EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT -Simone Marocchi and the art of Communication for Human Robotic Exploration
This week we’ve had the chance to meet Simone Marocchi – Communication Expert for Human and Robotic Exploration at ESA (European Space Agency) on behalf of ATG Europe. At the European Astronaut Center in Cologne, Simone oversees, prepares, and implements communication campaigns for human exploration missions for some of our finest Astronauts. A lot has been said, therefore find out more about what drives him and his views on the industry, below.
Thank you for taking the time Simone – could you tell us more about you, your background and how you got here?
Simone Marocchi
Communication Expert for Human and Robotic Exploration
Thank you all for having me today. Everything started at the beginning, where I was born in in Italy. I studied in a scientific high school in Mantova because I always liked scientific subjects and their rational aspects. After that, it was difficult to choose my university course.
My first idea was Architecture, as I really love interior design, but at that time was highly requested and this made me think that I wouldn’t have had career opportunities afterwards.
So, I decided for Economy of Tourism course in Bologna, to pursue my passion for travelling, maybe first hints for exploration? I also had the opportunity to work in a café during that time, it was an interesting and funny experience because I was quickly leading the shifts, giving me a first hint to what I am good that, managing, scheduling and team building.
After university I was a bit lost, I didn’t know where to go and where to start but I knew I wanted to go abroad for more experiences, and I attended to that. First stop Girona in Spain managing some shops and improve my Spanish. This adventure was brief but fruitful, I had to return home where I found a job. I worked for PIUSI SPA in Mantova as an International Account and Marketing Executive; a company that produces pumps for refuelling in the automotive and agriculture industry. I quickly took over the Marketing and Exhibition side to reach new clients because of my grit, skills, and multicultural background. It was a very nice position with 12/14 exhibitions implemented per year, 50% of them consisting of European appearances, 50% worldwide and I oversaw all the operations for 6 years. It was nice because I was working directly with the CEO executives of the company, this made for a very agile collaboration.
Due to my curiosity and desire for professional growth, I decided to attend master’s in marketing and digital communication. This was at the time we could start to notice an emergence in social media and digital techniques, I wanted to bank on that knowledge.
I was asked to stay at PIUSI SPA for more growth opportunities but that happened right when I decided to move to Germany with determination. I started looking for a job in-situ, and that’s when I noticed a peculiar job ad mentioning some Training support Admin position for Astronauts in Cologne. A week later a super friendly Italian recruiter contacted me about it. After a pleasant interview process, I found myself in a dream position.
That’s when things got interesting, my first duties were to help organize the Field Analogue Training for European and International Astronauts, aimed to prepare astronauts with skills to explore uncharted terrains on the Moon and Mars. My first task covered the PANGAEA Training in Lanzarote, where I offered logistic support. It is an amazing geological course, made of theoretical lessons held by university professors and scientists, and practical traverse on site.
Finally, that’s when we get to today, supporting ESA communication at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne. I was assigned on 2019 to support Luca Parmitano and his second mission “Beyond” on the ISS.I was responsible to implement all the PR and communication activities around the mission.
Simone attending the ESA’s #Pangaea astronaut geology field training course with the Astronaut Team (ESA 2017) Ries Crater – Germany
One event that I remember pretty well, was the DJ session of Luca from ISS during World Club Dome. Some unforgettable memories I cherish were; the talk between Luca and Paul McCartney or the duet with Jovanotti.
What does your position entail today, could you give us a glimpse into your daily work routine?
Well, the list is long, but overall, I contribute to preparing and implementing all communication campaigns for human exploration missions in cooperation with ESA’s Media Relations departments, ESA Outreach, National Space Agencies, and the ESA Newsrooms, as well as all international bodies taking part in the latter operations.
I also support media and institutional events related to ESA astronauts’ appearance, plan the execution of ESA/EAC participation in events and exhibitions, and support all the communication activities of ESA Italian Astronauts.
This allowed me to take part in some very tense interactions when I was implementing Luca Parmitano and Samantha Cristoforetti’s missions. It’s very inspiring and extraordinary job, comporting high responsibility. Sometimes I had to settle live events with Luca or Samantha from ISS to Earth, interacting with NASA, its operators setting up for a 20 min connection that had to fit a specific orbital window. Quite unusual but amazing to experience. There is a lot of coordination and preparation behind every activity implemented.
Is there an event, or a moment that stands out to you?
I think is difficult to pick up a moment in these years, as I said, it is an extraordinary and unique job. One highlight of my work until today was when Luca started mentioning how he wanted to talk more about Climate change. Astronauts take picture form space of our planet, and natural events, like for example hurricanes, but we wanted to see what’s happening with a closer eye. That’s when we decided to organize an initiative with ESA Earth Observation department and partners. We organized an expedition on the glaciers on the Swiss alps. Luca attended despite a very dense communication schedule. No one can communicate better about Climate change than our Astronauts, and I truly believe we can make an impact.
On the other hand, Samantha’s work was more about the Climate, its preservation and restoration, preparing for the future through meaningful scholarships; furthermore, I also really enjoyed communicating about Earth, managing UN related cooperations. I felt glad to contribute to spread these important messages.
On a side note, Luca was the one that captured some beautiful shots of the CAT 5 Hurricane Dorian, quite the event.
What does innovation mean to you, Simone?
In my job’s perspective, it’s all about teaching children the importance of space and what we do up there. It’s about offering them role models through our Astronauts, inspiring great values.
For me innovation is another word for dream, a great medium to inspire it. It’s about planting a seed in the right place and watching it grow.
Could you tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
Like I said I love interior design, so I love to redecorate my home and create things. I am full of energy and turning that energy into something that’s useful for myself is what I love to do. My work consists of a lot of hours in front of the laptop, so I like to loosen the focus and work with hands on what I can benefit from.
Otherwise, I am a big photography fan, I love it.
Would you see yourself doing anything in life instead of what you are doing today at the EAC?
I would still work in the Marketing and communications industry in some other shape and form. Maybe in another company, attending to another industry; I don’t know. But I don’t really see myself doing anything else.
To me it’s not about selling a product, it’s a lot of psychology around the customer. Marketing is a fascinating science, involving different aspect of social life, that seeks to satisfy needs, hunt and play with it in creative and informative ways. You can do a lot of good with such a medium, and I realize its power.
Simone at The European Astronaut Centre
If I really need to answer though, then I would travel. Cliché, but then again, I would still communicate about my trips.
We would like to thank Simone for taking the time to answer these questions. Best of luck for what’s to come in the new year ahead.
