INTERVIEW with LEILA GHASEMZADEH from IRAN

(c) OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux)

Team & Task(s)

Leila Ghasemzadeh lives in Iran and is part of the Flight Control Team (FCT). Her tasks during the MARS2013 mission are coordinating the MEDIAN and HUNVEYOR experiments, as well as being a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM).  The Capsule Communicator or CAPCOM is responsible for coordinating the space-to-ground communications.

Space & MARS2013

How did you first get in touch with the topic of space / astronomy / analog research?

When I was a teenager, I became interested in astronomy because it is a limitless science, nothing seems the way you see it. Whenever I looked at sky, I saw a lot of small spots of light that were beautiful and calm but when
I learned more about them, they became very different, more beautiful but not calm and more than what I initially saw. Later on, I started to take astronomy courses in the Science and Astronomy Center of Tehran, 2003.

When did you first hear about the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)?

Through the Space Generation Advisory Council  (SGAC), 2011.

How did you learn about the “MARS2013” mission?

From an e-mail from SGAC’s executive director.

Why did you choose to participate?

Because of interests in space related activities, gaining experience and working with professionals.

What is your personal goal in this mission?

Learn something new, collaborate with space leaders and scientists.

Work, Life & Family

What I do for a living:

I’m studying Avionics (AVIation electrONICS) engineering. My research is about solar winds, space telescopes and miniaturized satellites. I was also teaching high school students, mathematics and physics.

This is how I spend my spare time:

Internet surfing, watching movies, reading, playing football.

Me, Myself & I

These things are precious to me:

My family, time, education.

What drives me crazy:

When planning to do a job but it fails.

Something I would never do:

Smoking.

One important thing other people should know:

I’m quiet and peaceful.

To relax I absolutely need:

To be alone and think.

For this I would do almost anything:

Reaching my goals.

Something that once changed my life:

Being interested in astronomy and familiar with SGAC.

What is the most unusual / challenging / exciting / scary / funny thing you ever experienced?

The most exciting thing I ever experienced is the first time I flew solo with single engine airplane.

Goal(s) & Motto 

Something I would love to learn (and/or) something I would like to achieve:

I would like to gain more and more experience in space activities

My Motto / A saying I can identify with:

The word Impossible demonstrates I’m possible.

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