Research output per year
Research output per year
Mr
I am a qualified technical project manager experienced in delivering large scale telecommunications networks and capabilities whilst leading a multi-disciplinary team. I am highly motivated with proven expertise in organisational planning and have an impressive track record of timely delivery in the most arduous environments. Sound judgement and a calm leadership style allow me to be effective in the most pressured operational situations. Recent roles enabling UK Ministry of Defence wide space-based capabilities alongside a strong academic background ensure that I am an effective and reliable technical leader with a strong focus on the space industry.
I have a personal and professional interest in space systems engineering linked to the social, political and technological exploitation of space for human advancement. Including policy and practices in space situational awareness, space security and spacecraft mission operations.
My current research is focussed on the development of very low Earth orbit (VLEO<450 km) satellite constellations optimised for integration into terrestrial 5G mobile networks. These aim to provide ubiquitous high speed global connectivity whilst mitigating the impact on the space environment through a reduction in space debris creation and the minimisation of interference in multi-wavelength ground-based astronomy.
Satellite Telecommunications
Satellite Network Design and Management
Spacecraft Collision Avoidance
Space Debris Management
Space Sustainability
Space Governance and Legislation
Dark and Quiet Skies
Astropolitics and Space Security
Associate Lecturer at The Open University supporting the following distance learning modules:
SM123 Physics and Space - A 1st year undergraduate introductory physics module providing a wide ranging foundation in classical, quantum and astro physics. Course description available at: https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/modules/sm123
S284 Astronomy - A 2nd year undergraduate module covering multi-messenger observational astronomy and astrophysics. Course description available at: https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/modules/s284
Postgraduate Research Teaching Assistant (PGRTA) at The University of Manchester supporting the following on campus delivered modules:
Space Systems - Lecturer on the 2nd year undergraduate level introduction to space systems engineering. This includes orbital mechanics, mission design, and all elements of spacecraft engineerings. My own speciality is in leading on the electronics engineering elements covering spacecraft communications and power systems. Course description available at: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2023/03826/meng-aerospace-engineering/course-details/AERO21111#course-unit-details
Conceptual Aerospace Systems Design - Group mentor and lecturer on the 3rd year undergraduate level team project activity where students work towards delivery a coherent and well developed ESA Phase A/B1 spacecraft mission design against a pre-defined operational scenario. I have a lead on mentoring the groups on the electrical engineering elements whilst supporting operational planning and analysis in the design phase. Course description available at:
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2024/03826/meng-aerospace-engineering/course-details/AERO31521#course-unit-details
Aerospace Engineering Foundation Year - Project supervisor on the academic development module delivered on the intergrated foundation year programme aimed at providing broader access to non-standard applications to higher education in science and engineering. Course description available at: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2023/12948/beng-meng-aerospace-engineering-with-an-integrated-foundation-year/course-details/FOUN10022#course-unit-details
Manchester Access Programme - Academic tutor on this open access programme aimed at developing disadvantaged students at state schools within Greater Manchester, raising aspirations and enabling access to higher eduction at a Russell Group university. Course description available at: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/contextual-admissions/map/what-is-map/
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
FHEQ Level 5, International, Environmental, and Space Law, The Open University
1 Jan 2023 → 1 Jun 2023
Award Date: 11 Jul 2023
Master of Science, Astrophysics, Liverpool John Moores University
Sept 2021 → Sept 2022
Award Date: 1 Nov 2022
Postgraduate Certificate, Space Science, The Open University
15 Jan 2020 → 15 Sept 2020
Award Date: 31 Dec 2020
Bachelor of Science, (Honours) in Natural Sciences (Physics), The Open University
2013 → 2019
Award Date: 31 Oct 2019
FdSc in Communications Systems Management, Bournemouth University
1 Sept 2011 → 30 Jul 2012
Award Date: 31 Aug 2012
Doctor of Philosophy, Space Engineering - The Development of Very Low Earth Orbit Telecommunications Constellations, The University of Manchester
1 Oct 2022 → 1 Mar 2027
Associate Lecturer, School of Physical Sciences, The Open University
1 Jun 2021 → …
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
Smith, K. (PI), Roberts, P. (PI), Crisp, N. (PI), Mcgrath, C. (PI), Parslew, B. (CoI), Hollingsworth, P. (CoI), Utyuzhnikov, S. (CoI), Lo, K. C. J. (Researcher), Muirhead, I. (PGR student), Wijacinski, K. (PGR student), Kent, B. (PGR student), Mackintosh, J. (PGR student) & Lopez Pardo, B. (PGR student)
Project: Research
Muirhead, I. (Speaker)
Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk › Teaching
Muirhead, I. (Secondee)
Activity: External visiting positions or secondments › Visiting an external non-academic organisation › Research
11/09/24
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Expert comment
17/05/24 → 18/05/24
2 Media contributions
Press/Media: Expert comment