What advice would you give non-tech space enthusiasts?
At Spacemanic, I wear many hats, but at the core, I connect people to the great work we do. My days are a mix of marketing, sales, and communications, where I focus on telling our story about democratizing access to space and building the infrastructure of the future through nanosatellite solutions. A big part of my role is building brand awareness, ensuring that people know Spacemanic is not just another space company- that we are here to change how the world thinks about reaching orbit. Working fully remotely, I recharge my social batteries at conferences and industry trade shows networking with other space professionals.
Then there is CroCube, a project that I am leading that’s very close to my heart. A nonprofit mission to build and launch the first Croatian satellite into space. I started this project three years ago with a group of volunteers, and on December 21st, 2024, we finally got our little cube to orbit. My role does not consist solely of managing tasks or overseeing the project, but is also about vision, uniting a team, and creating something that has an educational and inspirational impact far beyond the technical specs. This project is proof, that space can inspire everyone, and I am so proud to guide it forward.
How does your specific non-tech discipline or expertise add value to your organization?
With a background in translating and interpreting, I have always been fascinated by the challenge of bridging gaps: whether they are linguistic or conceptual. In the world of space, this means translating between engineers and, well, the rest of the world. Engineers are brilliant problem-solvers who create groundbreaking solutions, but those solutions need to be understood, marketed, and sold to have an impact. That is where I step in.
I often think of my role as being the "voice" of the technology, helping to shape how it is presented to our partners, customers, and even the general public. This requires more than just knowing the technical details—it’s about soft skills like empathy, clear communication, and the ability to see things from multiple perspectives. My job is to take something complex, like a nanosatellite design, and make it relatable, exciting, and meaningful to someone who might not have a technical background. In that way, my work is just as much about connecting people as it is about connecting satellites to space.
What advice would you give fellow non-tech space enthusiasts if they want to pursue a job in space?
I always tell everyone that "Space does not discriminate."
It is easy to think of the space industry as an exclusive club for engineers, scientists, or astronauts. However, in reality, space is just like any other field: it relies on diverse skills to function. Engineers and software developers might build the satellites, but it takes accountants, legal experts, marketing teams, and even cleaning staff to make a space company thrive. Every role matters, and the space ecosystem is no different from any other workplace.
My advice is to focus on being great at something you love. Whether it is writing, organizing, designing, or managing, there is a place for your talent in the space industry. Once you have found your strength, the key is to translate it into something the space sector needs. For me, my passion for communication and storytelling allowed me to become a bridge between technical experts and the outside world.
There is no single "type" of person who belongs in space. If you bring dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, you will find your place. Space might seem far away, but in reality - it is right here, waiting for your contribution.