SEDS-NTU Invites Pioneers In Local Space Industry for First Space Talk

On Wednesday (23 Oct), Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, Nanyang Technological University (SEDS-NTU) held their first panel session - Astropreneurs Talk, connecting big players in the space industry with current students.

The external speakers, Mr Simon Gwozdz, CEO of Equatorial Space Industries and Dr. Mark Lim, founder of Aliena, discussed their current projects, their experiences in the industry, and available career paths in space-related fields in Singapore.

Mr Gwozdz said: “We need more success stories that will generate more interest and commitment toward the industry and create an ecosystem providing for students with dreams and aspirations.”

Dr Lim also shared how the local space industry would benefit the smart nation, and what Singapore had to offer the world through miniature platforms.

Dr Lim said: “Miniature platforms harness the strengths and expertise present in our ecosystem into coming up with products that can be deployed very rapidly, and can have a huge impact on society.”

He also talked about the propulsion systems his own startup had developed and how it could extend the lifetime of satellites and create sustainable space.

“We want to make sure that space is an accessible platform for the next generation, and many generations,” he said, “and the only way we can do this is by responsibly using space and systems.”

He concluded by sharing his entrepreneurship journey and advice to do well in the space industry. He said: “If you want to make quick money, don’t choose space. Choose space because it’s something you are passionate about and because you believe you want to make a difference.”

Ng Jing Hang, one of the co-founders of SEDS-NTU, and part of this event’s organising committee, said: “This event gives me an insight to the project and career opportunities that Mr Gwozdz and Dr Lim have created to contribute to the local space industry. It helped me realise that space is not a dream industry, but an industry of dreams.”

Gao Man Rong, a first year student from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, said: “It was inspiring to hear how Singapore’s small space industry is able to make an impact on the world. It made me believe that I too, being a student, could take small steps to begin my space journey.”