“In 1985, when SSTL was formed, I hadn't been around for long and was growing up in Jordan. Years later, I moved to the UK to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Surrey – just two miles down the road from SSTL. At the time, I always dreamed of being a pilot. Funny story: when I applied for a placement year, SSTL interviewed me and I had to ask, ‘What exactly is it you guys do?’ When they explained how space-related it was, it was love at first sight!
SSTL became my first professional role, and in fact, my first and only job interview! I joined as a placement student in 2006 and came back full-time in 2009. Since then, I’ve worked in mechanical design, analysis, and now systems.. where my responsibility is to develop and integrate the spacecraft structural subsystems with all the other major subsystems. That means I’m usually involved from the very earliest concepts, through design, analysis, manufacture, build, test, and right the way through to launch.
What excites me about the space industry is that it operates at the edge of scientific advancement, with technologies that have a tangible impact on people’s lives globally. The biggest change I’ve witnessed in my career has been the rapid adoption of low Earth orbit missions and the rise of SpaceX as a dominant force in the launch market.”
Thank you, Sami, for sharing your story and for your contribution to SSTL’s journey.