In the photo, you can see me preparing a truly special piece for a conference - our space-themed carpet. It's not just any carpet, though; it's a symbol of Precious Payload's connection to the global rocket building community and the Gulf region, created specifically for the IAC conference in Dubai. The carpet, a vibrant art piece, showcases the solar system at the top, leading down to the ISS and an array of launch vehicles, each one an icon of space exploration as of fall 2021. Some of these, like Virgin Orbit, didn't make it, but they're memorialized here as part of the journey we've all been on. Our logo rests at the bottom, accompanied by the Arecibo message - a nod to our shared aspirations of reaching out to the cosmos. What's really special about this carpet is its backstory. After visiting a modern art exhibition, I was inspired by an artist known for her amazing carpet designs. I knew she was the one who could bring my vision to life. I wanted a style reminiscent of Afghani carpets, known for their bright colors and minimalist design. I've been a fan of these for years, and their essence seemed perfect for our project. Excited by the concept, she worked her magic, and the result was this unique, beautiful space carpet. It's more than just a photo zone at a conference; it's a testament to our journey in the space industry and the connections we've built along the way. The artist is Sasha Domina, this is her Instagram: https://instagram.com/parahelii

Marina Kolyvanova

Head of Marketing and Communications at Precious Payload, the booking.com for satellite launches

Background: Master's in International Journalism

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What is the most fun in your job?

So, my path to the space industry was a bit unusual. I didn't start out with a space background. For about 10 years, I worked with all sorts of non-space companies — science, media, finance, investments, you name it. For one job, I even ran weekly overviews of the international VC market, which included investments in the space sector.

Then, I was lucky enough to become one of the first team members at Precious Payload. For nearly five years, I've been leading marketing and communications for this fantastic project. We're building something similar to booking.com, but for launching satellites into space. Our goal is to make space launches more open and accessible to everyone. In addition to that, I'm mentoring young folks who are excited about space. Through SGAC, I get to share my experiences and help them get started in this amazing industry.

What is the most fun in your job?

The most fun part of my job? That's a tough one to pin down because there's so much I love about it!

First off, I absolutely enjoy developing a global space brand at Precious Payload. It's thrilling to see our influence grow and to know that we're making a significant contribution to the space industry.

Interacting with space projects is another exciting aspect. We work with diverse players – from payload developers to launch providers and rocket builders, from every corner of the globe. I love learning about their projects and gaining insights from their work.

Then there's the creative part – I like the to brainstorm and bring to life new content ideas. Whether it's prepping for conferences, designing marketing visuals, or crafting ads, I have the freedom to let my creativity run wild. And when these ideas turn into successful campaigns or make an impact on our brand, the sense of accomplishment is truly rewarding.

Engaging with the space community is another highlight. The industry is full of passionate individuals, and I enjoy learning about their work and sharing their stories. It's an ongoing educational journey for me, as I continually learn more about the market through these interactions.

Finally, there's Precious Weekly – a newsletter covering the small satellite business. Writing updates for nearly 8000 subscribers is a lot of fun and a great way to stay connected with the community. Plus, it's an opportunity for me to dive deeper into the market trends and keep myself, and our subscribers, in the loop.

So yeah, there's a lot of fun in what I do. It's a blend of creativity, learning, community engagement, and making a difference in an industry I am passionate about.

What ambitions do you have for your space career?

Looking to the future, I've got big dreams. I want to keep working with global space brands that believes space is for everyone, or be part of a significant space exploration project. As a kid, I dreamed about going to the Moon. Now, I'm dreaming bigger: not just visiting, but also living and working on the Moon or even Mars. With the speed of today's space tech, it might be more possible than we think. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me!