Denis Eleferov is one of the bright young things making a difference at the Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) in Russia. He participates in writing software for measurement and computing to help with in-orbit satellite testing. His father had also been working in the satellite industry, but it was not a foregone conclusion that he would follow his footsteps.

Russia has a rich heritage in space, and the launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite is a source of national pride even now in a country that is steeped in space. In terms of where he sees the industry in 20 year’s time, Eleferov has an interesting vision. He believes many geostationary satellites will most likely have middleware for data processing on board and will use new frequency bands, such as Q-band and V-band.

Eleferov, like many previous interviewees in Generation Next, believes there are a number of differences between older generations and his generation. He says his generation is much more educated in the world of information, where any knowledge is easy to get. “This is why many people of my generation are sure that they do not need to know everything as they can just ask Google. It is not difficult to find any information nowadays. Perhaps, that is why older generations were more interested in learning new things, but my generation has various skills. My generation can bring to the industry a fresh look at many problems: automation of many processes and devices on teleports and earth stations, in-orbit test systems, transponder monitoring, development of digital television, etc. In my opinion every generation can inherit knowledge from previous generation and bring something new,” he adds.

I believe that many people of my generation consider everything related with nuclear and quantum physics or space as really difficult things.

Eleferov admits that the satellite industry may have a perception problem among people of his generation. “I didn’t initiate a social survey, but I believe that many people of my generation consider everything related with nuclear and quantum physics or space as really difficult things,” he says. “And they assign satellite communication to space. Besides, IT specialists prefer to develop careers in more popular areas such as business analysis, consulting, ERP systems implementation, etc. These areas are supposed to be better paid nowadays. However some young specialists are still attracted to the space industry in Russia.” VS

Mark Holmes is the editorial director for Via Satellite and Avionics Magazine.