„I’m very proud of what we can do and achieve here“
Interview: 6 questions, 7 answers
„I’m very proud of what we can do and achieve here“
Anja Frank
Field of study: Aerospace engineering
Now: Institute of Space Propulsion
Anja Frank studied aerospace engineering at the University of Stuttgart and started working as a test engineer at the Institute of Space Propulsion at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen in 1997. She is now Head of the Test Facilities department and is responsible for the highly audible and visible tests of space propulsion systems in the Harthäuser Wald.
Anja, what do you look forward to when coming to work in the morning?
Anja: My journey to my workplace at the Lampoldshausen site, which is hidden in the Harthäuser Wald, is already remarkable.
When I arrive, I look forward to exciting topics and questions, for example about the space propulsion systems that we investigate on our test benches, to great colleagues and a truly unique working environment. You really can’t get any closer to spaceflight than this!
„You can’t get any closer to spaceflight than this!“
What are you researching or working on?
Anja: My team and I are responsible for the test benches used to investigate space propulsion systems at our site in Lampoldshausen. The Test Facilities Department tests space propulsion systems and components, operates the necessary test bench infrastructure and the associated supply systems, and maintains and repairs them.
The test benches can be used for a wide range of applications – we can test everything from very small satellite propulsion systems to entire upper stages for various internal and external clients at the site. This means that a wide range of issues, including technical, organisational and personnel-related matters, end up on my desk daily and need to be handled.
What does your typical working day involve?
„The days when a test is scheduled at one of the large test benches are particularly exciting and varied. I’m still fascinated by the technology.“
Anja: There is no such thing as a typical working day. I’m responsible for a range of topics and work on various issues with my team. For example, a technical problem that has occurred at a test bench and needs to be understood and solved with the responsible colleagues.
Another area I’m responsible for is contract negotiations, for example with ESA or other international partners regarding the testing of space propulsion systems on DLR or ESA test benches.
And the days when a test is scheduled at one of the large test benches are particularly exciting and varied. I’m still fascinated by the technology. Then I take a look at the control room of the respective test bench and see how the preparations are going and how I can best support my team.
Anja Frank has been fascinated by spaceflight since she was a child. Today, she is in charge of the large test benches and leads the Test Facilities department.
How can you as a manager support the work of your team?
Anja: I can set goals and establish framework conditions and define them in such a way that they are meaningful and enable constructive work. I can provide my team with orientation through my prioritisation and point out opportunities or solutions for the team in case problems or difficult situations arise. But I also offer support, especially when time pressure increases during test campaigns.
„The opportunities and autonomy that DLR has to help shape the future of spaceflight are a great source of motivation.“
What are the highlights of your work?
Anja: When a demanding test that took a long time and a lot of preparation to complete can be carried out safely and successfully. I always share the excitement with my team in the control room because I know how much work each individual has put in and what a great achievement the team has accomplished. I’m very proud of what we can do and achieve here. The tests that were not or only partially successful are also a special challenge. Then the troubleshooting begins to reach the goal.
It's great to see how years of testing experience, hard work and, above all, the collaboration of all the necessary departments at the site come together in such a way that the test site has been successfully shaping the future of spaceflight for over 60 years without a hitch and without major incidents.
Working in the control room of a test bench has become rare. The planning of test campaigns, contract negotiations and the organisation of the department are important parts of the work as head of department.
Anja: I’m a goal- and solution-oriented and open to new ideas. I also see problems and setbacks as opportunities. I treat people with respect and enjoy working in a team.
Leave us a final thought.
Anja: The topics and areas that we are able to work on at DLR are truly unique. I’m proud of the contribution we make to Europe's independent access to space through our work at the Lampoldshausen site. The opportunities and autonomy that DLR has to help shape the future of spaceflight are a great source of motivation.
