I loved space ever since I was a little kid, but my grades in maths and physics were never great, and I never actually realized that I could work in space or that there would be a space for me in that sector. So, I never pursued it as a serious career option.

Instead, I ended up studying journalism and media communications, working in content production, social media marketing and digital journalism in the fashion industry for nearly 10 years, before deciding to leave this career behind, as it was simply not fulfilling. I went back to university to get my MA in International Relations, where I not only discovered my passion for international law, but also made first contact with space law – which became the focus of my master thesis, in which I looked at the legal and ethical implications of space resource exploitation.

While volunteering as Head of Marketing EMEA at For All Moonkind, a non-profit working towards creating laws to protect our common human heritage in outer space, I got approached by several members of the space sector asking If I do what I do for other organisations as well. This started the idea with me and my husband, who is equally passionate about space and has a background in animation and sustainability communications, to start our own creative agency for the space sector, combining my knowledge of space law and policy with my experience in digital marketing and communications. We started our agency Perihelion in 2018 and have been helping private and public entities, governments, and individuals to reach their intended audience in the space sector and beyond.

I love that I never stop learning. Space has such varied, specific fields of education, that it’s impossible to know everything. But with every new client, with every exciting project, I get to look into a new field – sometimes very technical, sometimes educational, sometimes it’s in upstream area, sometimes it’s in the downstream area. There is constant new knowledge, and with every project I get to deep-dive into a very specific topic. I might learn about fibre composites for heat resistance, I might learn about space data application to improve crop output, or about robotics for space stations, or emergency response through Earth observation. The topics are endless, and each is more fascinating than the last. But the best part: I then get paid to tell people about all these amazing things, I get to be enthusiastic about space and all its possibilities for a living! As an added bonus: I get to do so in an industry where EVERYONE is equally excited, maybe a little bit nerdy, and just genuinely happy and grateful to be a part of it. And that, to me, is truly unique.

There is a space for you in space. Believe me. Whatever you do – you will be needed!

Are you an accountant? Great! Help a company to stay on budget when building a spacecraft! Have a passion for TikTok? Brilliant! Go into space education and produce content to reach the next generation of space talent! Are you an artist? Fantastic! Create Illustrations or 3D Models for data visualisation! Studied fashion design and textile technology? Amazing! Off you go, you might be the only one who knows how to combine specific fabrics used for space suits or space craft materials!

Space really is for everyone. A few years ago, I went to ESA ESTEC in Noordwijk for a conference. A colleague and I ended up getting a private tour of the facilities. At the end of the tour, our guide asked us if we wanted to meet the two most important people on the premises. And of course, we did. We followed our guide, who took us to the Café/Lunch Area and introduced us to the Baristas. “These two are making the best coffee – and without them, many late working hours wouldn’t have happened, and mission success would not be guaranteed. Honestly, without them, nothing works here.” It was not just the appreciation for everyone at the facility that I was really impressed with, but it really is just cemented by the belief, that whatever you do, from making coffee to building solar panels – your skill will be valued in this industry.

So go for it!