Future of Aerospace with Llorenç Forasté Gómez

Welcome to part two of The Future of Aerospace, where I interview some of the most intellectual, creative and inspiring leaders in Aerospace. Here you will find insightful knowledge for up-and-coming leaders in the industry and I couldn't think of a better guest to share their journey.

Today I am joined by Llorenç Forasté Gómez, Engineering Manager at Astra.

Llorenç's exceptional accomplishments are a testament to his innovation, adaptability, and pursuit of excellence.

A big thank you to Llorenç for his time and for providing amazing insight.

Navigating the Cosmos: Llorenç’s Journey in Aerospace Simulation and Analysis

In the ever-evolving realm of aerospace engineering, Llorenç’s journey stands out as a testament to innovation, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. Llorenç, a seasoned professional in the field of aerospace simulation and analysis, shares his remarkable experiences and insights into the industry's transformative landscape.

Llorenç's career has revolved around the critical domain of simulation and analysis. In aerospace, it's imperative to comprehend how prototypes will perform before they are physically constructed. This applies to a wide array of vehicles, from space exploration to aviation. He worked as a consultant for a software company, collaborating with clients across the aerospace and automotive sectors. His mission was to assist in developing simulation solutions and mathematical models to ensure compliance with performance standards and design integrity.

Llorenç's expertise extends beyond theory into practical implementation. He devised methodologies for different companies, addressing diverse scenarios, loading conditions, and environmental factors. His contributions played a pivotal role in enabling these firms to develop vehicles that meet exacting standards. Llorenç's early career showcased his adaptability and analytical prowess, which would serve as the foundation for future endeavours. Over the past five years, the space industry has undergone a seismic shift, marked by rapid advancements and a surge in private sector engagement. Llorenç recognized the industry's potential and sought to be an integral part of this transformative phase. He joined Astra, his current employer, with a vision to implement simulation methodologies and processes at a faster pace, aligning with the industry's need for agility and profitability.

Llorenç's mission at Astra is to balance the rigorous demands of aerospace engineering with the speed required by the private sector. While traditional aerospace processes may have been slower, the evolving landscape necessitates revisiting and optimizing these methods. The goal is to ensure that simulation techniques align with modern standards and can accommodate the industry's swift pace, characterized by frequent launches and innovation. Simulation remains at the core of Llorenç's journey. It blends rigorous research, mathematical precision, and practical implementation. The collaboration between academia and industry plays a pivotal role in shaping cutting-edge methodologies while ensuring their applicability to real-world engineering challenges.

The most rewarding aspect of Llorenç's career lies in witnessing his virtual designs come to life in the physical world. The thrill of seeing launch vehicles designed through meticulous simulation actually take flight into space is an unparalleled experience. Astra's successful orbital missions serve as a testament to the impact of Llorenç's work. Llorenç's journey exemplifies the dynamism of the aerospace industry. His commitment to balancing tradition with innovation, rigor with speed, and simulation with real-world impact positions him as a guiding light for aspiring aerospace professionals. As the industry continues to reach for the stars, individuals like Llorenç are at the forefront, shaping the future of space exploration, one simulation at a time.

Llorenç’s Key Qualities and Skills that Drive His Success as a Leader

Llorenç's leadership success is underpinned by a blend of technical acumen and critical soft skills. On the technical front, he excels in striking a balance between rigour and schedule. He's adept at identifying problems, exploring multiple solutions, and selecting the most optimal path forward to prevent venturing into uncharted territory. This ability to streamline complex issues while working efficiently is a hallmark of his leadership.

Llorenç also emphasizes the importance of staying updated with the latest academic research and industry standards, ensuring that his team uses cutting-edge methods and techniques. This commitment to ongoing learning keeps his team at the forefront of their field.

On the soft skills side, Llorenç is a team builder who understands the nuances of individual team members. He recognizes that effective management isn't just about guiding people but also delegating tasks based on their current development stage and needs. With junior team members, he adopts a mentoring role, providing guidance and support. In contrast, for seasoned professionals, he allows them autonomy in their work, focusing on progress updates rather than micromanaging.

Another key aspect of Llorenç's leadership is creating a work environment where every team member's contributions are valued and encouraged. He ensures open lines of communication, allowing individuals to share their unique perspectives and ideas, even if they deviate from the norm. This approach fosters an atmosphere of collaboration and innovation.

