From Airbus to Silicon Valley Startup: The Story Behind the First Satellite Assembly Line

Change in satellite manufacturing gained momentum when experienced engineers moved from established aerospace giants to emerging startups. Julien Bouillant's career shows how core skills and technical focus can influence production practices. With a background at Airbus Defence and Space and now serving as director of production at Loft Orbital, Julien Bouillant has worked in the space sector for 18 years.

Laying the Groundwork in Florida

Earlier in his career, Julien Bouillant worked with Airbus OneWeb Satellites, a joint venture centered on high-volume satellite production. The Merritt Island facility in Florida became known for mass-produced satellites, departing from traditional custom-built models. A major milestone came in 2019 when the site reached a production rate of up to two satellites per day. This achievement was notable among industry specialists who recognized the project's ability to reduce build times and support large missions, including the OneWeb constellation.

Julien Bouillant guided technical planning and production line management, working with modular platforms ranging from smaller CubeSats to larger communications satellites. His daily responsibilities included project oversight and adherence to strict standards, supporting both commercial and research missions. The facility's rapid output made satellite access more available and affordable for research groups and telecommunication providers.

During his time in Florida, Julien Bouillant also participated in launch campaigns and collaborated with industry partners. Engagement with major vehicle providers enabled the successful deployment of platforms for organizations worldwide.

Building for Growth Across Borders

After his work in Florida, Julien Bouillant expanded his focus to international facility construction. Under his contract with Airbus Defence and Space, he played a central role in installing and certifying clean room facilities at the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. These specialized sites support the rising demand for precise preparation and qualification of space hardware, while adhering to international standards.

Julien Bouillant's projects show technical capability in facility development and regional management. His work in the United Arab Emirates connected multiple teams, from local technicians to research scientists, with the goal of supporting aerospace applications for both commercial and academic needs.

Experience across launch locations such as Florida, Kazakhstan, and French Guiana shows his ability to adapt and contribute effectively to varied geographical settings. Working alongside providers such as Ariane 5, Ariane 6, Soyuz, Falcon 9, Proton, and Vega, Julien Bouillant supervised production and readiness activities that supported mission objectives.

Julien Bouillant's Role in Silicon Valley

After Airbus and international facility construction, Julien Bouillant became Director of Assembly, Integration, and Testing at Loft Orbital, a Silicon Valley startup focused on shared satellite infrastructure. His responsibilities include managing workflows that allow customers to deploy multiple sensors and instruments aboard single platforms. The company's model brings together customers with different requirements, demanding technical agility and careful planning from its production leads.

Julien Bouillant applies principles from earlier large-scale production projects to his new position, drawing upon firsthand experience in assembling satellites that range widely in size and complexity. Practical knowledge in system engineering and project planning supports Loft Orbital's mission to serve a variety of clients, from newer businesses to established research groups.

Industry analysts expect continued growth in satellite manufacturing. Julien Bouillant is regarded as a specialist whose organizational skills and record of project delivery have supported dependable, high-frequency satellite production. His contributions connect established aerospace practices with modern, collaborative business models and promote practical advances in space technology management for upcoming missions.