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Dr Charlie Ryan is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of Southampton , specializing in low-cost micropropulsion systems for small spacecraft. He leads the Astronautics Group and has a primary research focus on electrospray thrusters , Hall-effect thrusters , and small chemical propulsion systems using hydrogen peroxide. PhD in electrospray voltage effects from Queen Mary University of London (2011) Postdoctoral work on MEMS electrospray thrusters for cubesats (2011-2013, European Commission FP7 'MicroThrust') Post Doctoral Research Fellow at University of Surrey’s Space Centre (2014-2015) developing low-cost Hall-effect thrusters His recent research involves experimental characterization of ionic liquid ion sources , porous electrospray thrusters , and in-situ lunar propellants . Current projects include Protolaunch and SPRINT (Research England), Cryptalabs , and collaborations with SmallSpark. He has supervised 10 PhD students in propulsion technology and related fields. Publications demonstrate expertise in: Electrospray thruster diagnostics Dual-species ion emission mechanisms Flight-ready microthruster development Alternative propellants for Hall thrusters Lunar regolith-derived propulsion Modular thruster design Research funded by EPSRC , Royal Society , and Research England . His hardware has flown on space missions including the International Space Station.

• Micropropulsion Systems
• Electric Propulsion
• Electrospray Thrusters
• +3 more

Dr. Minkwan Kim is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton's Department of Engineering and the Environment. His research focuses on advanced plasma technologies, CubeSat propulsion systems, and aerospace engineering solutions for space exploration and environmental challenges. He currently supervises seven PhD students in the fields of engineering and environmental science. Research Interests: CubeSat Propulsion Systems, Plasma Sterilization, Hypersonic Vehicle Shielding, In-Situ Resource Utilization, and Environmental Plasma Applications. His work combines experimental and computational approaches to address real-world problems such as space debris mitigation and atmospheric protection. Publications highlight innovations in plasma-driven water treatment, hypersonic magnetic shielding, and CubeSat mission design. Collaborations include projects on air sterilization systems and nanosatellite architectures. Dr. Kim has received recognition for an innovative idea addressing pandemic-related challenges through the AHSN Regional Competition (2020). Teaching responsibilities include modules like Advanced Astronautics and Spacecraft Systems Engineering. His supervision record spans diverse topics from plasma reactor design to CubeSat disposal strategies.

• CubeSat Propulsion Systems
• Plasma Technology
• Spacecraft Systems Engineering
• +3 more

Dr. Alexander Wittig is an Associate Professor in astronautics at the University of Southampton. He specializes in interdisciplinary research applying dynamical systems theory and advanced numerical methods like differential algebra and high-performance computing to astrodynamics, astronomy, and aerospace engineering. As Foreign Exchange Coordinator for Aeronautics and Astronautics, he oversees academic collaborations with European and U.S. universities. His work spans mission design, space debris management, and black hole simulations. Education: Dual PhD in Mathematics and Physics, Michigan State University (2011) MSc in Physics, Michigan State University (2007) Research Focus: Orbital mechanics and trajectory optimization Numerical methods for space mission analysis High-performance computing (HPC) applications Gravitational physics and black hole dynamics Development of CubeSat propulsion systems Key Projects: Royal Society-funded research on space debris orbital predictions ESA-supported mission design for under-actuated systems UK Space Agency-funded HoloLens-based orbital visualization Teaching: Module lead for Orbital Mechanics (SESA6076) Lectures in Advanced Astronautics (SESA3039) Supervises PhD students in astronautics and mission design External Roles: Speaker at COMET OPS (2021) and Southampton Astronautics Symposium (2019) Contributions to European Space Agency’s Advanced Concepts Team

• Astrodynamics
• Orbital Mechanics
• Mission Design and Analysis
• +6 more

Dr. Jason Forshaw is a Research Fellow II at the Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey. He holds a PhD in Electronics Engineering from the same institution, an MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University, and an MEng in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Sheffield. His career includes roles at Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and QinetiQ, where he led the QinetiQ Eye-On UAV project. His research focuses on active debris removal technologies, flight control systems for UAVs and satellites, and experimental robotics. Education: MEng (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering, University of Sheffield (2008) MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University (2010) PhD in Electronics Engineering, Surrey Space Centre (2013) Research interests include UAV control, debris removal, satellite dynamics, and optimal control algorithms. He led the EU FP7 RemoveDEBRIS mission (€11.3M), demonstrating netting, harpooning, and drag sail technologies. His work on the Intrepid satellite testbed and the Service-Oriented Active Debris Removal (SOADR) project further highlights his contributions to space engineering. Key awards include the IET Undergraduate Scholarship and Sir Basil Blackwell Award. He has managed over 60 staff across 9 partners in RemoveDEBRIS and coordinated a Royal Society exhibition on space debris, featured globally. His technical leadership spans project management, bid support, and dissemination in space research.

