- 26 April 2022
- Posted by: Canberra Innovation Network
- Category: Women in Innovation
We interview women in our community about innovation and what drives them to make a difference in their industries. This week we spoke to Structural Engineer at Skykraft, Gayatri Laipubam.
What are you working on?
I am working as a structural engineer at Skykraft Pty Ltd, which is an Australian space services company that specialises in the design, manufacture and operation of SmallSat constellation for the delivery of global services. I perform structural design and analysis of satellite structure and sub-systems to develop the final design and also to substantiate the structure for it to be qualified for launch.
Why is innovation important to you?
Innovation is the key to success and survival of any business as there is no growth and progress without innovation. Innovation may come in small packages or as a whole disruptive leap. With changing times and technologies, innovation is not something we do once but something we need to keep pushing.
What drives you to make a difference?
The opportunity to contribute in building something innovative using my skills motivates me to do my best and drives me to keep pushing forward. Since my school days, I have always been interested in Aerospace and thus chose to pursue my bachelors degree in Aeronautical engineering and masters degree in Aerospace Engineering. Fortunately, my experience and expertise crossed paths with the current endeavour of Skykraft, where I am putting all my efforts to make a successful launch of Skykraft’s foundation constellation, which is under rapid development and is for space-based Air Traffic Management services with operations commencing in 2023. I really enjoy the work that I do and have a deep sense of purpose as my interest is aligned with my work.
Do you have any advice for getting more women into the innovation ecosystem?
The key thing is to inspire and support them in whatever career path they want to pursue. Oftentimes we do not see enough women in all the professions because of the lack of support and motivation.
Innovation is possible when we are passionate about our work and motivated to do our best. Opportunity to explore and choose a path that they are passionate about is very important to get more women into innovation and entrepreneurship.
What are you proud of right now?
I am super proud to be part of the Skykraft team which is developing a world-first, global, satellite constellation for space-based Air Traffic Management.