Jessica Angel: Building her aerospace journey as a telemetry engineer in France

(August 23, 2025) In her first year as a telemetry engineer at Latitude, Jessica Angel is learning what it means to grow with a young space startup—juggling steep technical challenges with the need to recharge outside of work. At the French company building the Zephyr launch vehicle, she ensures the rocket’s communication systems perform reliably, while also finding balance through family ties, faith, and creative outlets. For Jessica, this early stage of her career is about more than engineering; it’s about shaping a life that keeps curiosity and well-being in harmony.

From childhood curiosity to lifelong commitment

When Angel was around 12, she was fascinated by aircraft and spacecraft, wondering how these giant machines defied gravity and soared into the skies. “Unlike sea or land travel, where humans have alternative means like swimming or walking, air travel leaves us completely dependent on machines. This dependency intrigued me and drove me to learn more,” she says.

Her grandfather, a former combatant in the Indian Air Force, played a huge role in nurturing this passion. His stories about radar operations and radio communications were like windows into another world. “Around the same time, my dad and I would watch aviation documentaries and episodes of Air Crash Investigations together—those moments not only deepened my curiosity but also became some of my most formative learning experiences. Over time, this curiosity transformed into a commitment; I wanted to be part of the technological advancements shaping the future of flight and space exploration,” she says.

Building the foundation in Hyderabad

Angel grew up in Hyderabad, a city that feels like a beautiful mix of old-world charm and modern energy. “I was always a curious child, the kind who would open up radios just to see what was inside, much to my parents’ horror! Looking back, I think that curiosity defined my early years,” she smiles.

While school taught her discipline and perseverance, it was during her engineering studies in electronics and communications at JNTU Hyderabad that she truly started to understand how powerful technology can be. “My education gave me not just technical knowledge but also the ability to approach challenges logically and with confidence. It shaped me into someone who doesn’t shy away from complex problems but rather enjoys finding solutions to them,” she explains.

Taking flight in France

Academically, her real turning point came when she moved to France to pursue her master’s degree at ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile) in Toulouse. The program, Aerospace Systems Navigation and Telecommunication, allowed her to dive deep into advanced aerospace technologies and gave her the confidence to work at a global level.

“Leaving home and moving abroad was not just a professional milestone but a personal one; it pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me independence, and reinforced my determination to chase my dreams,” she explains.

When she joined Latitude, a young French space startup building a launch vehicle called Zephyr, she suddenly found herself in the middle of something far bigger than she had ever imagined. “The early days were intense, filled with steep learning curves, long hours, and plenty of problem-solving. One highlight was being entrusted, as a fresher, with the responsibility of working on the telemetry subsystem for our launch vehicle. While challenging, this experience taught me to embrace ownership and stay solution-focused, even under pressure. Every success here has been a team effort, and every challenge has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally,” she says.

Life at Latitude

Angel works as a telemetry engineer at Latitude, making sure their rocket can “talk” to them, meaning it sends accurate, real-time data during tests and flight. This data is essential for monitoring the health and performance of the vehicle.

“I’m involved in designing, testing, and qualifying the telemetry subsystem and the RF communication chain. I also collaborate with other teams to ensure everything integrates smoothly. No two days are the same. One day I’m analysing data, and the next I’m coordinating with different teams to make sure the subsystem integrates seamlessly. Being in a startup means wearing many hats, and that’s something I truly enjoy; the learning is exponential,” she says.

Shaping her path as an engineer

Jessica believes that every Indian who contributes globally is a bridge between cultures, values, and innovation. For her, being a global citizen means being rooted in the richness of Indian traditions yet open to learning and adapting in an interconnected world.

“Once during a hardware integration phase, I realised the test bench wiring didn’t match the schematic, something tiny but crucial. I was the youngest in the room and almost hesitated to speak up. But I did, and it turned out to prevent a failed test and hours of troubleshooting. That moment taught me that attention to detail matters and that your voice counts, no matter how early you are in your career,” she explains.

Balancing work, life, and growth

Work-life balance for her is not about dividing time equally but about finding harmony between what you love and what you need to recharge. “Start the day with clear priorities instead of a long to-do list. When I am off work, I try to fully disconnect, even if just for a few hours, to recharge mentally. A quick workout or a few minutes of meditation goes a long way. Reading, spending time with loved ones, or exploring creative outlets helps me stay inspired and balanced,” she says.

Angel strongly believes that young professionals should not be afraid to take risks. “Joining a startup was a risk for me, but it turned into an opportunity for exponential learning and growth. We grow the most when we step outside our comfort zone,” she admits.

Her biggest sources of inspiration have always been her parents and sisters. “My mother’s quiet strength, my father’s wisdom, and the constant encouragement from my sisters have shaped me more than anything else. Their faith in me—even during moments I doubt myself—reminds me daily of what it means to show up with love, courage, and purpose,” she says. And she admits that above all, her faith in God is what keeps her grounded. A life lesson that she lives by is simple but powerful: ‘challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones.’

Looking to the future of space

Looking ahead, she aims to deepen her expertise in aerospace systems and contribute to building reliable and innovative launch technologies. “I also plan to pursue a doctorate in a subject of interest in aerospace navigation technologies, which will not only enhance my technical knowledge but also expose me to diverse global perspectives. Ultimately, I see myself contributing to projects that make space more accessible, sustainable, and impactful for humanity,” she concludes.

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