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Join on Telegram Rabat — Morocco World News (MWN) sat recently with Somaya Bennani to listen to her insights about the recent analog space mission experiences and her journey as a Moroccan woman breaking barriers in the aerospace industry.
Bennani was freshly coming from a historic participation in simulation missions designed to test human capabilities for future space exploration. These missions replicate the conditions astronauts might face during actual planetary expeditions, allowing researchers to gather crucial data on human performance in extreme environments.
“Compared to my previous analogue mission Asclepios 2, this mission was longer and more operationally demanding,” the young Moroccan woman said of her latest mission.
The mission included “complex scientific experiments and technological tests,” she added, explaining that this allowed for a more comprehensive training experience.
However, she noted a difference in team composition compared to her previous mission. “At MDRS Crew 311, there were only French students except me, while ATLAS crew in Asclepios 2 had more than 9 nationalities,” Bennani said, revering diversity and how a diverse team dynamics can vary between missions.
These analog missions involved sophisticated technological tools for evaluating human performance. Bennani worked with “joysticks and Virtual Reality” systems that were implemented to “evaluate cognitive workload and improve human-robot collaboration for future planetary missions.”
Such research represents an important step toward understanding how humans and robotic systems can effectively work together in space environments.
Braving stereotypes as a Moroccan woman
When asked about being a Moroccan woman in aerospace, Bennani spoke candidly about her experiences navigating a field where representation from her background remains limited.
“Being a Moroccan woman in aerospace has been both challenging and rewarding. In a field where representation is still limited, I had to work harder to find opportunities and prove my capabilities,” she told MWN.
The challenges Bennani faced were not just related to gender but also her nationality and background, but she did not cave in and pursued her passion for aerospace and astronomy.
“I faced bureaucratic and nationality-related obstacles when pursuing certain studies and internships, but I never let that stop me from pushing forward,” Bennani said.
These obstacles ranged from visa issues to qualification recognition problems that many professionals from “developing” countries encounter when pursuing international opportunities in specialized fields.
The challenges and hurdles Bennani faced didn’t deter her from pursuing her childhood passion about aerospace exploration.
Bennani has forged ahead with determination and resilience. Using perseverance as her weapon and shield has paid off as she continues to make valuable contributions to analog space missions and aerospace research.
Her experience shows how persistence can dodge both institutional and cultural obstacles that often dispirit many talented individuals from pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Bennani’s journey is an inspiration for others facing similar challenges. When asked what message she would share with young Moroccan women dreaming of similar careers, she offered encouraging advice.
“Never let external limitations define your potential. Be open to different experiences, build strong networks, and most importantly, believe in yourself even when others doubt you,” she said.
How Bennani made her dream come true
The young woman spoke about the importance of networking and finding mentors who can guide any aspiring youth in navigating the complex aerospace industry. She explains that building connections with professionals already established in the field has been an essential part of her own success story.
Looking toward the future, Bennani remains optimistic about increasing diversity in space exploration.
“The world of aerospace is changing, and there is a growing need for diverse perspectives,” she told MWN.
This sentiment reflects a growing recognition within the aerospace industry that diverse teams often produce more innovative solutions to complex problems.
For Bennani, the inclusion of professionals from varied cultural backgrounds contributes invaluable alternative viewpoints to space mission planning and execution.
As space agencies and private companies continue to expand their missions beyond Earth orbit, these diverse perspectives will become increasingly valuable.
Bennani’s hope is for her experience to be proof of the ongoing need for greater inclusivity in science and technology fields. She wants her success story to serve as a powerful reminder that talent exists everywhere, and that removing barriers to participation benefits not just individuals but the advancement of space exploration as a whole.
Through her work and advocacy, Bennani continues to open doors for future generations of Moroccan women and other underrepresented groups in aerospace.
Her journey demonstrates that with persistence, support networks, and unwavering belief in one’s abilities, it is possible to overcome barriers and make meaningful contributions to humanity’s quest to explore the cosmos.
