Reinventing Space Speakers & Programme

Opening Keynote Speaker

Prof. Carole Mundell – ESA Director of Science.
Prof. Mundell is an internationally renowned scientist with extensive experience in inclusive leadership, operational management, strategy and international science policy development.
She joined ESA from the University of Bath where she held the Hiroko Sherwin Chair in Extragalactic Astronomy, was founding Head of Astrophysics, and served as Head of the Department of Physics until becoming the first woman Chief Scientific Adviser at the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2018 and first Chief International Science Envoy in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office until 2021. 
Working at the interface of theory, observation and technology development, Mundell has pushed the frontiers of technology to open new windows on the Universe to test long-standing theoretical predictions in extragalactic astrophysics and probe the black-hole driven, dynamic Universe. She has published over 170 peer-reviewed papers, presented her work to expert and lay audiences around the world and supervised and mentored early-stage career researchers who now hold senior positions in academia and industry
Her research interests encompass ground- and space-based research and technology development across the electromagnetic spectrum and new technologies and policies for space sustainability. Prof. Mundell is a vocal advocate for equity and diversity in science and a soughtafter public speaker.

Keynote Speaker

Prof Bernard Foing, President Space Renaissance International, CEO LUNEX EuroMoonMars 

Space Renaissance International (SRI) is an international non-profit organisation based in Europe, with members and supporters all around the globe, dedicated to getting humanity off-world, not just astronauts engaged in pioneering exploration, but humanity, en masse: because it is a natural progression in our development as a species. 

LUNEX is a society and research foundation created in 2001 to promote space research and exploration. EuroMoonMars is an ILEWG LUNEX programme in collaboration with space agencies, academia, universities and research institutions and industries.  

Keynote Speaker

Dr. David Parker has become one of the UK’s leading space programme experts. Following engineering roles in industry studying new astrophysics and planetary missions, he later secured UK leadership for projects such as Aeolus and LISA Pathfinder. Joining the Research Councils in 2004 to represent the UK in ESA’s science and exploration programmes, he helped create the UK Space Agency in 2010, becoming its Chief Executive in 2013.

As a Director of ESA (2016-23), he established its space exploration programme and doubled its budget. Now a visiting Professor at the University of Southampton, he consults for ESA and is a non-executive member of the UK Space Agency’s Board. Holding a BSc in Aeronautics and Astronautics and a PhD sponsored by NASA, in 2019 he received the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Geoffrey Pardoe award for long and valued service to the space sector.

Keynote Speaker

Annamaria Nassisi is the Manager Space Economy Observation and Navigation for Thales Alenia Space Italy.

Annamaria has a Master’s degree in Physics and Geophysics from the University of Rome “La Sapienza.” Research fellow in thermodynamic models. Developed software for new products at GEPIN. She began her career in the space sector at Selenia Spazio (now Thales Alenia Space) and has held a variety of positions in engineering, management, strategy, and marketing, including Head of Satellite Data Exploitation Units, New Initiatives, Business Development for Security, Market Intelligence, EURASIA Commercial Area, and Strategic Marketing. She has managed and coordinated strategic business plans for Observation, Exploration, and Navigation, reporting directly to the CEO of Thales Alenia Space Italy.

She serves as Vice President of the Earth Observation (EO) Committee and as Technical Session Chair at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). She is also a member of the National User Forum as an EO expert and leads the technical-scientific committee of the industrial association for Defense, AFCEA. She is involved in strategic initiatives for Defense related to Climate Change. Additionally, she has been actively involved in teaching as an independent lecturer for the International Master’s program (Italy-Kenya) in Space Mission Design and Management, and for the LUISS Business School in Space Economy. She is a mentor for young graduates in Political, Economic, and Legal Sciences, and the author of numerous technical-scientific publications and multi-award winner.


Sponsor Speaker

Having transitioned from senior roles in finance, Derek brings a rich blend of strategic thinking, coaching, and communications expertise. His interdisciplinary approach helps Skyrora deliver technical excellence with public impact—making space more accessible, sustainable, and inspiring for the next generation.

Expert Panel Session Host

Helen Sharman is the first British astronaut and a world-class inspirational speaker.

Helen was an industry chemist, working at GEC and Mars Confectionery, before being selected from 13,000 applicants for astronaut training. Helen spent 18 months in intensive spaceflight training at Star City, Moscow, and she became the first person form the UK in space on 18 May 1991, when she launched into space for an eight day mission orbiting the Earth, mostly on board the Mir Space Station. 

After her spaceflight, Helen became a science communicator, winning prizes for radio and TV programmes. She later managed operations at the National Physical Laboratory and in academia.

Now, Helen is UK Outreach Ambassador at Imperial College London, President of the Institute of Science and Technology, and a member of the Science Museum Advisory Board. She hosts the Zero Pressure podcast (now in its 3^rd series) for Imperial’s Institute of Security Science and Technology and Saab, looking at how science and technology can contribute to solving global, interrelated challenges of today and tomorrow. With Astronaut Nicole Stott, Helen recently hosted the podcast Discover your inner Astronaut, talking with other astronauts and well-being experts to use spaceflight to help build on our everyday skills and emotions.

Panel Expert

Doug Millard is Deputy Keeper, Technologies & Engineering for the Science Museum, London.

Doug graduated in Environmental Sciences at the University of Warwick in 1981. He qualified as a secondary science teacher in 1983 and then joined the Education Department of the Science Museum in 1985.

