22 mai 2024
Meeting with Marion Burnichon
Identity card
- Alumni Day France: Marion Burnichon, ISAE-SUPAERO 2021 alumni
- First name, Last name: Marion Burnichon
- Degree: Space Systems
- Nationality: French
- Country of residence: Netherlands
- Position: Young Graduate Trainee in Gateway Operations
- Sector: Space
- Training at ISAE-SUPAERO: Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
- Year of graduation: 2021
Can you tell us about your background?
I did a Bachelor’s degree in physics with research in astrophysics at McGill in Montreal. My universe revolved around space and the stars. While doing research, I realised that you really have to be there at the right time to make THE right discovery in science… That got me thinking and I wanted to go down a path where I would have a bit more control. I decided to study aerospace at ISAE-SUPAERO.
So I did a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering specialising in Space Systems, with research in mission analysis alongside Stéphanie Lizy-Destrez on the three-body problem. That was how I discovered what I really liked: being able to combine physics and maths. After my work placement at Airbus and graduation, I moved to the UK to work as a flight dynamics engineer at One Web Satellites, where I worked in shifts on consoles for operating satellites, and in particular on anti-collision manoeuvres. I’m currently following ESA’s Young Graduate Traineeships programme. I divide my time between operations for the Gateway moon station and mission analysis for all the lunar missions.
Why did you decide to pursue an international career?
It’s a very natural thing for me because I grew up abroad, in England and Spain. The choice wasn’t necessarily to have an international career, but to open myself up to all the possibilities of working in the world!
What particularly appeals to me is working in multicultural teams, and not necessarily abroad. I find that environments with many different nationalities are very rich. Everyone brings their own experiences, ideas and ways of working and, generally speaking, I find the professional relationships very respectful and mature.
What advice would you give to someone looking for an international career?
Go for it! It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the level of English or Spanish, it will come. What counts is enthusiasm and motivation, even if it’s a bit scary. Studies at ISAE-SUPAERO offer the possibility of doing this as a gap year or for the end-of-studies internship. Apply now!