Lessons learned as Thermal Subsystem Lead for a student-driven CubeSat Project

Paper number

IAC-21,B4,2,6,x64643

Author

Ms. Stéphanie Fiore, Canada, Concordia University

Year

2021

Abstract

Space Concordia’s Orbital Dust Imaging Nanosatellite, SC-ODIN, is a multidisciplinary student driven CubeSat project at Concordia University (Montréal, Canada). It will be the institution’s first ever spacecraft in orbit. (launch granted by Canadian Space Agency, April 2022) The SC-ODIN mission will capture imaging data over Canada, Argentina, and Namibia to capture images of aerosol particles present in dust storms frequently occurring in these areas. 
Throughout the years, I have partaken different position in this project: mechanical subsystem member, thermal subsystem member, and currently I am the thermal lead. I would like to bring to Dubai all the lessons learned as a technical leader in a student driven CubeSat project. 
Firstly, I understood that to be a good leader, you must be creative. You need to be open to change strategies, behavior, and your schedule. I have been trying to create a friendly environment where nobody feels less smart and less experienced. 
Consequently, another goal has always been to share my knowledge with the other member in order to give the same learning opportunities. If you want to be a good leader, you must build a strong team of leaders. This would create a premature knowledge transfer and would give the chance to other members to experience my position in the future.
Lastly, as a leader I understood the importance to assign a mentor to every new member. A mentor is a person who has been part of the team for a longer time. This would benefit both students since it will give the opportunity to transfer knowledge for one and acquire for the other. As ultimate lesson learned, as thermal lead I rather guide my team to launch than being indispensable.

Abstract document

IAC-21,B4,2,6,x64643.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-21,B4,2,6,x64643.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.