For Pavithra Manghaipathy, known to most as ‘Pavi’, working in the space industry isn’t just a career. It’s the realization of a dream she’s nurtured since the age of five. Shortly, she will take on a new challenge as a Systems Engineer, helping drive forward one of our exciting missions; ‘X-Ray Facility’ (XRF). But like many journeys, hers has been built step by step, powered by curiosity, courage, and the people around her.
Opportunities to learn
Pavi’s career with SSC began in 2020, when she joined the Orbital Launch & Rocket Test operations in Kiruna. After four years and several roles, she is ready to take on a new challenge with the Payloads & Flight Systems team in July.
“What drew me to the space industry is still what inspires me today, it’s this constant opportunity to learn,” she says. “Every mission pushes you to grow, not just technically, but personally. The XRF mission is a completely new segment for me, and I’m excited to step outside my comfort zone.”
The people behind the projects
While her work is technically complex, Pavi points to a simpler, more human factor when asked what makes her proud to work at SSC.
“It’s the way we help each other. That’s what makes the biggest difference,” she explains. “No matter how tough the problem is, I always know my team has my back and I have theirs.”
She credits both her long-time colleagues and her new teammates for creating an environment where learning is encouraged, not intimidating. “When I joined Payloads, the team made onboarding incredibly smooth. And across the company, people are so generous with their time, even when I’m just asking something out of curiosity. That culture of openness is special.”
Redefining courage
For Pavi, courage at work doesn’t always look like bold moves or big presentations. Sometimes, it’s simply about asking questions.
“To me, courage means standing by what you believe in, taking responsibility for your work, and learning from mistakes,” she says. “But it also means being brave enough to ask what might seem like a silly question, because that’s how you grow.”
A message to the future
Looking ahead, Pavi is focused on growth, both in her role and beyond. “If I could send a message to my future self, I’d say: keep learning, keep working hard, it will pay off. And don’t forget to make time for hobbies and new skills.”
Adventures beyond the office
One of those hobbies is travel, a passion rooted in her childhood. “I love planning a trip, learning about a new place, its history, its culture, the food. It’s all part of the adventure,” she says.
Pavi’s story is a great example of what makes SSC special: a place where early passions can grow into purposeful work, and where learning is a shared experience.
