Mani Thiru is at the forefront of space innovation and pushing the boundaries on aerospace by using space data to tackle complex issues on earth and beyond.
She also knows that inclusivity in space innovation is essential for humanity’s progress in this industry.
“We need more women and more diverse voices in all facets of the space sector – when we talk about inclusivity, we refer to a wealth of ideas, perspectives, approaches, and solutions,” Thiru tells Women’s Agenda.
She wants to see the space industry continue to become more diverse and says that ensuring everyone benefits from space innovation requires making the rapidly growing sector accessible to all.
As the Head of Aerospace and Satellite, Asia Pacific and Japan, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Thiru oversees a highly diverse geographic region and works with a range of customers and businesses across the region and in Australia to make sense of the ever-growing volume of data and insights.
“While demanding, my current role is highly intellectually rewarding, seeing how technology facilitates scientific discovery to improve our life on earth,” says Thiru. “As an avid Star Trek fan, I am excited to be part of a journey that will hopefully bring us closer to that reality.”
She was the Emerging Leader in the Private Sector at the 2021 Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards and over the past year. She’s changed roles since then, moved to Singapore, and been involved in a number of impressive projects.
One that struck a chord with her has been bringing space closer to students on earth through the Mission Discovery program.
“More than 100 students from varying socio-economic backgrounds across Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand joined us for five days in Singapore,” Thiru says.
The students worked together to design a project that impacts humanity, with the best idea to be launched into Space on a SpaceX Rocket, and carried out by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Thiru has also been heavily involved in supporting Singapore’s emerging space and technology sector. In November 2021, she and her team signed a Statement of Strategic Intent with Singapore’s national space office. This was to support bringing space technology and services to local businesses and startups.
Here in Australia, working on the High Earth Orbit (HEO) Robotics has been another key focus for Thiru. HEO Robotics uses AWS to help governments, defence and satellite operators visually monitor their satellites with insights from raw data.
Overall, she’s motivated by the opportunity to spearhead innovation on earth and improve how people live and work.
“Combining advanced cloud technologies with innovative emerging tech like artificial intelligence and machine learning, we help decision-makers gain actionable insights from their space data much faster,” says Thiru.
Thiru has also been mentoring and supporting women-led founders of space startups and businesses, supporting the space economy across academia, industry and consulting sectors, and is thrilled to see these organisations flourishing.
Regarding women’s success in the space industry, Thiru points to the need for strong support initiatives, leadership opportunities and an inclusive culture.
“My advice for all women is to commit to standing together, and lifting each other up, and celebrating breakthroughs and innovations,” says Thiru. “In doing so, we position each other for greatness.”
Taking the plunge into the unknown is often some of the best advice for career advancement, says Thiru. This is especially true for those who may tend to strive for perfection, before taking the next leap.
“There is not a single thing that I can think of that has helped me in my professional life because I worried about it,” she says.
“In the end, taking the step forward and overcoming your fear is the best path for your personal development and career.”