Sheila Marie Francisco
Sheila Marie
Francisco
Principal Satellite Operations Engineer, based in Subic Bay
I joined ABS in 2010 when we had three satellites back then. After a decade, we have eight satellites in our fleet, two of which were deorbited and currently we have: ABS-2, ABS-2A, ABS-3, ABS-4 and ABS-6.
Looking back, 2020 was a year like no other as the coronavirus pandemic has interrupted my personal and professional life. It has not been easy to find ourselves in the new normal, but I have learnt to become adaptable to changes and unconventional situations.
I will never forget my first experience of deorbiting a satellite. In 2017, one of our satellites, ABS-3, finally departed from the orbit after 20 years of service. It was a challenging project which required long hours and commitment to go the extra mile, but it was all worth it at the end of the day. The experience was rewarding.
Training sessions and conferences. Training helps me build knowledge, competence, and confidence. Conferences provide the opportunity for me to interact with peers in my field, share expertise, and learn about new ideas and techniques. I had satellite operations training for ABS-2, ABS-4, ABS-2A, ABS-3A, ABS-6 and ABS-7 satellites. ABS-2 and ABS-4 satellites were produced by Space Systems Loral; ABS-2A and ABS-3A by Boeing; ABS-6 and ABS-7 by Lockheed Martin. These trainings provided an overview of each satellite, the impart ways on how to maintain normal satellite operations and how we can resolve complex satellite anomalies.
My family and people who have the courage to achieve their best in life.
Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.
