy and wholeheartedly supported my choice, especially since no one in our family had ever attended university.

That was the beginning of my space journey.

Can you share your journey of how you entered the space industry?

I earned my MSc in Aerospace and Astronautics Engineering from the University of Naples ‘Federico II' in Italy, specialising in Spacecraft Systems, Hypersonic Aerodynamics, Microgravity and Satellite Remote Sensing.

In 2013, I made my way to Berlin, Germany and was appointed as the youngest Italian analyst for the HP3 Instrument on the NASA/JPL Insight Mars Mission, which successfully landed on Mars in 2018. During my over five years in Berlin, I gained a wealth of knowledge in thermal engineering, spacecraft thermal control solutions, simulations, lab tests, integration, qualification, and satellite downlink data correlation. This experience earned me the position as Space Systems Product Manager at Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage, UK, in 2018.  There I met James Sheppard Alden and later we co-founded our space tech business, Space DOTS, to address a problem we both encountered during our corporate careers.

In the meantime, during the pandemics I had moved from product management at Airbus DS to Business Development at the US-based start-up Carbice in 2021, as they provide the best CNT-based thermal interface solution for spacecraft applications.

In 2021, Space DOTS was also born and I became its CEO and co-founder, making space technology advancement for the betterment of humankind not just my career but my life's purpose.

What challenges did you face as a woman in a male-dominated industry like the space sector, and how did you overcome them (if there were challenges)?

I confronted (and still confront) bias, doubted expertise due to my appearance, faced mansplaining, and endured obnoxious harassment. I defied these challenges by fearlessly asserting myself, calling people out publicly, excelling as an expert and proving that knowledge knows no gender, prioritising my growth and my goals over the noise of misogyny.

I also extended my support to fellow women facing similar challenges, fostering a network of empowerment and resilience.

Today I fully embrace my role as a 'defier of norms', aiming to inspire and guide others to overcome adversity and succeed in their own paths.

Could you describe a particularly impactful project or achievement in your career that you are most proud of?

I’d say that starting a very capital intensive business, during a pandemic, in a male dominated industry, with male dominated VC landscapes, in an economic downturn and not only remain afloat but actually thriving, is quite an achievement.

However, my proudest accomplishment is yet to materialise, and making all those who thought I'd never make a mark in the space industry look foolish? That's a definite highlight of my career, so far.

As a female entrepreneur in this field, what unique perspectives or contributions do you believe you can bring to the space industry?

One of my strengths lies in focusing on designing technology that genuinely meets human needs. This approach ensures that our advancements align with ethical and sustainable considerations.

My leadership style revolves around collaboration and empowerment, which sets me apart from traditional or more ‘Machiavellian’ approaches. I embrace diverse voices, encouraging an atmosphere where innovation thrives through the synergy of different talents and personalities.

Community building is another cornerstone of my strategy. I understand that our journey in space is a shared one. By fostering connections and facilitating the exchange of knowledge, I aim to create a spacefaring community that transcends boundaries and accelerates progress.

However, it's important to note that even as I bring these strengths to the table, my core belief remains steadfast: recognition of skill and commitment in the field should be free from gender labels. The pursuit of excellence transcends boundaries and titles. Every capable mind, every inspired heart, has the power to drive our industry toward revolutionary progress.

I am convinced that moving beyond frequent 'female-' prefixes will contribute to a more inclusive culture and industry that are often male-dominated. By doing so, we pave the way to a more equitable future where gender distinctions cease to create unnecessary divides. It's time we shift away from restrictive labels and acknowledge that brilliance holds universal value.

How do you think we can encourage more women to pursue careers in space?

Here are a few things that can be done:

• Increase Representation: Encourage girls to study science from a young age and provide female scientists with more visibility in the media and public eye.

• Hands-On Experience: Offer hands-on experiences, such as space-themed camps, workshops, and projects, where girls can engage with real-world space concepts and technologies.

• Promote a Safe and Supportive Work Environment: Establish and enforce policies and programs aimed at preventing harassment, discrimination, and bias. Create a culture that prioritises work-life balance and encourages inclusivity.

• Bust Those Stereotypes: Educate and outreach to break down gender roles and expectations. Encourage girls to be who they want to be and pursue the careers they dream of.

• Match Them with Mavericks: Connect women and girls with successful female scientists to get the support, guidance, and inspiration they need.

• Invest in Workforce Diversity Programs: Companies and organisations should invest in diversity and inclusion initiatives that target and support women and girls in STEM fields.

• Storytelling and Media: Use storytelling, documentaries, and media platforms to share the stories of women in space, showcasing their journeys, challenges, and achievements.

• Celebrate Achievements: Recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in the space industry through awards, conferences, and events that bring attention to their contributions.

Are there any specific initiatives or programs you would recommend?

Women in Aerospace, Space4Women, SheLeadsTech Programme by ISU and SpaceGeneration.

If you want to be a part of the change and innovation within the industry, check out our Explore Programme.

Applications are closing on the 25th of August.