As the month of October draws to a close, the DEPLOY! Project stands on the precipice of an extraordinary achievement. Although there have been minor delays along the way, the team is now on the brink of completing the construction phase.

Wednesday was a day that brought together innovation and expert guidance as Engineer Thomas Vilatte, the safety overseer for Novespace assigned to our project, visited the DEPLOY! Project in Brighton. 

Welcoming Thomas to the project were Erin and Professor Miché, along with Alessandro and Michele, who made the journey from Pisa and Parma for this pivotal review. Thomas embarked on a comprehensive analysis of the experiment, offering invaluable suggestions and advice. It was a day filled with insightful observations and constructive feedback. 

During the review, some aspects of the experiment performed as expected, while others revealed the need for adjustments and improvements. There’s a multitude of small tasks to tackle, and they will require the utmost commitment from every team member.

As Thomas prepares to leave, he takes with him a set of project gadgets graciously presented by the team. His departure comes with a clear directive: the practical work must be completed within two weeks. This timeline allows for one last week of intensive testing and verification before the flight campaign begins. 

The day was not only about discussions and reviews; it also held a delightful surprise for Thomas. In the simulation room of the University of Brighton, he had the unique opportunity to pilot the legendary Airbus A310 Zero G from Novespace. The experience not only added a sense of camaraderie but also allowed for the sharing of insights and advice in an informal setting. 

With many lessons learned and some critical points to address, the DEPLOY! Project is now feeling the pressure as they stand on the threshold of the testing campaign. The excitement is palpable, and the team is eager to dive into the final phase of their mission—putting their innovation to the ultimate test in the world of microgravity.