Mark’s long career in astronautics started at British Aerospace Space and Communications Division working as a systems engineer on communications satellites and infrastructure systems. In 1991 he joined the University of Bristol and became the Senior Lecturer in Astronautics. In 2008 he launched his own company, Hempsell Astronautics Ltd.
Mark joined the Society in 1971 and elected to Fellow in 1984. He is a twice Past President (1997-2000 & 2015-2018) and a past Editor of the Journal. He serves on the Finance and General Purposes Committee, Technical Committee and the Constitution Committee. He is particularly keen to keep the balance between the academic and the popularising roles of the Society to ensure they continue to invigorate each other.
