Every successful satellite mission begins long before launch. It begins in the labs, codebases, and test benches where precision meets perseverance. Laura, a Systems and Software Engineer at Reflex Aerospace, plays a key role in that process. She leads the test verification campaign for Reflex’s first satellite mission, ensuring that every component, from hardware to software, performs flawlessly before it ever leaves Earth.

“It’s a really fascinating role,” Laura says, “because it allows me to work with the hardware team, the software team, and all the different subsystem owners.” This unique position gives her a complete view of how Reflex’s satellites come together - not just as individual systems, but as one unified spacecraft.

At Reflex Aerospace, systems and software engineers like Laura bridge the gap between mechanical design, electronic subsystems, and mission operations. Their job is to make sure that each part communicates seamlessly and responds predictably under all conditions. It’s an intricate process that requires both technical precision and creativity. The kind of work that defines Europe’s growing NewSpace engineering culture.

A big part of Laura’s mission is improving efficiency through infrastructure and automation. “We’ve set up our lab so that we have full remote access to the equipment and hardware,” she explains. Reflex engineers use a mix of off-the-shelf tools and custom-built solutions to streamline testing. Laura helped develop hardware tools that allow access to all processors on the onboard computer from one central machine, enabling faster testing and smoother software deployment.

This combination of innovation, collaboration, and autonomy embodies what makes Reflex Aerospace different. Engineers like Laura don’t just build satellites, they build smarter ways to build satellites, pioneering methods that make testing and verification faster, safer, and more efficient.

For anyone looking to start or advance a career in aerospace systems or software engineering, Laura’s work offers a glimpse into the future of satellite development. One where digital tools and human ingenuity work hand-in-hand to bring Europe’s next generation of space missions to life.