Between 1987 and 1991 he curated the chemical industry, gas, plastics and space technology collections. In 1992 he managed the Museum’s main collections’ store and then coordinated the procurement and installation of the Museum’s new computer network. In 1994 he returned to curatorial work and is now Deputy Keeper Technologies and Engineering.

He has produced many space exhibitions, written articles, papers and books including a history of the Black Arrow satellite launch vehicle and its engines, lectured widely and appeared on television and radio. In 2006 he gained his MSc in the History of Science, Technology and Medicine at the University of London. In April 2012 he co-organised with the UK Space Agency a conference held at the Science Museum to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ariel 1 satellite.

He worked on the ‘Information Age’ gallery at the Science Museum (2014) and was senior curator for the ‘Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age’ exhibition (2015) and editor of the associated publication. His book ‘Satellite: Innovation in Orbit’ was published by Reaktion Books early 2017.

In 2016 he curated the acquisition and display of the Soyuz TMA-19M descent module – used by Tim Peake, Yuri Malenchenko and Tim Kopra during their mission to and from the International Space Station, 2015-16 – along with the associated virtual reality experience Space Descent VR.

In 2019 he organised the Culture Space research programme of three workshops that investigated new ways of representing space exploration in the museum gallery. In 2020 he contributed to a BBC Radio 4 programme on the life of Konstantin Tsiolkovsky. He is currently working on a number of space-related future projects for the Science Museum including exhibitions, new galleries and associated research programmes and is seeking to add examples of new space technologies to the Museum’s national collection. He is researching a history of UK space activity and working with colleagues towards the establishment of a national centre for space history.

Panel Expert

Dr Jill Stuart is an academic based at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is an expert in the politics, ethics and law of outer space exploration and exploitation. She is an award winning lecturer and teacher, and a frequent presence in the global media (print, radio, television, documentary). She is endorsed by the UK Home Office as a World Leader in her Field/ Exceptionally Talented Migrant. 

Dr Stuart’s research focuses on the governance of outer space, including (but not limited to) satellite regulations; the ethics of colonisation; the reasons for states developing space programmes; the history of outer space law; the nature of state sovereignty for objects in space; the regulation of mining celestial resources; space debris and the orbital environment; military activity and competition in space; commercial actors in space; the philosophy behind potential contact with extraterrestrial life; insurance and liability issues; the threat from comets and asteroids. She has secondary interests and expertise in the global commons more generally (the high seas and Antarctica). 

Panel – Space Clusters

Robert Hill is the Director of the Northern Ireland Space Office and NI Space Cluster Manager, supported by the UK Space Agency. He is Chair for the Department for Economy Matrix NI Science Industry Panel and is nominated Chair of the Northern Ireland Space Leadership Council and the Northern Ireland Space Special Interest Group (NISSIG) hosted by ADS.  

He has spearheaded the campaign to bring space sector opportunities to the region and authored and coordinated the development of the Northern Ireland Space Strategy,  

Robert is well recognised within the UK space sector and has actively assisted the development and direction of the UK Space Innovation and Growth Strategy. He is a Space Industry Trade Advisor to InvestNI, the Regional Business Development Agency for N Ireland. Robert has helped to successfully create new programs of space activity in the region in both the upstream and downstream space sector.  

In 2019, Robert was recognised internationally and awarded the Sir Arthur C Clarke Foundation ‘Space Achievement: Special Award’ for his work in developing the Northern Ireland Space Cluster and catalysing growth in the UK ecosystem. 

Robert is a proud Ambassador for Visit Belfast, encouraging engagement and investment into the region and in 2024 received the Ambassador Circle Lifetime Achievement Award. 

SKYRORA – Diamond Sponsor

Skyrora Ltd is a trailblazing British space company headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, founded in 2017 by tech entrepreneur Volodymyr Levykin. With a mission to restore sovereign launch capability to the UK, Skyrora has rapidly emerged as a leader in small satellite launch technology, sustainable propulsion systems, and end-to-end space infrastructure.
The company designs, manufactures, and tests its launch vehicles entirely within the UK, positioning itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s growing space economy.

NI SPACE – Silver Sponsor

NI Space is a regional space cluster established to promote and support regional capabilities in both the national and international space sector.

The organisation facilitates meaningful knowledge exchange and develops collaborations with a wide range of stakeholders to maximise potential and drive innovation within Northern Ireland’s growing space industry.

DAY 1:

Panel 1: Expert Panel

Host: Helen Sharman First British astronaut and a world-class inspirational speaker.

Panellists:
Doug Millard – Deputy Keeper, Technologies & Engineering for the Science Museum, London.
Dr Jill Stuart – Expert in the politics, ethics and law of outer space exploration and exploitation. 
Two more panellists to be confirmed

DAY 2
Panel 2: Space Clusters
Host: TBC

Panellists:
Robert Hill – Space Northern Ireland
Rebecca Huffee – Space West
Stuart Catchpole – Space East
Christina MacLoud – Space Scotland

Panel 3: Space Insurance: Questions and Answers
Host: David Todd – Lead Space Analyst Slingshot Aerospace

Panellists:
Lee Davis – Space Underwriter, Atrium
Stephen Monks – Managing Director, March Space Projects
Morten Pahle – Director, Aesir Space
Neil Fleming – Senior Research Analyst, Ascot Group

DAY 3
Panel 4: A showcase of education, innovation and international aspects panel by Southampton University
Host: TBC
Panellists: Names TBC

Attendance TBC

DAY 2: We are hosting a day for the Satellite Catapult SPINterns
Currently 11 posters – names TBC

Please keep checking back for names and titles across all three days.