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“World Alumni Day”: Three questions for Aude Vignelles, 1991 graduate of ENSICA’s Aeronautical Engineering programme

Aude Vignelles

Director of Vignelles Space

Testimonial Category :

Alumni

Date :

12 May 2025

Testimony of Aude Vignelles

ENSICA alumni, class of 1991

Identity card

Full name: Aude VIGNELLES
Nationality: French (and Australian)
Country of residence: Australia
Position, company: Director, Vignelles Space Pty Ltd and Senior Advisor for Bryce Space Global
Sector: Space
Training at ISAE-SUPAERO: ENSICA Aeronautical Construction Engineering Diploma
Year of graduation: 1991

Can you tell us about your background?

I started my career at the European Space Agency in the Netherlands, where I was soon appointed Test Manager for the X-ray Multi-Mirror (XMM) mission, ESA’s largest scientific space programme at the time.

I then moved to London, where I successfully led the integration of the world’s first digital terrestrial broadcasting centre (ONdigital). I continued in this field in Australia, before becoming Vice-President of Technicolor, overseeing all programmes in the Asia-Pacific region.

Returning to space as Executive Director of NBN (National-Broadband-Network) Satellite Operations, I was then selected to become the first Chief Technology Officer of the Australian Space Agency, where I played a key role in developing the technical roadmaps for the civil space strategy, defining and managing the agency’s space programmes, and implementing national and international activities.

Today, I am Director of Vignelles Space, providing professional services and expert solutions to governments and space industries in all aspects of space programmes worldwide.

Why did you decide to pursue an international career?

I’ve always loved travelling, discovering other cultures and exploring new horizons. Very early on, I was struck by the fact that major space projects can often only be achieved through solid international cooperation. Seeing the first Ariane take off in December 1979 made me aware of this reality from an early age.

There are opportunities that you have to seize, like moving to London to follow my partner, but also daring to create and undertake: Moving to Australia was an adventure that he and I shared, and where we became the parents of three wonderful boys.

Going international teaches us so many things: A new way of approaching problems, richer solutions thanks to the diversity of perspectives, but also profound personal development.

What advice would you give to someone looking for an international career? Or one word that would define your career?

Be motivated, committed and passionate.

When you decide to move abroad, there’s a phase of wonder, but also enormous challenges. When I arrived in Australia, I was immediately seduced by the country, but professionally, I missed space terribly. There was no space agency at the time, so I helped set it up and became its first CTO – a dream job!

When you’re convinced you’re on the right track, when you have a clear vision and a deep passion, you have to test it out around you, refine it, perfect it and finally make it a reality. Working internationally requires resilience, adaptability and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. It’s a journey that can be demanding, but also incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally.

Don't let obstacles put the brakes on your ambition. If you believe in your project, never give up!

Aude Vignelles Director, Vignelles Space Pty Ltd

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