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HIGH-TECH INNOVATION/ Lambda-X

Jean-Luc Dewandel

Project Manager

Jean-Luc is a project manager at Lambda-X since its creation as a full spin-off in 2003. Graduated with a master’s in physics from the FUNDP (Namur) and in Opto-Electronics from ULg (Liège), he joined the ULB microgravity research center in 1995 to work with the current Lambda-X founders’ team and moved together with Lambda-X during its different developments.

Louise

Tell us, what are some recent
developments you've noticed?

Based on the development of monitoring cameras for the JUICE satellite (exploring the Jupiter icy moons, launch foreseen on April 13), different similar optics are currently built by Lambda-X for the Mars Sample Return mission or Moon rovers MMX mission. A lot of opportunities are also opening regarding space debris removal and earth observation, in which Lambda-X is now deeply involved.

While working on space projects remains very inspiring, the most motivating aspect is to work on them with my teammates, from concept to delivery.

What's the biggest engineering
challenge you have faced so far?

Well – actually all projects I have been working on have always shown quite challenging, so it is difficult to give them a ranking. I think the current “new space” market that is keeping the usual space engineering constraints combined with tight schedule and cost restrictions are giving new significant challenges to the teams.

What do you like most about your job?

While working on space projects remains very inspiring, the most motivating aspect is to work on them with my teammates, from concept to delivery. If I were to do this alone, there would certainly be a failure, and it would never be as motivating as having everyone help each other to succeed in the production of nicely working complex systems. This is also what gives real motivation to the majority of people from my point of view. 

Interested in becoming a Project Manager or working at Verhaert High-Tech/ Lambda-X like Jean-Luc?