SGAC is proud to present May 2022 Member of the Month!

SGAC is delighted to recognize members who are committed to its development; those who show hard labor and total dedication for the mission and purpose. For May 2022, we are pleased to announce and congratulate two space enthusiasts whose efforts further connected the space community in Latin America: María Fernanda del Barco and Matías F. Campos Abad, May 2022

María Fernanda del Barco

Meet María Fernanda

María Fernanda’s background is in mechatronics engineering, she is co-founder and currently works as Chief Systems Engineer at Orbital Space Technologies, a space start-up seeking to provide access to microgravity to Latin America and the world. Since 2018, she is an active member of TECSpace, the largest aerospace student group in Costa Rica which provides hands-on experience and l
earning opportunities for students in a country where aerospace engineering does not exist as a career. There, she worked in the development of different projects and created the Gender Equality Commission to execute solid actions against gender bias and increase the participation of women. She is also co-founder of the global network of Women in Aerospace Costa Rica, where she worked to increase participation, visibility, and leadership of women in the emerging aerospace sector. María Fernanda was recently elected as the SGAC’s National Point of Contact for Costa Rica, has been recognized as an Emerging Space Leader by the International Astronautical Federation and as a South American Space Leader by the SGAC. María Fernanda wants to make space more accessible by creating opportunities for people in developing countries and is passionate about advocating for women rights.

María Fernanda’s role as part of the SGAC team: 

María Fernanda is the SGAC’s  National Point of Contact for Costa Rica and was the co-event manager for the 7th South American Space Generation Workshop held in Quito, Ecuador in May 2022. María Fernanda received the South American Space Leader Award in 2022. She wants to create a strong SGAC presence in Latin America that empowers the next generation of space leaders.

María Fernanda, share with us your reaction to receiving the nomination:

I am very proud of the work we did with the SA-SGW organizing team and it feels amazing that it is also recognized by SGAC. This motivates me to continue working towards our goals as a region and hopefully more members from Latin America as well.

What learnings have you got for those considering joining SGAC? 

It’s a great opportunity to learn and advance your career in space. Always look for the open vacancies and scholarships on the website, they are constantly changing and you can find the perfect role or scholarship for you.

Would you like to share with us a special quote you feel guided by, or how would you motivate others to stay focused on their goals?

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

 

Matías F. Campos Abad

Meet Matías

Matias is an Ecuadorian engineer and space enthusiast. He graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (USA), where he obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degrees in Aerospace Engineering and a Minor in Robotics Engineering. Additionally, Matias obtained a Physics teaching license from the state of Massachusetts. Matias started his career in Germany where he worked at the firm Silver Atena GmbH and then returned home to Ecuador to become a space entrepreneur. Matias is the founder and CEO of Astralintu Space Technologies, which focuses on providing in-orbit and ground segment services that look to grant space access to emerging actors in Latin America and the world.

Additionally, Matias volunteers as the STEM Program Director for the Sideralis Foundation, acts as the SGAC’s National Point of Contact for Ecuador, is the current Vice-Chair of the IAF Administrative Committee for Developing Countries and Emerging Communities, and is the Chair of the IAF Latin American and Caribbean Subcommittee. Matias has been recognized as an Emerging Space Leader by the International Astronautical Federation and as a Space Generation Leader by the SGAC. Through engineering and education, Matías looks to lead and promote the development of the New Space industry in Latin America so the region can attain all its benefits.

Matias’ role as part of the SGAC team: 

Matías is the SGAC’s  National Point of Contact for Ecuador and was the event manager for the 7th South American Space Generation Workshop held in Quito, Ecuador in May 2022. Matías was recognized as the region’s NPoC of the year for 2021 and received the Space Generation Leadership Award in 2022.

Matías, share with us your reaction to receiving the nomination:

I was very pleased to be notified of receiving the nomination, especially alongside my friend and colleague María Fernanda del Barco with whom we co-organized a very successful and impactful SA-SGW that looks to be a turning point for what SGAC brings to Latin America. Having held the event in May and being recognized for that month is a celebration of all the hard work!

What learnings have you got for those considering joining SGAC? 

Make the most out of the opportunity, apply for scholarships to take you to events and really give the organization a chance because here is where you will meet the colleagues and friends with whom you will work the rest of your career. 

Would you like to share with us a special quote you feel guided by, or how would you motivate others to stay focused on their goals?

“We have been preparing all our lives to become the leaders of the future, but we do not realize we are already the leaders of today.”