Throughout the course of the HADR challenge, what was your biggest takeaway?
Jonathan: The biggest takeaway was being able to expose me with satellite technology like the Airbus Zephyr. Upon knowing the capability of this satellite, and utilizing knowledge gained from challenges, we were able to implement features on our HADR product.
Hana: My biggest take away was the experience to take part in a space convention and being able to interact with business people and people who are passionate and interested in our ideas as well as having the opportunity to visit Airbus Toulouse.
Would you say that the HADR challenge provides a good opportunity for exposure to the possibilities of satellite technology? If yes, how so?
Jonathan: Definitely, this challenge provided me with knowledge of the satellite that I am required to work on for the challenge. It also exposed me to thinking about how satellite technology not only can be used to improve the way of living but also saving lives in times of disaster. Some people might think space technology doesn’t really benefits us on earth, but in fact that space technology evolve in our day to day life from internet to detection of an impending disaster.
Hana: Yes, as we needed to do some deep research on the Airbus Zephyr in order to propose our solution to meet the standards of the “drone satellite” which made us think about the factors to elimate or add into our product to help rescue people in need during a disaster.
Who/What would you say is the most interesting person/encounter you met, from your trip to Airbus?
Jonathan: The most interesting encounter I had on the trip was the culture in Airbus, Toulouse. The culture in Airbus-Toulouse due to the many nationalities working under one roof. Embracing different cultures and seeing how it works in the union to make such a great company environment and spirit.
Hana: Everyone there. Each one of them has so much passion and goodwill for the love of space and their satellites. We were able to ask lots of questions even if they were not working in that particular field and we were still able to recieve very detailed and elaborated answers.
How has this experience benefited you?
Jonathan: The experience throughout the HADR challenge has benefited me in many ways. It allowed me to revisit the knowledge I have harnessed in school as well as from my research on satellite technology. It allowed me to have a deeper understanding of satellite technology and how it benefits us in many different ways.
Hana: I was given a wonderful opportunity to experience, learn and understand something that only comes once in a lifetime and I am very grateful for that.
Would you encourage others to join this programme? Why?
Jonathan: I would definitely encourage those who love to challenge themselves and are willing to immerse themselves in the beauty of satellite technology. Through this challenge, you will definitely have a deeper understanding of satellite technology as well as the needs of innovation HADR product. You don’t just learn the concept but applying it in real-life situations.
Hana: Yes, I believe everyone can learn and grow by facing some challenges and finding a solution to solve it. Along the way you may find some unexpected findings. It doesn’t hurt to try, who knows maybe one day you can come up with a revolutionary idea that could change and benefit the world.
