At Capella Space, we are pushing the boundaries of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, and my role as an Integration & Test Manager for Deployable Structures places me at the heart of making our satellites mission-ready. Every day is a blend of hands-on engineering, problem-solving, and collaboration to ensure our deployable structures—booms, solar arrays, and other critical components—are designed, built, tested, and integrated flawlessly. Here’s a look at what a typical day entails.
Development: Engineering the Future of Deployables
Much of my time is spent refining and advancing the engineering behind deployable structures. From concept to final design, I utilize SolidWorks to model components, create part prints, and conduct thermal, stress and frequency analysis. These structures must survive the extreme conditions of launch and space, so I work closely with our R&D team to optimize materials, manufacturability, and long-term reliability. One of the most fascinating aspects of my job is designing zero-gravity test fixtures—off-loaders—that simulate how these structures will behave once deployed in orbit. These tools allow us to predict real-world performance with a high degree of confidence.
Testing: Ensuring Flight-Readiness
Before our satellites head to the launch pad, they must undergo rigorous testing to verify their performance and reliability. I oversee and execute test campaigns that include deployment validation, thermal cycling, vibration testing, and system-level functional checks. The off-loaders I design play a critical role here, allowing us to simulate the microgravity environment where these structures will operate. Each test is an opportunity to confirm that the deployable structures will function as expected in space, and I take great pride in ensuring that every component meets the highest quality standards.
Integration: Bringing It All Together
Once the designs are finalized, it’s time to bring them to life. I work closely with our manufacturing and assembly teams to ensure that each deployable structure is correctly integrated onto the satellite bus. This involves creating detailed assembly instructions, designing custom tooling and fixturing, and supporting hands-on build activities. I’m also responsible for troubleshooting any integration challenges that arise—whether it’s refining clearances, resolving non-conformances, or ensuring that the deployment mechanisms function smoothly. With multiple satellites in production at once, each day presents a new challenge and opportunity to refine our processes.
Team Spotlight:
Behind every successful deployment, there’s a dedicated team ensuring everything runs smoothly. I wouldn’t be here without them, and neither would our satellites. Our engineers, technicians, and support staff each bring their expertise to the table, making it possible to innovate, troubleshoot, and execute at the highest level.
From the engineers meticulously designing our deployable structures to the technicians ensuring every assembly and integration step is flawless, every member plays a vital role. They don’t just support me—they push me to be better, to think smarter, and to find solutions faster. Their contributions extend beyond just the work; they foster a culture of excellence and camaraderie that makes the long hours worth it. This job isn’t a solo endeavor; it’s a symphony of talent, dedication, and teamwork. The work is complex, but with this crew, there’s no challenge we can’t tackle.
Launches: The Ultimate Reward
One of the most exciting aspects of my role is seeing our work culminate in an actual satellite launch. Capella satellites are launched from sites across the world, including New Zealand, Virginia, California, and of course, Florida—where historic missions like Apollo took flight. Being part of the integration process, watching our satellites get mounted onto rockets, and witnessing a successful launch is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s the moment when all the hard work—design, integration, and testing—pays off, and our deployable structures unfurl in space to support Capella’s mission.
Conclusion
Every day at Capella presents a unique blend of engineering challenges and hands-on execution. From designing next-generation deployable structures to ensuring seamless integration and testing, my job keeps me at the cutting edge of satellite technology. It’s an incredible feeling to contribute to a team that is not just building satellites, but shaping the future of space-based Earth observation. I’m excited to continue pushing the limits of what’s possible, one deployable structure at a time.