2021 was undoubtedly another unprecedented year filled with challenges. However, here at Kepler, we are lucky to have such an amazing team that continues working towards our mission of putting the Internet for space.
We asked some of our team members what their biggest achievement at Kepler was in 2021, what they are looking forward to in 2022, and their favourite movie/book of the year.
Sean Watson – Manager, Software Development
What was your biggest achievement at Kepler in 2021?
The thing I’m most proud of is our launch of 8 first generation Kepler satellites at the start of the year. Knowing that something I had a hand in creating is up there in space is a dream come true for me. Plus, they’re fully functional and servicing our customers every day!
What are you most looking forward to in 2022?
I’m really excited to start working on our next generation of satellites, which we’ll be using to deliver our ÆTHER service. It’s probably the most ambitious project Kepler has set out to tackle so far and it’s going to be full of new and interesting challenges. I know I’m going to learn a lot working on it and I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together.
What was the best book you read/best movie you watched in 2021?
Best book: Hyperion by Dan Simmons. Best movie: Dune.
A large piece of equipment we received over the summer, it took us few hours to disassemble everything and get through the freight elevator with 0 incidents and a lot of laughs.
Youssef Ramdani – Procurement & Inventory Supervisor
What was your biggest achievement at Kepler in 2021?
Hands down my biggest achievement is to keep the supply of electronic components flowing so we can keep up with all of our RND projects and satellite builds! For context since the pandemic supply chain delays/shortages became the norm and this aspect of the job grew exponentially. Thankfully working together is a given at Kepler so more and more teams started getting involved in our numerous de-risking strategies.
What are you most looking forward to in 2022?
By far I so am excited to embark on the ÆTHER journey and to support all of the functions as best as I can. On a personal level I would be over the moon if we could see an end to the pandemic this summer and stop wearing masks all the time.
What was the best book you read/best movie you watched in 2021?
The best book I read last year is “Emotional intelligence” by Daniel Goleman. When it comes to movies, which I am a big fan of, I would place “Knives Out” by Rian Johnson as one of best I saw in 2021… so far…
Shantel Bince – Talent Acquistion Lead
What was your biggest achievement at Kepler in 2021?
Kepler has seen incredible growth in 2021. The greatest achievement for the People & Culture team has been maintaining an inclusive culture and workplace. We’ve taken great strides to ensure team members can not only be proud of the great work they’ve accomplished, but laser-focused on how important their work is and what it means to further space exploration and a new civilization outside of earth. This impact is what unites us. We celebrate our differences as individuals, at the same time, we are one team, with one tremendous goal.
What are you most looking forward to in 2022?
Launching our next generation of satellites bringing Project ÆTHER to life. It’s an incredible feeling to watch the technology we’ve built as a team, on the launch pad, seeing and hearing the fire from the exhaust tail, literally feeling the vibration, and watching the rocket take off in the sky. I can’t wait!
What was the best book you read/best movie you watched in 2021?
The Bomber Mafia. I’m a history junkie!
An Operations team outing in October, riding Segways in Toronto’s Distillery District.
Patryk Laskowski – Hardware Design Manager
What was your biggest achievement at Kepler in 2021?
Oof! This is going to sound corny but 100% the team and what we’ve been able to achieve together. The growth has been huge, not just in the number of people but in their personal development. Each and every team member has made huge strides and contributions this year with GEN1, UT, and especially around everything Aether! Everyone works exceptionally well together, they support and respect each other, and help each other grow. I can’t wait for 2022 and the challenges that we’ll face!
What are you most looking forward to in 2022?
For 2022 I’m really looking forward to the Aether pathfinder flights. This is going to be an achievement on a scale beyond anything we’ve done to date.
What was the best book you read/best movie you watched in 2021?
Best movie of 2021 was Dune for me.
Paul Smith – Field Application Specialist
What was your biggest achievement at Kepler in 2021?
Kepler showcased our GDS (Global Data Service) product to customers without access to reliable, high data throughput services like GEO or MEO. Being part of the team that delivered this product gave me great satisfaction, knowing Kepler provided connectivity that wasn’t possible before.
Collaborating with one of our partners at the US Military demos was a fantastic experience. The demos allowed Kepler to show what GDS can deliver. In addition, it showcased our ability to move large volumes of data and record data rates for LEO connectivity. I was responsible for setting up our equipment remotely and ensuring that the ground equipment remained online and available. I worked closely with our partner, and it was a real team effort, working across multiple timezones. A lot of work and time went into these demos. However, it was rewarding to see GDS’s success and the potential benefits to this sector.
What are you most looking forward to in 2022?
Kepler recently announced its ÆTHER project, essentially bringing the Internet to Space. I am excited to be part of this huge mission and look forward to its challenges. I will primarily work on customer-focused elements of the project, leaning on my years of experience in this type of role. 2022 will be another busy year for everyone at Kepler, and I cannot wait to get started!
What was the best book you read/best movie you watched in 2021?
Earlier this year, I started an Open University course to further my academic and professional knowledge. So most of the books I have read this year have been course-related. Being British – I’m from Scotland, I would have to say my favourite film of 2021 was the latest James Bond, No Time to Die. It wasn’t the best James Bond film ever, but it was the best film of 2021.
Interested in joining our team? Check out our Careers Page. For more information visit www.kepler.space and @KeplerComms
