Aerospace? What’s that?
Have you used the internet today? Bought something on a card? Maybe used GPS? If so, then you’ve used space-enabled technology. Aerospace and space are crucial for the global economy — the technology we’re using ‘up there’ enables us to have better communication, security, and perhaps most importantly, provides information and imagery on what’s happening ‘down here’ — this helps with solving global problems both big and small, such as monitoring sea level changes or assisting disaster recovery or even monitoring the number of Weddell seals in Antarctica (yep you can count seals from space!).
Do what you love
Julia has always enjoyed physics, maths and chemistry so it seemed natural that an engineering career would allow her to combine these subjects. Even better, Dawn Aerospace are all about doing space in a more sustainable way – so their propellants are non-toxic and their spaceplane, the Mk-II Aurora, is fully reusable like an airplane - a much greener option than a single use rocket! Go Dawn!
Have a go!
If you want to have an awesome career solving problems and thinking of better ways to do things, then Julia suggests getting hands-on experience — if you are at uni or high school seek out some of the options available — in Christchurch you’re spoilt for choice with the likes of Christchurch Rocketeers, University of Canterbury Rocketry Club.
If networking and meeting like-minded people is more your style, then check out Women in Space or Aerospace New Zealand for their awesome meetups and support.
