Kasia Balakier

Dr Kasia Balakier is Optical & Quantum Communication Technology Manager at European Space Agency (ESA). She is responsible for the implementation of ESA Strategic Programme Line in Optical and Quantum Communication - Scylight.

Prior to joining ESA, Kasia was a Lecturer at University College London (UCL). Kasia received her PhD from UCL. She was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Fellowship to support her research in integrated photonics for space.

In addition to her academic research career, she worked as Senior System Engineer and Expert in Telecom Payload Photonics at Airbus Defence and Space, where she was involved in development and implementation of optical systems for Communication and Earth Observation satellites. She also worked as Optical Engineer at SENER Ingeniería y Sistemas in Spain and R&D Engineer at LG Electronics in Poland and South Korea.