Jennifer Kingston

Dr. Jennifer Kingston is a Senior Lecturer in Space Systems at Cranfield University, part of the Cranfield School of Engineering. She leads the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering and teaches modules in Spacecraft Systems Engineering and Thermal Analysis. Her research focuses on space debris mitigation, on-orbit servicing, and innovative satellite technologies.

Education:

• Bachelor's in Physics with Space Science (University of Leicester)
• Master's in Astronautics and Space Engineering (Cranfield University)
• Engineering Doctorate in Modular Satellite Design (Cranfield University)
• Executive MBA coursework (Cranfield University)

Research Interests: Dr. Kingston specializes in de-orbit technologies like drag sails (e.g., Icarus and DOM systems) for LEO satellite compliance with debris mitigation guidelines. Her work integrates industry collaboration, including projects with ESA and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. Key areas include passive de-orbit systems, spacecraft reliability analysis, and sustainable space architectures.

Technical Contributions:

• Pioneer of Cranfield’s drag sail family, deployed on TechDemoSat-1 and ESEO satellites
• Leadership in failure analysis studies for satellite subsystems and de-orbit strategy selection
• Expertise in on-orbit servicing economics and mission viability assessments

Grants & Collaboration:

• Funded by EPSRC, ESA, and industry partners
• Technical consultancy for satellite insurance underwriters

Labs & Initiatives: Affiliated with the Cranfield Space Research Centre, advancing space system innovation through projects like LEOniDAS drag sail experiments and CubeSat lander simulations.