From Warsaw University of Technology to Jupiter - an interview with Marta Tokarz

What are your recollections of the studies at PW?  

I decided to attend PW due to the good renown of the university. I also had the choice of studying Applied Mathematics at AGH in Cracow, also well-known for its high standards but I decided that I wanted to be closer to engineering. And I do not regret this decision!

The studies have been very intensive, we had a lot to learn but it was also very nice. I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere at the faculty, we organised some students trips so that we could integrate with other students and our lecturers. The time I have spent at PW was one of the best in my life. This is where I found new friends that last now and I have good memories of most teachers. 

How did you end up with Astronika and what is your current position there? Has the education acquired at PW helped you to get this job?  

It all started with the obligatory practices organised by PW. I ended up at the Space Research Centre of PAN. There, I acquired experience in specifications of space instruments and broadened my knowledge. When some specialists from this Centre launched Astronika, I was invited to become a shareholder and a member of the team. The start of this company enabled a new chapter in my life - a demanding one, but also a very satisfying one. 

What is your current specialisation and what projects do you work on now?

My specialisation is constructing precise mechanical devices. Recently, together with my team, we have finalized work on the RWI instrument (an electric antenna) that will travel to Jupiter in 2022 aboard the European JUICE mission. We are also working on an arm of a magnetometer for a combined Russian-Hungarian mission, funnily named TRABANT ;) Aside from these two projects, I am also engaged in two more research and development projects at the request of the European Space Agency. One revolves around an innovative technology of antennas expanding, and the other one is about an inertial dampener patented by our company. Not long ago, Astronika also won a contract for a very interesting project, centred on developing a system of flexible solar panels, and I hope to be engaged in it as well :-)  

Do you use the knowledge and skills acquired during your studies in your everyday work?

But of course I do! There is not a month when I would not open the manual of Prof. Tryliński or the “Brick”by Prof. Oleksiuk, as we used to call it at the faculty. I also work on selecting engines,  gear and bearings - and I have learned all of it during my studies.  

Can the students and graduates of PW join the Astronika team? And if yes, then how?

We are very open to collaboration with young people who have the ability to set their goals and pursue them. I must warn you, this is not easy! Our projects are naturally complex and non-standard. However, this enables us at Astronics to rapidly and efficiently acquire specialist knowledge; it is also a very satisfying job.

We offer interesting engineering challenges, opportunities of presenting the results of one’s paper on the biggest scientific conferences and an access to a unique knowledge innovative technologies. You can always count on the support of senior engineers who happily share their experience. You are most welcome to join our practices and training internships!

Graphics: freepic/tartila