Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

 

Can you imagine a Saudi woman building rockets or owning her own aerospace company? Well, one of them does.



At a time when women’s driving in Saudi Arabia is still a debatable issue worldwide, where women can own cars but not drive them, women in the workforce is yet another concern in the Kingdom.

 

Various jobs have been opened for Saudi women, such as beauty and fashion retails, you can even see a few women in restaurants and client servicing departments.



Rather unusual for a Saudi woman, Mishaal Ashemimry, dared to do something different. “I am an Aerospace Engineer.”



Ashemimry was born in the US, spent her early years in Saudi and then moved back to the US to pursue her life-long passion for rockets and space exploration. 



“My fascination with space started at the age of six while gazing at the stars in the Unayzah desert. To feed my curiosity I decided to learn how to build space vehicles that will enable me to explore space and one day take her there.



Since then my focus has been to become an aerospace engineer and contribute to the development of space vehicles and rockets.”



Ashemimry earned two Bachelor of Science Degrees in Aerospace Engineering and in Applied Mathematics from Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, and a Master of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering.



Her master’s degree research was funded by NASA, which included tuition and a stipend.



Based in Miami, she previously worked for Raytheon Missile Systems’ Aerodynamics Department and contributed to twenty-two different rocket programs.



Her company MISHAAL Aerospace specializes in launch vehicle development to send small satellites (<=500 kg) to Low Earth Orbit.



In an exclusive interview with Saudi Gazette, Ashemimry spoke about her relationship with aerodynamics.



SG: Tell us about MISHAAL Aerospace. What does it do?



MA: My company, MISHAAL Aerospace designs, develop and launch our own line of rockets: The M-Rocket series.



The M-Rocket series is the first generation of cost-effective space access vehicles. There are two main vehicles in the M line the M-SV (Suborbital Vehicle) and M-OV (Orbital Vehicle).



The M-SV rocket is also used a booster in the M-OV. The M-SV is a hybrid rocket that we make entirely in-house and the static test we conducted on August 11, 2014 was to demonstrate our propulsion system and validate our design and manufacturing process.



The great news is the test was successful and our propulsion system preformed as expected. The success of this test brought tears of joy to my eyes, because it took blood, sweat, tears and a lot of hard work to get there. So I thank god for that.



SG: For aspiring women in your field, what advice would you give them?



MA: Make sure this is something you want to do and love to do. Make sure you are really passionate about it, because it will get tough whether you are on your way to getting that degree or you are already in the workforce.



Moreover, try to figure out what you want to do with that degree, do you want to work for the industry to gain experience then start your own business in aerospace? Or do you want to just work for industry forever? Or do you just want to be in the academic and research field? You can figure these out by trying all of them out and seeing which one best suits you or if you already know exactly what makes you happy then shoot directly for it.



Another thing to consider, if you plan to be an aerospace engineer and want to work in the US, most likely you will require citizenship, especially if you plan to work for rocket companies.



So keep that in mind when you think of where you want to work. General aviation is not that restrictive compared to the space and rocket sector of aerospace.



Also remember like any engineering field, it is strongly dominated by males and hence you will find yourself, as a woman, having to work three times as hard to get recognized for the same thing a male does.



This is just part of the game, so don’t take it personally, eventually when we can dominate this field we can make the males work 4 times as hard (I state this with humor of course).



In addition, like any other field sometimes it can get a little competitive, so just roll with it.



Lastly, I will leave you with this:



In life ones is lucky to have a dream, to stop at just having a dream is a calamity. One must make this dream a reality and have the willingness to walk through hell to do that.



For the path to transforming a dream into a reality is an arduous one, which is full of obstacles and deterrents. One must not lose sight of the dream and have the perseverance to achieve it.



Never be afraid to fail, because through failure you will learn how not to do it, and can start over with that knowledge and soon you will succeed.



SG: How did you develop this interest and how did it feel to complete the first static test?



MA: To start, I was always fascinated with fixing things around the house, building things, making model rockets…etc.



In addition, while I was in high school I participated in three robotics competitions, namely, FIRST Robotics competition in 2001 and 2002 and Battlebots.



In 2001 our team won 1st place regionally (competing against 80 teams), and 3rd nationally (competing against 400 teams).



Following my two Bachelor of Science Degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mathematics, I pursued a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering.



My research for my Master’s Degree was funded by NASA. Therefore, NASA paid for the research, tuition, and a stipend.



Once completed I published my research at the 43rd AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit. Following my Master’s Degree I worked for Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ for two years.



While there, I conducted four wind tunnel tests and worked on twenty-two different rocket programs. Then in 2010, I founded MISHAAL Aerospace.



To preface how I got to starting my own business let me describe the aerospace market at the time. The aerospace job market in 2010 was slowing down and many companies had several layoffs rather than hire events.



So when I left Raytheon it was difficult to find other jobs in the market. As a result I was faced with either moping around and waiting until a job opening at some aerospace company opens, or start my own.



I was faced with either leading or following; I chose leading. Consequently, I created my own opportunity to start my own company.



Naturally, I had some help, I am fortunate to have a strong support from my family and friends.



Many people may think this move is too high of a risk, especially in the field of Aerospace. It is true, it is very high risk. However; it is better to have tried and failed than not have tried at all. Of course, trying and succeeding is the goal.



SG: Tell us about your typical day at work- what is your job like?



MA: Well in my position, I fill many hats. Some days I find myself as an engineer, then shortly after running the business, following that strategizing and planning logistics, then writing.



As is the case with most small businesses, most people will fill many positions to get things done.



As an engineer, I sometimes make the CAD drawings, run simulations, write codes, and predict rocket behavior using these codes.



In addition, brainstorm with my team to solve certain rocket or design problems. As the CEO, I run the show, plan our marketing strategy, launch strategy, and go-to-market strategies as well as contact several potential clients to discuss working together to advance their objectives.



I also, meet with potential investors to discuss our business and secure future funding.



Moreover, I write the business plans, briefs, and proposals. These are just some of the things I do on a daily basis.



SG: How do you think Saudi women have or can develop inner strength and how are they daring to achieve more than previous generations? Where do you get inspiration?



MA: Certainly the desire to achieve is innate and I believe every person strives to push their capabilities further through learning.



It is evident that Saudi women have certainly pushed the envelope on achievement as I have seen many successful women that either created a name for themselves as business owners, doctors, scientists, engineers, artists, designers, and educators.



It has always amazed me how creative some of them are and I am very proud of their strength and willingness to venture into unchartered waters and set the standard even higher.



As to where I get my inspiration and motivation. This is an interesting question, because sometimes I actually lose it and get frustrated.



However, when I look back at the moment I was inspired, when I was six, it somehow puts things into perspective. I guess you can say I get my inspiration through my younger eyes staring at the sky in awe and enthusiasm.



Once I relive that moment I am back on track and realize that child-like curiosity still lives within me as an adult.