Faces of Ariane 6: Wafaa

It takes thousands of people to design, develop, build and operate a complete launch system to the stars. Here we highlight the people from all over Europe working on space transportation to ensure to benefits of the wider Universe.

What is your name and role? 

I am Wafaa Tabibi, I am a part of ESA’s product assurance team of the Ariane 6 launch system architects (under contract to Telespazio, Belgium). This role allows a strong collaboration with the Ariane 6 launcher system and launch base teams to ensure quality and process robustness. This position also offers a great opportunity to participate in various steps along the development to integrate, test and qualify the launcher and all the ground facilities.

How long have you been involved in space transport and what were/are your tasks?

I have been working in space transport for 13 years in different positions at CNES, Arianespace and now for ESA. I started working at Arianespace at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana as Head of IT, system and network administration, then moved to CNES working as a safety and security ground system manager. I returned to Arianespace after more than five years to take care of spacecraft operations and their integration on top of the launchers. That covers customer support for all operational aspects related to the spacecraft launch campaign, from the energy or fluidic needs to cleanliness requirements. It was my team’s duty to ensure that all the needs would be fulfilled from their arrival at Europe’s Spaceport until liftoff.

I was an upper part combined operation manager – deputy head of campaign, and had the privilege to work with so many exceptional people from different countries and cultures. The last campaign I participated in was the mighty Webb satellite (mainly in cleanliness areas) and before that, I worked on the preparation of ESA’s Jupiter Icy moon-mission (Juice) launch campaign for three years.

When the opportunity came to join the ESA and work on the Ariane 6 program, I didn’t hesitate one second: working on a heavy cryogenic launcher development is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as it usually occurs every 20 years or so. Thus, I joined this wonderful adventure.

I first joined the Ariane 6 ‘combined tests’ team in French Guiana for one year and a half, then participated in launcher range qualification reviews and the handover of the launch base systems from CNES to ESA last July. 

We are currently working on the SPQR – the qualification review for Ariane 6. Over 100 European space experts have been working for four weeks in Les-Mureaux near Paris to review all aspects of the launcher and launch system. We are split into different panels; I am part of the operations panel. It is an intense and outstanding time working in such a focussed way together to achieve the target: Ariane’s 6 license to fly!

What is your educational background and prior work experience? How did you come to work on space transportation?

I was born and grew up in Morocco and went to the “Ecole Marocaine Des Sciences de l'Ingénieur” in Casablanca, and then continued my studies in France at the Ecole des Mines d'Alès (IMT) as a specialized computer and networks engineer. My first experience was in information systems, mainly in ‘agile methods’ where systems are continuously, incrementally quickly updated – back in 2009 we were considered early adopters. I moved to French Guiana in 2010, and this is when my space adventure started at Europe’s Spaceport.

What is the most notable or memorable moment during your time working on space transport?

I would have to say the Webb telescope. It was like a big diamond, so expensive and fragile, it had an aura of treasure. The project is a huge step forward for humanity, even on an evolutionary level. I am sure the things we shall learn from it will astound us and take us further as a species. Being a part of the operational team makes me feel proud and humble about what we can achieve.

I must say that I feel the same way about the Juice mission, but as it will be another seven years before it reaches its destination and delivers results, I cannot wait for the end of its journey and what will come from Jupiter and its icy moons.

Thinking ahead, when Ariane 6 flies I am sure that will replace both of the above with my most memorable moment, as I think the feelings will be even more intense. We have overcome big steps on this project and seeing it fly will be the greatest reward.

What does it mean to you to be part of the larger team of rocket scientists and engineers?

It is literally my childhood dream come true! I could not have imagined, only dreamt, that I would be a part of this, and I am so proud of it. I try to go to schools to speak with kids to encourage them: just try to achieve your dreams, you might be surprised how far you get.

What is one thing you’d like the European public to know about your job?

The recipe for success is working together. We are all a link in a chain, and everyone is important and has a role to play. Success is not down to a person, but everyone from the group.

What’s the best thing about your job?

My job allows me to grow. I recently became certified as a lead auditor whereby I had to learn new standards. A second aspect that I appreciate is that I am seeing the main Ariane 6 process, and I get to interact with all stakeholders of the space industry.

What do you do outside of your job to unwind, what are your hobbies, what do you do for fun?

I am an avid runner and participate in forest and desert trails. I have lived in French Guiana for 13 years and went running almost three times a week– regardless of how much it rains or how hot it is in the sunlight. I also enjoy paddling in the French Guiana rivers as it's silent, you're in tune with nature and can observe some incredible animals. Finally, I love (belly) dancing so much that I went to Egypt to follow a course and learnt from the best in the world.

Do you have any advice for future generations interested in space exploration?

Just go for it! Space is absolutely achievable. In a way, it is a job like any other, and we need you, fresh minds and new points of view are needed to bring new perspectives. It’s the next generation that will go to the Moon, we are just paving the way.