Welcome back to my final blog as a Serco Space Graduate! I’m Sarah Alhabbas, and my journey with Serco’s Space Graduate Programme began in November 2023. Starting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, I relocated to Darmstadt, Germany, for six months of intensive training, leading up to my graduation this past September. I’ve loved sharing my experience, and I hope to have inspired others to explore careers in the space sector along the way.
In the past month, I completed the final stages of my training at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC). I successfully passed my assessments and earned my certification as a spacecraft operations engineer, a major milestone in my career. Since then, I’ve taken on the role of an on-call engineer, where I’ve been able to apply everything I’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
One of the biggest highlights was witnessing the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) for the S2C mission while serving as an on-call engineer. I also had the chance to manage operations and troubleshoot anomalies, which was both exciting and challenging. This experience has deepened my understanding of spacecraft operations and allowed me to contribute to a critical mission. A particularly special moment was receiving my certification from the head of the COP-2 contract at the S2C launch celebration.
Beyond work, I made the most of my time in Germany before moving back to Riyadh. I visited the Museums Riverbank Festival in Frankfurt and explored the beautiful town of Heppenheim. I even joined a local Aero club, where I got to fly a glider over the town—an unforgettable experience! We also had a team day at ESOC, which ended with a BBQ event where I got to connect with my COP-2 colleagues and ESA staff.
The last six months have been a period of immense growth for me, both in my career and on a personal level. Earning my certification was a significant milestone and being part of the LEOP operations provided invaluable insights. Living and working in Germany has been a life-changing experience. Exploring different parts of Europe has given me a broader outlook and a deeper appreciation for its diverse cultures and history. Working alongside colleagues from various countries has enhanced my communication skills and expanded my professional connections. Overall, these experiences have contributed to my development, both within the space programme and beyond.
As I look ahead, I’m excited to return to Saudi Arabia and apply my training to advance space projects that support Vision 2030. I’m proud to have impacted a better future through this programme by contributing to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s space sector. By sharing my experiences and achievements in these blogs, I hope to have inspired future engineers and encourage more Saudi nationals to explore opportunities in this dynamic field.
I’m deeply grateful to the team that supported me through this journey—Camilla Gison, Carlo Enrico Ghisi, Javier Hernando, Pol Sintes, Jose Luis Ramirez Gil, Frank Leake, and the entire COP-2 team led by Islam Alizada. Thank you for your guidance and encouragement throughout these six months!