Technology in Space - Mars Day 2024
Patron: Patricia Skelton
Deputy Head of Astronomy Engagement, Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is one of the most important historic scientific sites in the world. From the Great Equatorial Telescope, one of the largest refracting telescopes in the world, to the Peter Harrison Planetarium, the Royal Observatory’s mix of historical and cutting-edge technology allows everyone to experience the wonders of space and discover how technology transforms the way we study and view the Universe.
Patricia began her career as an academic before being drawn to working at the Royal Observatory Greenwich as an astronomer and science communicator. If anything was going to help her share her passion for astronomy and space exploration with school groups and members of the public, the Royal Observatory’s technological marvels were going to do it!
Panelist: Sara Motaghian
Space and Planetary Science PhD researcher, Natural History Museum and Imperial College London
As a final year PhD student with the Natural History Museum and Imperial College London, Sara studies the interaction of light and matter to understand the surface of Mars, search for meteorites on the surface and identify areas that might harbour evidence of life.
As a part of the PanCam Mission team for ExoMars, Sara tests space instrumentation and develops software to analyse data returned from rovers.
Panelist: Daisy Richardson
Graduate Software Engineer, Goonhilly Earth Station
In 2018, Daisy was part of the winning team for the UK CanSat competition which inspired her to aim for a career within the space industry. After completing her degree in Physics with Astrophysics at the University of Leeds, Daisy got accepted onto a SPINternship – an internship programme run by the Satellite Applications Catapult.
Daisy’s internship was with a Welsh start-up called B2Space where she designed an origami space habitat. She had planned to go on and study her masters in Space Science and Engineering, however, after a few weeks Daisy decided to stay on at B2Space as a Junior Aerospace Engineer. She joined the analysis team developing a trajectory prediction and mission planning software for Rockoon flights.
In 2023, after two years at B2Space, Daisy was offered a position as a Graduate Software Engineer at Goonhilly where she now works within their software team. Her role involves designing software that uses orbital mechanics to predict where the antennas should point to track a variety of spacecraft.
Panelist: Dr Eddie Ross
Senior Systems Engineer, Thales UK
Eddie is an Astrophysicist and Space Systems Engineer. He obtained his PhD through research into the Sun’s magnetic field and its effect on space weather and his Master’s degree by designing an environmental control and life support system for a near-term manned mission to Mars. Before his current job, Eddie worked on engineering space imaging sensors (including for Jupiter and Mars), developing quantum technologies for use in space, and has worked in supporting the UK’s space sector to grow by facilitating researchers and businesses to work together.
His role at Thales UK is Senior Systems Engineer designing autonomous boats for the French and British Navies, and aims to return to working in the space industry again very soon! In his spare time, Eddie also volunteers as a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Space Early Careers Subcommittee, helping support careers in the space industry.
Register for Mars Day 2025 https://www.stem.org.uk/primary/enric...