• Active Debris Removal
• Flight Control Systems
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• +5 more

Ciara Mcgrath is a Lecturer in Aerospace Systems at the University of Manchester, specializing in Astrodynamics and Space Mission Design. Her research focuses on developing sustainable space mission approaches that address environmental challenges while advancing Earth Observation capabilities. She is actively involved in teaching courses like AERO21111: Space Systems and AERO31521: Conceptual Aerospace Systems Design , emphasizing practical applications of engineering principles. Mcgrath holds a PhD from the University of Strathclyde in Analytical methods for satellite constellation reconfiguration and reconnaissance using low-thrust manoeuvres . Her expertise spans small satellite engineering, orbit mechanics, and space mission design, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals such as clean energy and environmental stewardship. Her research projects include collaborations with industry (e.g., Callala Ltd, Sixty7.green Ltd) and academic institutions (e.g., University of Strathclyde, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies). Notable projects include From Launch to Business Insight (environmental cost assessment of satellite data) and Safe Passage (estuary mapping for lifeboat rescues). Mcgrath is the Associate Editor of AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets and has received the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2021 award. She actively engages the public through podcasts, radio interviews, and educational talks, aiming to demystify aerospace engineering and inspire future engineers. Her work integrates technical innovation with societal impact, addressing challenges like space debris mitigation and sustainable mission design. Ongoing projects include ad-ASSTRA (sustainable space technology roadmapping) and Sustainable Futures (environmental policy frameworks for space activities).

• Astrodynamics
• Space Mission Design
• Sustainable Space Systems
• +4 more

Dr. Minkwan Kim is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton. He specializes in advanced propulsion systems, plasma engineering, and aerospace technologies. His research focuses on CubeSat propulsion, in-situ resource utilization for space missions, and non-thermal plasma applications in environmental and medical contexts. He currently supervises seven PhD students and teaches courses in astronautics and spacecraft systems engineering. Dr. Kim has received recognition for innovative solutions in pandemic response through the AHSN Regional Competition (2020). His work bridges academic research with practical applications in space sustainability, environmental engineering, and healthcare technologies. Research Projects: Includes Cube-de-ALPS propulsion, demilitarization of chemical agents, and magnetic shielding for hypersonic vehicles. Teaching: Courses such as SESA3039 Advanced Astronautics and SESA6079 Space Systems Engineering. His publications span plasma dynamics, satellite deorbiting strategies, and interdisciplinary applications of plasma technology. Collaborations include projects funded by the Royal Society, Research England, and the European Union.

• Space Propulsion
• Plasma Engineering
• Environmental Technology
• +3 more

Dr Christie Maddock is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, part of the Faculty of Engineering. Her expertise spans mathematical modeling, trajectory optimization, and systems engineering for transatmospheric vehicles and space systems. She holds a PhD from the University of Glasgow (2010) and a BEng from Carleton University (2002). Her research focuses on space vehicle design, asteroid deflection via solar concentration, and sustainable space mission development. She teaches courses in engineering analysis, numerical methods, and applied mechanics. Her research interests include multi-objective optimal control, spacecraft formation dynamics, and space systems sustainability. Recent projects address Mars cargo transportation, nuclear propulsion systems, and EU space workforce training. Collaborations include launch vehicle start-ups and institutions like Reaction Engines Ltd. She has received awards including the Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship (2017) and the 2023 Strathclyde Medal. Dr Maddock leads initiatives like the ASTRAIOS project aligning space curricula with industry needs. She advises on regulatory processes for satellite frequency allocations and chairs international conferences on space sustainability. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to innovation and infrastructure.

• Access to Space Systems
• Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimization
• Trajectory Optimization
• +7 more

Dr Peter Thomas serves as head of the aerospace group and principal lecturer in aerospace engineering at the University of Hertfordshire's School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science. He is an active member of the Centre for Engineering Research and teaches flight mechanics, stability and control systems, aeroelasticity, and aerodynamics. His academic qualifications: MEng Mechanical Engineering, University of Warwick PhD Aerospace Engineering, Cranfield University Research focuses on flight dynamics, autonomous flight control systems, and biomimetic flight. Expertise includes UAVs, air-to-air refuelling, vortex lattice methods, and experimental testing. He possesses over a decade of programming experience in MATLAB/Simulink for simulation and control implementation. Recent publications reveal strong trends in supersonic aerodynamics (using shock cone modeling and compressibility corrections), UAV motion planning with geofencing algorithms, and biomimetic wing morphing structures. His work integrates computational fluid dynamics with experimental validation to advance autonomous systems and sustainable aviation solutions. Current research projects include decarbonising London Elstree Aerodrome (2024-2025), origami-based debris capture for CubeSat satellites (2022), and lattice structures for aerospace components (2022-2023). He previously collaborated with Cobham Mission Equipment on autonomous air-to-air refuelling and served as Honorary Research Associate at the University of Bristol (2014-2016).

