Personal profile

Biography

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.

Research interests

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 

Teaching

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/

 

 

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

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):

  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Education/Academic qualification

FHEQ Level 5, International, Environmental, and Space Law, The Open University

1 Jan 20231 Jun 2023

Award Date: 11 Jul 2023

Master of Science, Astrophysics, Liverpool John Moores University

Sept 2021Sept 2022

Award Date: 1 Nov 2022

Postgraduate Certificate, Space Science, The Open University

15 Jan 202015 Sept 2020

Award Date: 31 Dec 2020

Bachelor of Science, (Honours) in Natural Sciences (Physics), The Open University

20132019

Award Date: 31 Oct 2019

FdSc in Communications Systems Management, Bournemouth University

1 Sept 201130 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 20221 Mar 2027

External positions

Associate Lecturer, School of Physical Sciences, The Open University

1 Jun 2021 → …

Areas of expertise

  • TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
  • Space Systems Engineering
  • Space Operations
  • Satellite Commuications
  • Mega-Constellations
  • Dark and Quiet Skies
  • Space Sustainability
  • U Military Science (General)
  • Telecommunications
  • Space Security
  • Military Space Operations

Keywords

  • Space science
  • Space
  • Space Mission Design
  • Satellite Communications
  • Orbit Mechanics
  • Telecommunications
  • Space Sustainability
  • Astrodynamics
  • Astrophysics
  • Space Security
  • Astropolitics
  • Space Governance
  • Space Systems Engineering
  • Satellite Constellations
  • Dark and Quiet Skies

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