How to build an European SpaceX Part 4
This is the fourth installment in our series of articles on the feasibility of creating a European SpaceX. You can find the previous articles here:
Like every engineering project, it is a human adventure and the choice of your team is of paramount importance. Selecting engineers who have a comprehensive view of the project and adhere to the leader's vision is crucial. This requires expertise in machine design, the ability to compare different technologies, and assess their costs and operational implementation. It demands excellent technical competence, both theoretical and practical, with a long-term vision to validate the preliminary project with industrial and operational feasibility, both technically and financially. Team members need to have a thorough knowledge of the industrial landscape related to the project: who manufactures what, where, and at what cost. Understanding possible test sites, assembly sites, and the required tools is essential. Moreover, it’s vital to have people who can foresee future tools, those not yet in production, and see how to make an impossible vision technically and industrially possible.
Among the necessary skills, a strong knowledge of programming is also essential. "Software eats the world": the flexibility needed for rapid improvements is achieved through technologies driven by programming. Flexible and programmable hardware is required; software evolutions are much quicker to implement. Additionally, mastering AI tools, especially their utility in development, will likely be an asset, as these tools can save a tremendous amount of time and become the prostheses of future engineers.
Beyond technical skills, it is crucial to establish healthy human relationships, even under intense pressure. Aerospace projects have significant inertia, and the main adversary is time: progress must be swift to maintain funding flow, team motivation, and stay ahead in technical competence. This pressure can be immense, often at the edge of what an individual can bear. Therefore, the cohesion of the team and the strength of human relations are vital to withstand this pressure.
Continuous training is essential in a rapidly evolving field like aerospace. Team members must engage in ongoing training to stay current with the latest advancements. Providing an advanced technical training platform ensures the team stays at the forefront of progress.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is often required in aerospace projects, involving different disciplines such as mechanics, electronics, and computer science. Fostering a culture of collaboration and communication between these disciplines is crucial for project cohesion. It is important to promote an environment of open and honest discussion, minimizing hierarchical barriers.
Excellent project management is critical. This includes planning, risk management, and aligning individual objectives with the project’s overall goals. A good project manager can make a difference by ensuring the project stays on track, meeting deadlines and budgets. However, project management should only support engineering and adapt to it. It is the project's oxygen: indispensable but transparent.
Encouraging innovation and creativity within the team can lead to unique and effective solutions. Creating an environment where new ideas are valued and explored is essential for long-term success. There should be no barriers preventing the expression of even the craziest ideas, provided they are technically and financially substantiated. It also involves minimizing dead ends that could slow down the project.
Maintaining a high level of engagement and motivation among team members is crucial. This can be achieved by recognizing and rewarding contributions, offering growth opportunities, and ensuring every member feels valued and indispensable. The main asset must be the overall vision and rapid project progress. Hence, an aggressive schedule is imperative.
In Europe, many of these points can be sensitive, particularly the pressure, the frenetic work pace, and the dictatorship of the objective. However, especially among the younger generation, many are willing to make such sacrifices; in return, they expect to experience an extraordinary adventure. This is what we must offer them.