In a world where the beauty of the cosmos meets the pressing need for environmental stewardship, Erika Velio stands as a ray of innovation. As the CEO and founder of VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering, she leads a groundbreaking initiative that wants to transform the space industry through sustainable engineering solutions.
Guided by her childhood fascination with the stars and a dedication to preserving our planet, Erika’s vision transcends traditional boundaries.
Through VELIO SCE, she dedicates herself to mentoring aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs, advancing a culture where sustainability weaves into every project. As she charts a course to reshape the future of space technology, Erika proves that we can explore the final frontier responsibly, with Earth’s well-being at the forefront of every mission.
Let’s discover her journey ahead!
Leading the Charge in Eco-Conscious Space Solutions
Erika is the CEO and founder of VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering, a company focused on sustainable engineering solutions in the space sector. The goal is to develop satellite systems for monitoring environmental changes, create sustainable spacecraft designs, and conduct research to reduce space debris while protecting astronauts and equipment against cosmic radiation.
Erika’s childhood fascination with the stars evolved into a promise to address the challenges of space exploration with innovative, eco-conscious solutions. Her ambition is to ensure that space research not only explores the universe but also protects and sustains our planet through responsible technology.
Currently, she is attending the International Astronautical Congress in Milan. Next year, the event will take place in Sydney, and she believes that the magazine could help enhance her visibility within the space community.
Pioneering Sustainable Space Solutions
Erika instituted the company to integrate sustainable practices into the dissolutely advancing space industry. With extensive experience in aerospace leadership, including roles at Airbus Defense and Space and Arianespace, she aims to address the key challenges facing businesses in space and technology today.
VELIO SCE focuses on management, strategy, and innovative project development, particularly the potential of Réunion Island and the Indian Ocean region. She envisions Réunion as a hub for space-related activities, showcasing its capabilities and encouraging regional development.
Pledged to increasing life on Earth through space technology, VELIO SCE aims to provide solutions for the air, land, and sea sectors. Erika is excited to be part of a movement positioning Réunion at the fore of sustainable space initiatives. For more details on their vision and projects, visit https://velio.space.
A Vision for Sustainable Space Exploration
Erika’s inspiration stems from a blend of curiosity and purpose. She believes that space is the final frontier and has always been driven by the idea that humanity’s future lies in understanding and utilizing it effectively.
Throughout her academic journey and early professional experiences, she observed that much of the focus was on space exploration without adequately addressing the long-term sustainability of the technologies deployed.
This realization sparked her obligation to shift the perspective within the industry. Her diverse engineering roles and leadership experiences have shaped her focus on making space technology sustainable.
At VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering, she is dedicated to contributing to an exciting industry full of potential while warranting that it remains deeply dedicated to protecting both space and Earth.
Loyalty to Mentorship
At VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering, Erika believes that mentoring the next generation is vital for sustainable innovation. The company focuses on education and empowerment through internship programs and university partnerships, allowing students to work on real-world projects and understand the practical implications of their ideas.
VELIO SCE stresses eco-responsibility in all training sessions and mentorships, guaranteeing young professionals recognize the environmental and ethical impacts of their innovations.
Through her guidance, she helps aspiring entrepreneurs’ direct industry challenges while stressing the importance of eco-conscious design in product development.
Planned Leadership
Erika exemplifies a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and emotional intelligence. Her promise to the technology developed at VELIO SCE is matched only by her dedication to cultivating a passionate, ethical, and innovative team. Erika fosters a collaborative atmosphere where ideas can thrive and evolve.
Her leadership philosophy emphasizes continuous learning, drawing insights from industry trends and the perspectives of her team. Moreover, she actively engages with global leaders in both the space and sustainability sectors, safeguarding that VELIO SCE remains at the forefront of innovation while reinforcing the company’s core values.
Ethical Use of Satellite Data
VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering, led by Erika, stresses the ethical use of satellite data, focusing on transparency, privacy, and environmental stewardship. The company recognizes the significant impact that satellite data can have on industries, governments, and likewise individuals.
To ensure responsible collection and use of this data, VELIO SCE adheres to ethical standards, directing efforts towards climate monitoring, disaster response, and ecological assessments. Through collaborating with various stakeholders, they strive to understand data needs while remaining compliant with legal and ethical guidelines.
Furthermore, VELIO SCE is granted to make satellite data accessible to communities, empowering them to use this information for positive social and environmental outcomes.
Steering Challenges in the Space Industry
One of the biggest challenges Erika faced at VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering was breaking into an industry dominated by large corporations and governmental agencies. As a startup, gaining credibility and securing funding posed tough hurdles. However, Erika grips strategic partnerships with research institutions and international space organizations to build the company’s reputation.
