A Sherbrooke-based SME, NGC Aérospatiale, is playing a crucial role in a groundbreaking scientific mission: observing the Sun’s corona.
thay’ve developed the software for PROBA-3, a satellite launched last Thursday in India by the European Space Agency.
Jean-François Hamel, Vice President of Space Systems at NGC Aérospatiale, attended the launch and revealed they’ve been working on this project for the past decade. PROBA-3 aims to explore the Sun’s scorching corona,a region witnessing vital phenomena like solar flares,usually visible from Earth only during eclipses.
This marks the sixth satellite collaboration for NGC Aérospatiale with the European Space Agency, spanning over two decades. Hamel expressed confidence in future partnerships, highlighting the company’s commitment to space exploration despite its relatively small workforce of 20 employees.
How does NGC Aérospatiale’s collaboration with the European Space Agency impact it’s technological advancements?
Exploring the Sun: A Conversation with Jean-François Hamel of NGC Aérospatiale
Time.news Editor: Today,we have the privilege of speaking with Jean-François Hamel,Vice President of Space Systems at NGC Aérospatiale,a Sherbrooke-based SME that has recently contributed too an exciting scientific mission observing the Sun’s corona. Thank you for joining us, Jean-François!
Jean-François Hamel: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share insights about our work on the PROBA-3 satellite and its mission.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. NGC Aérospatiale developed the software for PROBA-3, recently launched by the European space Agency. Can you explain the significance of observing the Sun’s corona and what makes this mission groundbreaking?
jean-François Hamel: Absolutely! The Sun’s corona is a engaging layer of its atmosphere that experiences extreme temperatures and phenomena like solar flares. These solar flares can have significant effects on Earth, affecting satellite communications and power grids. By studying the corona, we can better understand these solar activities and their impacts. The PROBA-3 mission is groundbreaking as it enables continuous observation of the corona, something that was previously only possible during solar eclipses.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! you mentioned that NGC Aérospatiale has been working on this project for a decade. Can you share some insights into the development process and what challenges you faced?
Jean-François Hamel: The development process was indeed challenging yet rewarding. We collaborated closely with the European Space Agency over several years to ensure the software met stringent requirements for space missions. One of the biggest challenges was creating software capable of real-time data processing and analysis from the satellite’s instruments. Given our small team of 20 employees, efficiency and skill-sharing were crucial to overcoming these technical hurdles.
Time.news Editor: It’s impressive how a small team can drive such significant advancements in space technology. NGC Aérospatiale has collaborated with the European Space Agency on six satellite projects over two decades. What does this continued partnership mean for your company and the industry?
Jean-François Hamel: This partnership underscores our commitment to space exploration and our capability to deliver high-quality solutions in aerospace technology. Each project enhances our expertise and opens doors for future collaborations, helping us contribute positively to the industry.it affirms that even small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can play pivotal roles in significant scientific endeavors.
Time.news Editor: As you look forward to future partnerships, what advice would you give to other SMEs aiming to enter the space industry?
Jean-François Hamel: My advice would be to focus on building strong relationships and trust within the industry. Collaborating with larger organizations such as space agencies can provide smaller companies with invaluable experience.Additionally, invest in talent development, as skilled professionals are vital for navigating the technological complexities of space missions. Lastly, innovation and adaptability are key; the aerospace sector is always evolving, so staying ahead of the curve will benefit any aspiring SME.
Time.news Editor: Thank you,Jean-François. Your insights on the importance of innovation and collaboration are invaluable. Lastly, how does NGC Aérospatiale envision its role in the future of space exploration?
Jean-François Hamel: We envision expanding our role by engaging in more complex space exploration missions and exploring new technologies that enhance our capabilities. We are committed to cultivating our expertise and contributing to impactful scientific research, like that enabled by PROBA-3. Our ultimate goal is to improve humanity’s understanding of the cosmos, beginning with our very own Sun.
Time.news Editor: That’s inspiring! Thank you once again for sharing your experiences and perspectives with us today, Jean-François.This mission not only elevates the profile of NGC Aérospatiale but also contributes significantly to our understanding of solar phenomena.
Jean-François hamel: Thank you for having me! It’s exciting to be part of this journey together.