“I still get excited every time I see a rocket launch” Marta Escudero is the Director of the Space Division at GTD, one of the leading companies in Europe when it comes to critical software for the aerospace, energy, scientific and security industries. Jessica BowlerEvery day, thousands of people go Mar Bella beach in the Poblenou area of, Barcelona, without ever thinking about what could be going on in the nearby buildings. This is where you'll find the corporate offices of GTD, a high tech company that develops projects using the most advanced software in Europe for the aeronautical and maritime sectors, scientific facilities, infrastructures… and for the space race. This is where Marta Escudero, Director of the Space Division of this pioneer company, works. “A normal day at the office doesn’t look like something out of a science fiction movie, but, sometimes, it's even better. The projects produced at GTD for clients like the European Space Agency are more impressive than the biggest Hollywood movies, because they're real and not just something you see on the big screen”, Escudero says proudly. What does GTD do, exactly?GTD is a company that was founded almost thirty years ago, in 1987. We develop software and we specialize in the design, development and implementation of critical systems. How did the company start working in the space sector?In 1989 we started working on a project for the European launcher Ariane 5. It consisted of a supervision and control system for the rocket’s integration process at the launch base in French Guiana.Once the system was installed at the base, we went there to oversee the maintenance and the operations of the new launches. At the same time, we were getting new contracts for system development here in Barcelona. Today, we can say that practically all of the critical computer systems at the space base have been developed by GTD. What other activities does GTD’s Space Division do?For the on-board segment, we develop software for satellites and space transportation vehicles. For example, we did the flight program for the Vega launcher and a large part of the Ariane 5. For the ATV (Advanced Transfer Vehicle), a spacecraft that carries supplies to the International Space Station, we’re developing the most complex program ever created in in Europe so: the ATV can dock at the Station. All of these software are critical; they can't fail because an error could cost people their lives. What's your next project?We have lots of ongoing projects, two of which stand out. We just signed, along with the French Space Agency (CNES) and Airbus Safran Launchers, the biggest contract in GTD’s history to create the control systems for Ariane 6. Ariane 6 is the future European launcher with its first flight scheduled to take place in 2020.Another very important project is ALTAIR, the goal of which is to show the viability of a launch system for small satellites, composed of an unmanned aircraft and an innovative rocket that uses green hybrid propulsion. It’s a project financed by the European Union, in which companies from six different countries participate. Critical?A lot of our software qualifies as “critical”, meaning that an error can cost people their lives. What kind of clients do you work with?We work with all the important companies in the space sector, like the French Space Agency, the European Space Agency, Airbus and Arianespace, among others. The space sector is quite limited. Occasionally, a client becomes a supplier. What’s so special about working in this largely unknown sector?It’s an exciting adventure. The people involved need to have very extensive technological knowledge because our systems will be in operation for more than twenty years. That means, we have to keep up with new technology for our ongoing projects, while still maintaining our skills in outdated technologies so we can keep the systems operational. “The people involved need to have very extensive technological knowledge because our systems might be in operation for twenty years without being changed” You have offices in several cities, but what would you highlight about your Barcelona office?Our clients love Barcelona and they always want to have our meetings here. GTD’s headquarters are in Barcelona, and this is where we have everything we need to develop and validate our systems. We have a good working environment, flexible working hours, a lot of training and continuous improvement. How did you become GTD’s Space Division Director?I’m a physicist, so I have scientific training. I started my professional career teaching classes. I decided that I wanted to do something practical –which physics isn’t-, so I started studying computer science on my own. Later, I learned about GTD through a job offer. They were looking for someone to be in charge of the Software quality for GTD’s first space project. I liked the company, so I said “I’m up to the challenge” at my job interview. After a few months I became a project manager, later I was appointed as head of the department; and, finally, the Space division was created. I’m very proud of all the work that we’ve done and of everything that we’ve accomplished over the years. Is there any one project that you’ve especially enjoyed?One special project was the creation of the space control center in French Guiana, the typical control room with screens everywhere that always shows up in news reports about launches. We submitted a bid for the project, but lost it. Two years later, the launch date was approaching and the company that won the bid couldn’t follow through. The client contacted us urgently to ask if we would be able to complete the project in six months. We were managed to take on the project, and, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the team, it was operational on the scheduled date. This project boosted our reputation and credibility in the whole space sector. A lot of these projects sound like something from a science fiction movie. Is that what a normal day at the office looks for you?For me, a normal day at the office can be a bit like a movie. Every time I see a launch, I get just as excited as the first time. Fortunately, we have very few problems when it comes to the launches, but when we something does happen, it really affects us. Did you ever imagine yourself working on projects like these and being a Space Director?When I was a child, I wanted to become an astronaut and work at NASA. I distinctly recall my first interview here; my intention wasn’t to work in the Space department. It’s something that I never imagined doing, but life is always full of nice surprises. Space, security, energy… GTD works in many different fields.GTD opened its doors in 1987 as a company specialized in the development of high quality information systems. Today, GTD works with clients from a wide range of sectors, including space, aeronautics, maritime-port, energy, scientific facilities and security.The company specializes in developing software for a wide range of needs. They've worked on projects such as a simulation tool for civil aircrafts to plan a certain phase of a test flight, systems for managing port facilities, integrating renewable energies into an electricity network, supervising scientific laboratories and even controlling a nuclear fusion reactor. They also offer customized consultancy and bespoke projects. Their clients include Air France, Boeing, the Spanish National Port and Harbors Authority, Endesa and Gas Natural.One of the most innovative software created by GTD over the last few years is eWAS, a system designed to help airplane pilots avoid weather risks. The system provides the pilot with useful information like the exact position of weather events in real time, an optimized flight trajectory and, if necessary, an alternative flight plan. For the passengers, this can mean a more comfortable flight, since the pilot will have the necessary information in order to avoid turbulences. The latest version of this technology is available for iOS as an app. GTD’s Space Division's flagship projectsOver its nearly 30-year history, GTD has worked in many projects within the space industry. These are some of their most notable achievements: Developing the on-board software for the European launch centers as well as for their space vehicles and satellites (including Ariane 5, Seosat, Meteosat and Vega). Developing the control center for the Jupiter 2 mission. Developing launch centers for several European launchers –Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega– at the European Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. Creating the most critical software ever developed in Europe for the ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) space capsule. Being selected to review the six control systems for the Ariane 6 launcher, a project run by the European Space Agency to lower the recurring costs involved in large-scale operations. The objective is to launch the inaugural flight in 2020. More information Source: La Vanguardia - Business and Innovation