Another obstacle was the niche nature of eco-responsible space solutions, which wasn’t always recognized as a priority within the industry. Through persistence and by showcasing the practical benefits of sustainable space technologies, Erika was able to make a compelling case for VELIO SCE’s services.
Over time, the company is gaining the trust of partners and clients by delivering results that not only met technological standards but also contributed to long-term environmental goals. The company is still open to responding to other partnerships and requests to demonstrate its capability.
The Future of Space Technology
Under Erika’s leadership, VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering is aligned with key trends in the aerospace industry, including satellite miniaturization, reusable rocket technology, and space-based solar power.
The company is developing smaller, more efficient satellite systems that reduce resource consumption while offering attractive data quality. VELIO SCE is also exploring partnerships in renewable energy, recognizing the transformative potential of space-based solar technology.
Looking ahead, VELIO SCE envisions a future driven by innovation and sustainability, aiming to expand its capabilities and lead in combining advanced technologies with eco-friendly solutions in the aerospace sector.
Through strategic collaborations and a liability to research, VELIO SCE plans to play a significant role in shaping the future of space technology.
Vision for Green Innovation
Under the leadership of the CEO, VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering is firmly dedicated to innovation and sustainability. The company plans to expand its research and development efforts into areas such as space habitats and green propulsion systems.
Erika sees VELIO SCE go forward into an industry leader in eco-responsible space technologies, steering the organization toward projects that not only push technological boundaries but also address the global demand for sustainable solutions.
In the next five to ten years, VELIO SCE aims to make significant contributions to both commercial space initiatives and humanitarian efforts through the advancement of space technology.
Important Leadership Qualities
Erika believes that resilience, empathy, and decisiveness are essential qualities for any leader. As a woman crossing a traditionally male-dominated field, she has faced various barriers, with resilience playing a central role in overcoming challenges.
Empathy, in her view, is vital for promoting a team culture where members feel heard, valued, and motivated to contribute. Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of decisiveness in an industry where timing and innovation are critical.
Erika understands that making informed decisions quickly and standing by them, while remaining adaptable, is requisite for success at VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering.
Successes in Development
One of VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering’s most significant achievements has been its consultancy on utilizing satellite data to monitor and collect ocean litter. The data from this project has empowered maritime organizations to track the evolution of specific waste and develop effective cleanup and processing strategies.
As well, VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering has received positive feedback from a collaborative project with the French education authority, in which the team successfully developed a micro-satellite and micro-launch vehicle.
These accomplishments stand as a testament to the dedication of Erika and her team and the importance of their responsibility to sustainable development.
Philosophy of Innovation
At VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering, Erika seeks individuals who possess not only technical skills but also a deep passion for sustainability and innovation. Team members are encouraged to think outside the box and take ownership of their projects, contributing to a collaborative environment where everyone’s input is valued.
She believes in empowering individuals by granting them the freedom to explore their ideas while guaranteeing they receive the necessary support to succeed.
Fearless Leadership
Erika, a leader at VELIO Space Consulting & Engineering, advises aspiring leaders to embrace fearlessness in the pursuit of their vision. She acknowledges the complexity of the space industry but emphasizes that there is always room for new ideas and fresh perspectives.
While she pushes a focus on building expertise, she also highlights the importance of remaining open to learning from others. Above all, she believes that leading with integrity and a sense of purpose is essential.
With a genuine passion for innovation and sustainability, Erika asserts that success will naturally follow those who are driven by these values.
PIKALI RUN OI’s Mission to Educate the Next Generation
In response to the growing importance of space in our daily lives and the need to equip future generations with the tools to navigate this expanding field, I saw the need to create PIKALI Reunion Ocean Indien (PIKALI RUN OI). PIKALI stands for Public Innovation Kit for Aerospace Local and Incubator, and its mission is to support the education of the younger generation, specifically in the areas of space knowledge, practice, data, and applications.
The space industry is not just about exploration or high-tech innovation; it has become an essential part of solving real-world problems, from environmental monitoring to telecommunications. PIKALI RUN OI was born from the recognition that for regions like Réunion Island and the Indian Ocean basin to contribute meaningfully to the global space sector, we must first invest in education and build local expertise.
Through PIKALI RUN OI, we aim to provide young people with access to educational resources, hands-on experience, and real-world applications of space technology. This initiative is about demystifying space and making it accessible to all, particularly those in underrepresented regions like ours. We want to inspire curiosity and innovation, empowering the next generation to become active participants in the future of aerospace.
PIKALI RUN OI is not just an educational project—it is a long-term vision to ensure that the Indian Ocean region has the knowledge, talent, and infrastructure needed to contribute to the global space conversation.
