What did you study at A-level (or equivalent) and why did you select those subjects?
I studied the equivalent of A-levels in Math and Physics.
What degree and PhD did you study?
I studied an MEng in Space Engineering, followed by a PhD in Astronautics Engineering.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
Math, Physics, and Technical Drawing were my favourite subjects in secondary school. I was seeking an engineering degree that combined these disciplines and applied them to real-world challenges. When I attended the open day at Politecnico di Milano, I became completely captivated by the idea of a career in the space industry.
What key skills did you learn at university?
I learned how to apply theoretical knowledge to solve new problems, and I developed a passion for research work.
What jobs have you had during your career?
I worked as a Flight Dynamics Engineer at the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), working on real-time mission operations for the Hayabusa2 spacecraft, which was set to sample asteroid Ryugu.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I am a UKRI FL Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Space Engineering. My job allows me great freedom and creativity in my research. I enjoy working with my core team here at Liverpool and with international partners at NASA, ESA, and JAXA.
Do you have an area of expertise?
My expertise is in planetary defence/asteroid missions spanning from spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control, radio science mission operations, to planetary science and robotic exploration.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
Working on international space missions like JAXA-Hayabusa2, NASA-DART and ESA-Hera has been the most exciting part of my career. I've had the opportunity to apply research from my UKRI-funded REMORA project to real-time missions, helping to shape the future of space exploration.
What are your top tips for working in your sector?
Build a strong technical foundation and never stop learning. Gaining practical experience early in your career is invaluable. I've worked in several institutions around the world, and that global experience has been one of the most valuable parts of my journey.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
When I completed my master’s degree, my professor told us to prepare for a career with a suitcase in hand. He was right—working in this industry often means being mobile, adaptable, and open to opportunities across different countries and cultures. That global aspect is something I’ve come to appreciate deeply.
Any advice you’d like to share?
Stay curious and open to learning. The space industry evolves fast, and adaptability is just as important as knowledge. Don’t be afraid to take opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone—that’s often where the most growth happens.
Why are you passionate about your career?
What excites me most is the ability to turn new ideas into something tangible that can improve our ability to protect Earth from space hazards. Combining engineering and science can play a key role in planetary defence, and this is both humbling and motivating. It gives real meaning to the work we do.
More resources:
Article: Liverpool engineer part of £300m historic NASA asteroid experiment
Article: Can we really deflect an asteroid by crashing into it? Nobody knows, but we are excited to try
Article: Stefania Soldini, scientist in a kimono: I work with the 'cosmic diamond' 280 million kilometers from Earth
BBC Sounds: Science In Action - Hayabusa 2’s Rovers Land on Asteroid
Video: Pioneering solutions for a better world: space engineering at the University of Liverpool
LinkedIn: Zero-G AstroLab
Keep up to date with Stefania on LinkedIn, Bluesky and her website.