Beyond boundaries

The early 1990s was an exciting time for large-scale physics experiments.

In 1989, CERN had switched on the Large Electron Positron collider in Geneva, in a quest to better understand Z particles, carriers of the weak interaction, the force that makes the nuclear fusion in the sun possible. A few years later, in an attempt to detect the then only dreamed-of gravitational waves, construction began on a giant Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory in Europe and two other similar observatories across the Atlantic.

Studying for a bachelor’s degree physics in Rome at the time, Davide Castellazzi wanted in on the action. He opted to focus his thesis and post-bachelor work on a collaborative European project to detect gravitational waves originating from beyond our galaxy, an experience that showed Castellazzi how much he enjoyed participating in huge multinational endeavours.

“I liked the international cooperation of teams building something beyond the boundaries of what can be realised,” said Castellazzi.

“I was and continue to be motivated by the difficulties and technical challenges of this kind of project.”

He brings this passion to his current role as System Manager of the EUMETSAT Polar System – Second Generation (EPS-SG), a pair of satellites that will carry state-of-the-art instruments for weather and climate monitoring and prediction. Each satellite will be replaced twice, enabling the mission to extend until at least 2046.

He supports a wide range of teams, including those who work on the satellites themselves and those who develop the ground segment – the people involved in preparing the operation of the satellites. He also supports science experts responsible for defining the data processing algorithms and those designing and procuring the needed ground segment functionalities.