Ariane Cornell

Karsen

Could you tell me a little bit about yourself, and what led you to pursue a career in this industry?

Ariane

I am very fortunate that my mother was an engineer and is a professor at Stanford specializing in probabilistic risk analysis. When I was young, she conducted a study on the Space Shuttle and its associated risks, and she also worked with NASA Ames. Growing up in the bay area, I was surrounded by the space industry, but I also firmly believe that to be it, you have to see it. For me, seeing a woman as an engineer wasn’t unusual or out of reach, and the idea of a woman working in the space industry didn’t seem out of place for me. It wasn’t until later in my life that I realized how rare it was, with only 15-20% of non-administrative jobs in the space industry held by women. Thanks to my mom’s influence and example, I was very inspired to peruse a career in this field.

Karsen

How did you get your start in the space industry?

Ariane

In high school I took a couple internships with NASA Ames in the bay area, and I continued that through college. Those internships game me really valuable exposure to both the technical and non-technical aspects of the industry. One summer, I worked in a wind tunnel, and another, I work in the Public Affairs Office. Those internships were really fascinating because I got to see a diverse array of programs and jobs within the industry.

Karsen

What is your educational background?

Ariane

I earned a Bachelor of Science from Stanford in interdisciplinary studies, focusing on science, technology, and society with an emphasis on industrial engineering. About 70% of my coursework was engineering, and I also took several aerospace courses, which provided a solid foundational knowledge for my career.

Karsen

What did you do after college?

Ariane

Right out of college, I worked in aerospace and defense consulting. After that I moved to Vienna, Austria, to lead a nonprofit called Space Generation that is aimed at young professionals and university students in the space industry from all around the world. The organization collaborates and reports back to the United Nations. I led the company for about 3 or 4 years and then decided to pursue my MBA at Harvard. I’ve been with Blue Origin ever since, and I’m now approaching my 10^th university here.

Karsen

That’s amazing, congrats! What's your favorite part of your job?

Ariane

Thank you! What I love most about my job is the constant opportunity to learn and to be challenged. It is crucial for everyone, not just for young women, to find roles that push them to grow and evolve. When thinking about your career, aim for positions that keep you on the edge of your comfort zone. Embrace the fear and rely on your skills and the support of those working around you to succeed. Working in a place that challenges you while also fostering a supportive culture is key to personal and professional growth.

Karsen

Would you say there are constraints to being a woman working in the space industry?

Ariane

That’s a big question. Broadly speaking, some cultures can be challenging for women. It’s gotten a lot better and is continually improving. When you’re younger, you might be the only girl in your aerospace class, as I was. Sometimes it bothers you, sometimes it doesn’t, and sometimes you just have to put your head down and push through. It’s not always easy, but I managed. On another level, balancing family life can be challenging. Work-life harmony doesn’t always necessarily mean a 50/50 split, but finding what keeps you and your family satisfied can be tough. Finding an organization that embraces your needs and offers the flexibility you need to excel can also be difficult. That is one of the reasons I’ve been so happy at Blue Origin – they have been supportive of my decision to have kids.

Karsen

What advice would you give to women wanting to join the space industry?

Ariane

I’d say focus on the long term. This isn’t an industry where you can whip out a new app or code in a few months. These projects and programs take years, even decades. If you can recognize that and have the patience, it can be incredibly rewarding. When you’re younger, you want the immediate results. If you are patient and appreciative of the small daily successes, you’ll build that positive momentum that pushes you to keep going. My advice is to have patience and to keep your eye on the long-term rewards.

Karsen

Thank you, that's great advice. Where do you see the space industry going from here in the next 30 to 50 years?

Ariane

30 to 50 years is a long timeline, but I think we’ll see multiple companies and countries using reusable rockets, which will reduce the cost of accessing space. This will open up opportunities for more innovative companies, products, and services. Although space is a slow-moving industry due to the extensive development required, I believe in the next 30 to 50 years, we’ll start seeing the payoff with significant cheaper access to space. We’ll be reaping the benefits of all this progress and innovation.

Karsen

Do you think there will be more opportunities like what Blue Origin is doing, opening access to space for people without a scientific background?

Ariane

I believe Blue Origin has already made strides in terms of opening access to space for more people. Until recently, space travel was largely limited to those with military or scientific backgrounds, requiring years and training to become an astronaut. Now, a broader range of individuals have the opportunity to experience space. Looking ahead to the next 30 to 50 years, I think there will be a growth in the public consciousness in terms of how space exploration can benefit Earth, which will spur new businesses.

Karsen

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Ariane

I think it’s important to emphasize that this advice isn’t just for women – its for anyone who is passionate about entering the space industry. Sometimes, the perception of what’s “cool” or acceptable can discourage young women from pursuing their interests in this field. It’s great to see that space is becoming “cool” again, but it hasn’t always been viewed that way. If you have passion for space, embrace it. Own your interests and be proud of them, even if they are not conventional or trendy at times. It’s easier said than done, but it’s a decision you won’t regret.