Rebuilding Under the Stars

Women, Exile and New Beginnings in the Space Sector

March, the month of International Women’s Rights Day, shines a spotlight on the quiet strength of those who, often in the shadows, face immense upheaval. Within the Space Women Alliance, we have witnessed stories of exile, repatriation, and sometimes renewal forced by conflict or budget cuts in scientific projects.

Today, millions of people are displaced by war in Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa, Asia even USA, and also by economic or geopolitical changes impacting their professional lives. Among them are many women from the space sector—engineers, technicians, researchers, and students. Their departures are rarely matters of choice; more often, they are sudden, heartbreaking necessities.

Several powerful stories have resonated within our network:

• A return to France for a holiday, just before a workplace neighbourhood was bombed—caught between the guilt of leaving colleagues behind and the anxiety of not being able to go back.

• A return from expatriation, chosen in the uncertainty of a geopolitical crisis, filled with questions: how does one readjust to a homeland left so long ago? What rights does a French citizen have on returning after leaving everything behind?

• And always, a steadfast will to help from afar, to return to the field—yet facing the harsh reality of being forced to stay away.

Behind each journey lies the richness of commitment and expertise, but also the reality of uprooting, uncertainty, and both personal and professional rebuilding. The challenges are immense: regaining one’s place and recognition, integrating into a new environment, and rebuilding confidence.

"Leaving one’s life behind does not erase skills or passion. But starting over requires support, patience, and attentive listening." — Anonymous member of the Space Women Alliance

In such times, networks make all the difference: mentoring, sharing opportunities, support workshops and recognition of lived experience become essential in transforming hardship into a launching pad. This is the aim of the Space Women Alliance: to support, empower, and connect those who, regardless of circumstances, continue to shoot for the stars.

More broadly, the space sector itself is committed to the common good: using satellite data to locate refugees, map population flows or coordinate humanitarian aid illustrates where competence and solidarity meet. Once again, the diversity of backgrounds and the resilience of women strengthen the effectiveness of these actions.

This March, the Space Women Alliance calls everyone to active kindness. Let’s weave this safety net together, keep our networks alive, and share our experiences. The space sector needs all its talents—and by welcoming others, especially those rebuilding from scratch, we will genuinely prepare for an innovative and inclusive future.

Join us: welcome new talent, encourage active listening, reach out to those most in need. Together, let’s continue rebuilding under the stars.

Disclaimer: The background of the illustration used for this article was generated by AI.