Stephen Hobbs

Professor Stephen Hobbs is a Professor of Space Sensing and Systems at Cranfield University's Centre for Autonomous and Cyberphysical Systems. He holds fellowships from the Royal Meteorological Society (FRMetS) and the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), and is a Chartered Physicist (CPhys). His academic and research career spans over 30 years in space engineering, focusing on space systems, radar Earth observation, and sustainable space technologies.

Education: First-class honors in Mathematics and Experimental Physics (University of Cambridge), followed by postgraduate studies in Ecological Physics at Cranfield Institute of Technology.

Research interests include geosynchronous radar missions (e.g., Hydroterra), space debris mitigation (drag-augmentation devices), and environmental applications of remote sensing. Notable projects include leading ESA's Hydroterra study and developing deorbit systems deployed on TechDemoSat-1 and ESA's ESEO missions.

Publications span over 100 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Acta Astronautica, IEEE Transactions, and Remote Sensing of Environment. Key themes include space surveillance systems, SAR technology, and orbital dynamics.

Teaching: Led the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering, supervising doctoral students. Professional roles include Chair of the Space Academic Network's Space Engineering & Technology Working Group and UK representative for ISO TC20/SC14 (Space Systems Operations).

Grants and collaborations: Funded by ESA, EU, UK Space Agency, and US Department of Agriculture. Industry partnerships include Airbus and SSTL.