I had no space-related topics in my university curriculum, but I have always liked tech / and some level of sci-fi. I never even thought about working in the sector until 2015, when, during my last year of bachelor, the stars aligned: - I had the luck to go and study abroad for a semester – this pushed me to learn English properly and get outside of my comfort zone - The Italian Astronaut Cristoforetti was visiting the International Space Station - SpaceX started trying to land their Falcon-9 first stage on their drone ship, streaming their attempts - I read the Foundation Cycle by Asimov

These four things pushed me to look around, helped me decide to dig into non-tech space jobs (as I had no STEM background) and I discovered "Space Law and Policy. I picked a master's in International Relations and managed to craft and land an internship at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) that was vital to get me here. (Note: ESPI has many internship opportunities throughout the year, and if you are a student, it's definitely worth giving them a shot).

Leaf Space still considers itself a startup, so we follow a "all hands on deck" kind of approach as needed. For context, the company offers ground segment solutions, with antennas distributed around the world to support satellite missions.

As Regulatory Affairs Specialist, the main tasks related to my role are: - Obtaining radiofrequency authorizations to support all the satellite missions Leaf Space works with. This implies working with customers and regulators around the world (and around the clock - my workpace is dictated by SpaceX's Transporter Missions' cadence!) - Researching on telecommunication regulation trends around the world, and in particular figuring out all the licensing processes, requirements and potential obstacles in the various countries where Leaf Space plans to deploy new ground stations. - Helping satellite operators to figure out regulatory aspects to be covered for their missions. This usually involves digging into national and international regulations, as well as dealing with ITU satellite filings. - Representing Leaf Space in international fora and associations that deal with space regulatory issues, as the Commercial SmallSat Spectrum Management Association (CSSMA). - Traveling to attend conferences to meet current and potential partners and customers, as well as to educate (with papers, posters) on ground station licensing around the world.

The travel and the work with satellite operators are the most fun!

Every single mission supported by Leaf Space will need my involvement, and this gives me the privilege to work with exciting satellite projects, being in contact with the amazing teams behind these missions. Their passion for what they do is contagious, and I'm grateful I can contribute even in a teeny-tiny way to their missions.