The space industry is currently experiencing a renaissance. Launching spacecraft has never been easier or cheaper, and on-board technology is advancing rapidly. Whether it’s satellites in orbit or exploration spacecraft, companies and countries are investing. Governments, including the UK, are turning their attention to the risks and rewards that may exist far in the skies above us.
There has never been a better time for Space @ Oxford, a network that brings together space research from across college universities.
“Oxford has an incredibly innovative, vast and knowledgeable research capacity in the space industry,” says Dr Simon Jackman, Senior Innovation Researcher. “From observational astrophysics to Earth observation, via remote sensing and satellite imagery, including the construction of spacecraft and robotic rovers, the University is very strong in the sciences. physical and life. We also have particular strength here in the social sciences, examining the business and global governance of space, which gives us an advantage over solving practical challenges. The network has also been successful in establishing partnerships with external agencies, notably the Satellite Applications Catapult and the European Space Agency.
“The Space @ Oxford network brings it all together – work is going on across the university and the network allows us to connect the dots. “
Space @ Oxford Week, which kicks off Monday, November 22, is an opportunity for the network to showcase its research strengths and engage with other academics, as well as share their work with external partners and the public. . Webinars on topics as diverse as cosmology and astrophysics, space commercialization and international politics, are open to anyone interested. Participation is free and registrations are open online.
“Space research at Oxford covers a wide range of activities, from designing and building scientific instruments to operate in space, to analyzing data that then feeds into policy advice,” says Professor Neil Bowles. of Planetary Sciences and President of Space @ Oxford. “Studying space and its related fields can answer many questions we ask about the world, as well as help us find solutions to our most pressing problems, such as climate change.
“Earth observation can offer a unique perspective on our planet and new developments in less expensive, smaller and better performing spacecraft to perform focused scientific observations on a wide range of issues, from climate to biodiversity in through energy consumption. Planetary science and exploration from orbiters, entry probes and landers help us answer the fundamental question about the origin and evolution of the planets in our solar system and the next generation of telescopes space will study the planets around other stars and the first structures in the universe.
“Oxford plays an important role in all of these areas and hopefully this week will give people a sense of the scope of our research, how it helps answer these major questions and how they can. get more involved. “
To learn more about Space @ Oxford and to register for one of the Space @ Oxford Week webinars, visit the Space @ Oxford website or contact Connor D’Arcy, Space @ Week coordinator.
