What does it take to develop a new satellite constellation from the initial idea to the point of getting the funding to build it? And how are funding decisions actually made and are we really aware of what drives our own decisions in life? Helena van Mierlo was the driving force behind a constellation of satellites for wildfire monitoring which is slated for launch in 2029. She brings us on a journey of the eight years she spent to turn this novel space-based wildfire monitoring service into a reality. Along the way you will be learning some interesting facts about wildfires, satellites and her own career path, but above all she will share with us her lessons learned about what it takes to get your idea financed. Co-sponsored by: ETS. STARACOM. INTRIQ. PRIMA. Fonex. PreFab. Numana. Ansys. Femtum. Optech. Aeponyx. Excelitas Technologies. Speaker(s): Helena van Mierlo Agenda: – 1:00 PM – 1:10 PM: Welcome by Chairs of the 8th Montreal Photonics Networking Event – 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM: Plenary speaker Room: M1010 , Bldg: Pavillon Lassonde, 1e étage, 2700, Chemin de la Tour, Montréal, Quebec, Canada, H3T 1J4