Llorenç's effective leadership extends beyond the workplace. He takes a holistic approach, considering the personal lives of his team members. This level of understanding and empathy for their lives outside of work contributes to a positive and harmonious team dynamic. His leadership style is a harmonious blend of technical excellence and emotional intelligence, making him a successful and respected leader in the aerospace industry.

Llorenç's Perspective on Technological Advancements Shaping the Aerospace Industry

Llorenç offers valuable insights into the technological advancements that are playing a transformative role in the aerospace industry. These advancements are key drivers of change, enabling the industry to become more efficient, environmentally friendly, and adaptable.

Shift Towards Private Space Industry:

Llorenç notes a revolutionary shift in the space industry, where private companies are taking the lead in launching vehicles into space. This transition from a government-dominated sector to private enterprise has accelerated the pace of development, necessitating a complete transformation of manufacturing, engineering, and production processes.

Reusable and Fast Manufacturing:

The two primary strategies that are shaping the aerospace industry involve reusability and fast manufacturing. Companies are either focusing on developing reusable launch vehicles or revolutionizing manufacturing processes to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding market. Reusability allows for cost savings and increased launch frequency, while fast manufacturing, similar to the automotive industry, relies on efficient supply chains to produce vehicles quickly.

Decarbonization and Sustainable Technologies:

In line with global efforts to reduce emissions, the aerospace industry is shifting its focus towards sustainability. This includes exploring electric aircraft and sustainable fuels. Llorenç anticipates that emissions reductions will soon extend to rocketry, further driving the need for eco-friendly propulsion systems.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration:

Llorenç identifies the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in managing launch vehicle launches and space operations. As the industry evolves, AI will play a more significant role in optimizing launch procedures and managing space-bound missions.

Advanced Predictive Modeling:

The aerospace industry is gradually shifting from extensive testing to advanced predictive modeling and simulation. Llorenç envisions a future where the need for physical testing is reduced, thanks to highly accurate mathematical models and simulations. This shift can lead to faster design and development cycles and reduced costs.

Llorenç’s Approach to Mentoring and Coaching

Llorenç believes that when engineers possess more than one skill set, it not only makes them more flexible but also motivates them to stay with the team. It fosters an environment of continuous learning and relevance, which is key to retaining team members. Llorenç recognizes that individuals leave teams when they feel they are not learning anything new or their work lacks impact and relevance.

To ensure ongoing learning and resourcefulness, Llorenç allocates time for training and emphasizes teamwork. He sets team goals on a quarterly basis, allowing individuals to set their own learning goals for personal development. He also believes in steering junior team members in the right direction when they are unsure about what they want to learn. This approach ensures that learning is both individual and collective, fostering a sense of accomplishment and progress.

Moreover, Llorenç highlights the importance of being humble as a leader. He acknowledges that he can learn from his team members, including those with more experience or expertise in specific areas. This humility and willingness to learn from the team contribute to a collaborative and growth-oriented work environment.

Llorenç's Advice for Aspiring Leaders in the Aerospace Industry

Llorenç provides valuable advice for aspiring leaders in the aerospace industry, emphasizing the importance of both technical expertise and soft skills in a rapidly changing environment:

1. Balance Technical and Soft Skills:

In engineering-focused roles, technical proficiency is crucial. However, Llorenç underscores the growing importance of soft skills in leadership. Aspiring leaders should not only excel in their technical domain but also prioritize developing strong interpersonal and communication skills.

2. Individualized Approach:

Llorenç highlights the significance of recognizing that each team member is unique and has their own set of needs and circumstances. Successful leaders must take the time to understand their team members on a personal level and be attuned to their individual situations. This personalized approach ensures that leaders can provide the necessary support and guidance tailored to each team member.

3. Dynamic Management Style:

A one-size-fits-all management approach is not effective. Llorenç advises that leaders should adapt their management style based on the specific requirements and preferences of each team member. Flexibility and adaptability in leadership are key to effectively engage and motivate a diverse group of individuals.

In summary, Llorenç's advice underscores the evolving nature of leadership in the aerospace industry. While technical expertise remains essential, aspiring leaders should equally prioritize the development of soft skills, practice individualized management, and maintain a dynamic approach to leadership that caters to the unique needs of each team member. This holistic approach ensures a harmonious balance between technical excellence and effective leadership in today's aerospace sector.