A Space Exchange - US delegation visits Space South Central
A team of international delegates from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) and the University of Arizona made their way across the UK last week. A reciprocal trip for the US team arranged by UK Space Agency’s Head of Space Science, Caroline Harper and launched off the back of a visit earlier this year.
US and UK colleagues visit SSTL facilities in Space South Central
As part of their UK tour, Jeffery Booth, Jason Hyon, Anthony Freeman, Walter Harris and Pardeep Singh visited Space South Central looking to meet with like-minded space science enthusiasts. They weren’t disappointed!
Space South Central partner institution, the University of Surrey, played host to the west coast-based delegation inviting many academic and industrial colleagues from across the region to present and network. With representation from Surrey Space Centre, the University of Southampton, the University of Portsmouth, UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory, members of UK Space Agency and STFC , the buzz and excitement of opportunity was palpable.
The JPL team took time to outline their expertise and heritage before focusing on future endeavours and missions. Discussions stretched from earth science to astrophysics and prospective interstellar missions.
Jeff Booth - JPL Astrophysics and Astronomy Formulation Lead
Commenting on the event, Toby Marchant, Space South Central’s International Partnerships Manager, said;
“It has been great to see so many academics from across the Cluster join us to network. Hearing the scale and scope of such exciting and innovative research projects being discussed was incredible. This is a fantastic chance for us to showcase our regional capabilities and build greater international connections”.
After lunch, the delegation visited the Surrey Research Park, home to science and technology businesses, large and small to meet with smallsat specialist, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited. SSTL’s International and Missions Concepts team provided a fascinating insight into a variety of space projects, prospective missions and technology platforms, including their Carbonite satellite solution.
Small satellites are playing a greater role in NASA’s overall objectives, this includes demonstrations like the Interplanetary NanoSpacecraft Pathfinder In Relevant Environment (INSPIRE) project, which is intended to demonstrate the revolutionary capability of deep space CubeSats. The potential for future collaboration is clear.
Reflecting on the visit, Cluster Director, Louise Butt explained;
“Collaboration is key to any successful space mission, leveraging the very best talent, knowledge and expertise to unlock the mysteries of space. Today, was an exciting first step bringing together some of the greatest minds from the UK and US. I don’t doubt that in the coming months and years we will see new missions forged between both nations, instigated by cluster-based initiatives like this. Space South Central will continue to participate, encourage and deliver internationally-focused opportunities for our region.”