• Flight Dynamics
• Autonomous Flight Control Systems
• Biomimetic Flight
• +4 more

Dr. Leonard Felicetti is a Senior Lecturer in Space Engineering at Cranfield University, UK, where he leads research and teaching in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) of space systems. Previously, he held positions at Luleå University of Technology (2015–2018) and the University of Glasgow (2015). He holds a Ph.D. in Space Systems from Sapienza University of Rome (2013) and an M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering (2008). His research focuses on spacecraft control systems, space robotics, and space debris surveillance. Key areas include orbital/attitude control, formation flying, reusable launch vehicle landing, and optical sensor constellations for debris tracking. He has pioneered the OnOrbitROS framework for space robotics simulations, integrating ROS/Gazebo for realistic orbital conditions. Notable contributions include: Design of model predictive control strategies for reusable launchers Development of visual servoing algorithms for on-orbit robotics Optimization of Martian aerobot configurations Debris removal mission concepts for mega-constellations He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and serves as a reviewer for journals like Acta Astronautica and the Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics. His work bridges theoretical control systems with practical space mission applications.

• Spacecraft Control Systems
• Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC)
• Space Robotics
• +5 more

Professor Ben Evans is a Professor in Aerospace Engineering at Swansea University, contributing to the Bloodhound Land Speed Record project with responsibilities for aerodynamic modelling. His research focuses on high-speed aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, and optimization techniques, collaborating with industry leaders like Rolls-Royce and Airbus. He actively engages in public engineering education and outreach through initiatives like the Bloodhound Education Programme. Education: MEng in Aerospace and Aerothermal Engineering from Cambridge University (2004), PhD in Computational Fluid Dynamics from Swansea University (2011). Current roles include Director of the Bloodhound Education Programme and Engineering Education Scheme Wales. Research interests span molecular gas dynamics simulation, aerodynamic shape optimization, and innovative propulsion systems. He has secured grants totaling over £150K, including EPSRC funding for projects like the virtual wind tunnel and CubeSat drag modelling. Notable awards include the Mike Crisfield Prize (2006) and TATA Steel Award (2014). Recent work includes aerodynamic studies for supersonic vehicles, CubeSat drag reduction, and human-AI collaboration in design. Supervised over a dozen PhD/MSc students focusing on topics like Bayesian optimization and electric propulsion for spacecraft.

• High speed aerodynamics
• Computational fluid dynamics
• Molecular gas dynamics
• +2 more

Dr Zoran Jelic is a Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering at Swansea University's School of Aerospace, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, located at Bay Campus. He is actively involved in postgraduate supervision and teaches advanced modules such as Launch Vehicles System Design, Group Project (Aerospace), Experimental Studies in Aerospace, and Space Propulsion and Power Systems. His research focuses on aerospace propulsion systems, computational fluid dynamics, and space vehicle design. Dr Jelic's recent work includes aerodynamic drag modeling for CubeSats using Boltzmann-BGK methods, published in Advances in Space Research . He collaborates on projects involving novel electric propulsion systems and expandable station modules for artificial gravity applications. Supervision activities include guiding a current PhD candidate on electric propulsion optimization and an MSc student on origami-based space module development (awarded 2024).

• Aerospace Engineering
• Space Propulsion Systems
• Launch Vehicle Design
• +3 more

Sam M Dakka is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Nottingham, Faculty of Engineering. He previously served as a Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University and has held industrial engineering roles at GE Aviation and Honeywell Aerospace. His academic journey includes postdoctoral research at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and UC Davis in collaboration with NASA. Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, University of Maryland (2002) His research spans combustion, propulsion, fluid dynamics, and aerospace sealing technologies. Key interests include alternative fuels, microgravity combustion, trapped vortex combustors, CubeSat propulsion, space debris capture, and aerodynamic flow control. His work integrates experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches to solve complex aerospace engineering challenges. Recent publications highlight advancements in biofuel combustion, flame stability, heat transfer in micro-channels, and innovative propulsion systems such as pulsed plasma and nuclear thermal thrusters. His work on shape-shifting wings and humpback whale-inspired tubercles demonstrates a strong interest in biomimetic and adaptive aerospace design. 2017 Best Paper Award - Design, Development and Testing of Shape Shifting Wing Model, MDPI AG Dr. Dakka has actively contributed to the academic community through peer review for journals including Aerospace , Energies , and Sensors . His research often involves interdisciplinary collaboration and addresses both fundamental and applied aspects of aerospace engineering. He has also explored topics in engineering education, including open educational resources and student engagement tools like Socrative. His work supports future aerospace systems, including very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites, space habitability for long-term missions, and sustainable propulsion technologies. He is a Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), underscoring his active engagement in the aerospace community.

• Combustion Engineering
• Aerospace Propulsion
• Fluid Dynamics
• +12 more