Captain Ali Talaksi: Our new Space United Cape Team Manager

Hey Ali, tell us a bit about your soccer story?

As cliché as it sounds, I’ve been playing soccer pretty much since I could (somewhat) run.  Heralding from Northern Virginia, I played for various clubs in the NCSL (National Capital Soccer League) and CCL (Club Champions League) in surrounding cities up until I moved to Atlanta to continue my education at Georgia Tech.  In high school, I captained my varsity team my senior year, a year in which we were able to win our first conference championship in 7 years and reach the state championship. While at Georgia Tech, I played for the men’s soccer team for 5 years while completing both my B.S. and M.S. degrees in Aerospace Engineering. In addition, I was fortunate to be able to play in other competitive leagues based in the Atlanta area.  After moving to Cape Canaveral, FL to begin working at SpaceX, I played for UPSL (U.S. Professional Development Soccer League) club Brevard Fire-based out of Melbourne, about ~1 hour south of the Cape.  

My introduction to soccer’s impact beyond the pitch began in Atlanta, when I played in a 5v5 league sponsored by a non-profit organization called Soccer in the Streets.  Soccer in the Streets had erected small-sided pitches at MARTA train stations, and encouraged the local community to participate in the beautiful game.  While I always knew that soccer was the global game, I had never fully experienced the game’s ability to unite local communities in the United States.  After experiencing this first-hand, I made it a goal of mine to continue to seek opportunities to better my local community while promoting health and fitness through soccer.  

Who and What are some influential pieces in life that led you to a career in space?

Being from Northern Virginia, I was fortunate to live less than half an hour from the National Air and Space Museum located in Washington, DC.  Some of my earliest memories as a child include begging my parents for a trip to the museum, watching IMAX movies about the International Space Station, my dad waking me up early to watch meteor showers, and looking up at lunar eclipses from my backyard.  However, I also shared a similar passion for aircraft, and would sit in the back of my parent’s Honda Odyssey with excitement and anticipation when my parents would take my siblings and I to Gravelly Point: a spot near Reagan National Airport where one could watch commercial aircraft take off and land from the runway a short distance across the Potomac River.  As a child, my fascination was with the sky rather than the ground.

It wasn’t until my time at Georgia Tech where I was able to identify my true passion for spacecraft rather than aircraft.

Tell us a bit about the work you do in space exploration.

I currently work as a Launch Engineer at SpaceX, specifically working with fairing refurbishment.  At the top of our launch vehicle, Falcon 9, sit two fairing halves which encapsulate the payload that we are launching to orbit.  After fairing separation, our fairings land in the ocean, and we re-use them on future missions. 

I specifically work on the integration and test side, and work on vehicle checkouts (avionics and pneumatics) to certify that our fairings are ready for re-flight after their refurbishment campaigns.  

How can we open up space for everyone?

One word: AWARENESS.  Something that many people don’t know is the diversity in skillsets in the space industry.  Not everyone has an aerospace/mechanical background!  Space is for anyone who has a passion for it.  

Also, it’s important to start educating the younger generations about space and its limitless possibilities.  Previous to university, everything that I knew about space was learned outside of school.  Through mentorship, seminars, and even after-school clubs, we can spread the message of space, what it can provide, and what there is still yet to discover.  

What does Space United mean for you?

For me, Space United is the perfect blend of my two passions.  I’m excited to be able to help build a club and culture centered around both the beautiful game and the most exciting industry.  Moreover, I’m a big proponent of giving back to the local community through education, and through Space United I’m looking forward to making a difference.  

What is an interesting thing about you that not everyone may know?

I am a Manchester United and DC United Fan! I’m also an avid sneaker collector and soccer kit collector!