Alix De Beusscher – YGT for EO Data Analysis with AI

Tell us about your work experience in ESA so far. What does your role entail?

My YGT takes place at ESRIN, ESA’s centre for Earth Observation (EO).  It is about EO data analysis with Artificial Intelligence (AI). This YGT is slightly different from others in the sense that it takes place in a research office.  With my colleagues at ϕ-lab’s explore office, we permanently explore innovative technologies to revolutionise and accelerate the future of EO. I’m personally mainly working on onboard machine learning for SmallSats. This allows for shorter the data processing times for faster detection or response to specific events such as fires or natural disasters.

What has motived you to study these subjects?

When I chose my studies, I really had no idea what kind of job I wanted to do. I didn't think I would build bridges or work in a pharmaceutical lab. But by choosing a career in STEM, I was sure that I would be able to access a whole range of interesting careers. Passionate about innovation, technique and new technologies, I was sure that I could satisfy my insatiable curiosity and my need to get my neurons working on the most varied problems. During my academic career, I progressively oriented myself towards data processing and artificial intelligence simply because the more I discovered this field, the more I enjoyed it and the more I wanted to discover it! A kind of virtuous circle of science...

What is the most exciting part of your job?

It’s exciting to work with passionate people. It is even more exciting when you are sharing the same passion and it becomes even more interesting when all of them have different backgrounds. More than just working in an international environment, ESA has also allowed me to work in a multidisciplinary team. These are the perfect conditions to be constantly stimulated and full of ideas.

What advice would you give to girls interested in pursuing a career or studies in STEM?

We shouldn’t have to say that in 2022 but education and career are genderless. If you like the questions “how?” and “why?”, just do it! Don't be fooled by stereotypes that would have you believe that girls are not as good at maths or physics, that computers are only for boys or that the conquest of space is far too serious to be a women's story. Yet many women have gone into space: Valentina Terechkova, Sally Ride, Claudie Haigneré, Mae Jemison, Kristina Koch, ... I won't mention them all, there are 65 of them! And the significant increase in the percentage of female candidates for the fourth promotion of ESA astronauts gives hope that there will be many more! Space, or science in general, is an exciting adventure and there is no reason why women should not participate in it on an equal footing with men. Be strong, make your own path!

How do you imagine the future of space exploration?

Less than 100 years ago, people would never ever think that going to space or walking on the moon would ever be possible. Years before, humanity was barely aware of the existence of space and absolutely unable to have these ideas. I like to think that the distant future is unconditionally unpredictable. The only important thing is to continue to dream big, future belongs to fools!