As the primary point of contact for external customers, Ilham Ibrahim ensures that every test campaign, from early planning to final execution, runs smoothly. It is a role that blends some of the SSC values; coordination, customer engagement, engineering insight, and strategic foresight.
“Together with my team, we support our customers in developing and testing rocket engines. Our goal is to help build one of the first rockets on mainland Europe capable of reaching orbit.”, says Ilham Ibrahim, Operations Coordinator for our Vertical Test Stands.
It’s a responsibility that carries both technical weight and historical significance. Working closely with innovative companies like ISAR Aerospace and Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), she sees firsthand how Europe’s ambition for sovereign launch capability is taking shape, piece by piece, test by test.
“Being involved in such a meaningful chapter of Europe’s space journey keeps me motivated every day. I feel proud every time we support a successful engine or stage test. These are tangible milestones that bring our customers closer to orbit and bring Europe closer to independent access to space.”
Her path to Kiruna began with a longstanding fascination for engines and an early pull toward aerospace engineering. What keeps her inspired today is the blend of rocket science and engineering management found at the VTS’s, where technical precision meets operational orchestration.
If she could send a message to her future self, five years from now, it would be a reminder to keep growing while staying grounded.
“Keep learning, keep pushing boundaries, and never lose sight of why you started. And don’t forget to celebrate the small wins, they’re just as important.”
Outside of work, she recharges through traveling, hiking, and watching movies, whether exploring new cultures, finding calm in nature, or settling into a good story. And while she jokes that she’s “not a fan of winter” and gets cold easily, Kiruna has won her over. Its dramatic landscape offers a beauty that never quite fades, and its community offers something even more meaningful.
“What truly makes the winters warm and cozy are the wonderful people here,” she says. “Their kindness and community spirit make Kiruna a very special place to call home.”
