Let's Space It. Shriya Hazra
Space is arguably both finite and infinite while the universe is expanding, and this evokes ambition, excitement, and puzzlement in humans. Out of which space technology, designed for space exploration, is born. Thus, it is even more interesting to learn the life stories of people behind innovation and technological development.
In this series of articles, we are introducing our colleagues behind ReOrbit technology. What brought them to the industry, their journeys towards humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier, lessons learned, and things they’d create if there were no technological limitations.
Meet Shriya Hazra, Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer at ReOrbit whose passion for space started at a young age with videos exploring mysteries and phenomena like singularities and dark matter. This fascination has only grown over the years, shaping her career path to space.
Why did you choose space
This is the most cliched answer I could possibly give, but it is true: I didn't choose space, it kind of chose me. I was drawn to videos about the ever-expanding universe with mysteries like what kind of singularity exists inside a black hole or that 95% of the universe is dark energy and matter since I was a kid. That’s when I knew that I couldn't choose a different career for myself. As my education continued, I persevered to figure out how I could contribute and be part of the space industry myself.
You started your career as
I started my career as a mechanical engineer working in the R&D of on-road and off-road diesel engines. Needless to say, my values didn't align with this industry, and I left to pursue studies in aerospace engineering. Later on, it became clear to me that I wanted to have a career in the Guidance, Navigation and Control side of things.
Your most memorable memory so far
My most memorable memory is hearing about the successful launch of the European Space Agency’s asteroid deflection test mission, HERA. Even though I worked as a mere systems engineer for sun sensors onboard the satellite, the feeling of contributing to the mission and having components you've worked on, actually flying in space, is an incredible feeling. It motivates me to keep working harder for the missions to come.
Your most valuable lesson so far
The most valuable lesson in my life has been that humans are inherently social creatures. It is only with good company and sharing your life and experiences that one can really live their life.
The one thing that makes you smile
The smell of fresh coffee, while my code runs seamlessly without bugs, is one of my simple yet sincere joys.
What nobody prepared you for
I was never prepared for being a woman in a male-dominated industry. I always believed if I tried hard enough, I could do anything. I have been proved wrong time and time again. However, that does not mean I accept defeat. It only means I'll keep trying harder.
Imagine there are no technological limitations, what do you wish you could design/create in the space sector
If we could forget the constraints of physics and technology for a moment, I’d design a space excavator. This spacecraft would retrieve defunct satellites and other orbital debris, bringing them back to Earth for reuse, recycling, or repurposing. Reuse. Reduce. Recycle—even in space.
