My name is Morgane Haller and I am currently a student at the ESTACA engineering school in Paris-Saclay, starting to study in a space-related field in two months. I got to know this space organization through a member of the Austrian Space Forum, Ms. Aline Decadi, who held a conference at my school. I was very interested in OeWF’s international orientation and its distinctive interdisciplinary research work. After six months, some paperwork and two interviews, I arrived in Innsbruck!

The first weeks consisted of understanding the challenges of simulations with Analog Astronauts, the composition of the red planet, and the different projects revolving around the development of the Aouda suits. All this provided an overview of the activities.

Then I was able to do mechanical work. Drawing various parts for Aouda X and S in 3D with CAD software and then printing them, a sensor cover and bottle-rack for example. I also had the opportunity to be introduced to some basics of celestial mechanics with Dr. Gernot Groemer. I myself taught other trainees how to use CAD. One of my last missions was the launch of an experimental rocket, whose fins I designed. I then compared the rocket’s real-flight parameters with those of a simulation.

A highlight was the meeting with Lawrence Kuznetz, who worked with NASA. We had the opportunity to learn about his experiences during an interview.

Finally, life in Innsbruck was pleasant from every point of view. My OeWF colleagues were very welcoming, seeking to integrate each new trainee as well as possible. Additionally, the city surrounded by mountains offered a lot of activities during weekends.

Carrying out this nine-week-internship was therefore a blend of science, geographical and human discovery.