SGAC announces the winners of the UK Space Agency – SGAC – SWF Scholarships 2023

Robert is a PhD researcher at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, researching how distributed internet technologies can benefit current space processes that are decentralised by nature, such as Space Traffic Management and Disaster Response Management. His Bachelors and Masters Degree in Aero-Mechanical Engineering brings with it knowledge on space systems which is combined with his interest in systems architecture and cryptographic methods, creating a background for research in distributed-internet-governance in space and the challenges it brings. As part of his PhD he is investigating practical cryptographic techniques such as asynchronus consensus for ad hoc (chaotic) satellite networks, digital reputation, and large scale data oracles, while understanding and leveraging the economic state of space and satellite data to create a more equitable system. These technologies and ideas are brought together to build a neutral resistant inter-satellite communication system and a universal platform for communication and decision making in space.

Very excited to be a part of SWF Summit for Space Sustainability, to share my knowledge on what I research and learn from experts in their respective fields.

Marie-Claire de Bruijn

Marie-Claire de Bruijn is currently studying law with the expected graduation of state-certified examination at the University of Cologne in Germany. Parallelly, she works as a Student Assistant at BHO legal, a legal firm in which she has started out as an intern in 2021 and which constantly keeps her involved with legal issues in the field of aerospace. In addition, she contributes to volunteer-based interdisciplinary projects. For a year, she has worked as a Coordination Manager at the World Space Week Association. Also, she volunteered at a global book project lead by Domi Inter Astra (DIA), an initiative under the SEPG of the SGAC and winners of the Moon Design Challenge, where she first started as a contributor to chapters pertaining to economic, industrial, and policy aspects, then as a Chapter Lead. She has also won the Student-Grant by Women in Aerospace – Europe to participate and present a paper at the IAC2022 in Paris. Previously, she participated at the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition where her team's memorial was awarded the best memorial in the Europe rounds. Before that, she has worked at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) as a Student Assistant and conducted several internships at different legal firms.

Participating at the SWF Summit for Space Sustainability will be a valuable and incredible opportunity for me to learn from debates about relevant topics and expand my panorama of knowledge. I am thus truly and deeply honoured to be selected as winner of the SGAC – UK Space Agency – SWF Scholarship 2023 to participate and hence further learn and grow. Thank you so much.

José Pedro Ferreira

José Pedro Ferreira is a Fulbright and NASA FINESST fellow pursuing a doctoral degree in Astronautical Engineering at University of Southern California under the subject of space sustainability and environmental impact of spacecraft demise in the atmosphere.
José holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico – University of Lisbon, has been trained in concurrent engineering by ESA and in nanosatellite technology by ISRO. José conducted graduate-level research at Delft University of Technology and at NASA Ames Research Center.
As an aerospace engineer, he served as the lead systems engineer for the INFANTE project that developed a SAR microsatellite, and as a guest lecturer at the Polytechnic Institute of Setubal where he also conducted research at its Center for Product Development and Technology Transfer.
Further, José worked as the co-lead of the Commercial Space Project Group within the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), is an effective member of the Space Entrepreneurship and Investment Committee at the International Astronautical Federation, and served as a SGAC delegate in the 57th and 58th Scientific and Technical Subcommittees of the UN COPUOS.

Space sustainability is a pressing concern that will affect our and future generations. I am tremendously grateful for SGAC to provide me with the opportunity to attend the SWF Summit for Space Sustainability and share my insights about such a critical subject.

Emily McColville

Emily McColville is a 22-year-old graduate student at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Her work is focused on developing interdisciplinary solutions to food supply challenges on long-term space missions. Emily combines biology and computer vision to create precision livestock farming technologies to monitor edible insect colonies on Earth and in space. Her goal is to use machine learning to generate novel insights into unknown aspects of insect physiology, contribute to cultivating insects as a sustainable food source, and help grow the Canadian space sector. In addition to her scientific pursuits, Emily is a Canon FUTURES creator and passionate science communicator who uses photojournalism, illustrations, and documentary films to engage audiences with science.

I am honoured to be afforded the incredible opportunity to attend the SWF Summit for Space Sustainability 2023. Thank you to the SGAC, UK Space Agency, and SWF for the chance to engage in such a meaningful discussion on space sustainability and learn from excellent leaders in this field.

Nicolas Moraitis

Nicolas Moraitis is a space lawyer from Greece and the Satellite Regulatory Affairs Officer at Charter Space, a start-up specialising in satellite logistics and space mission management. He has been working with several different clients and partners, analysing the various regulatory and licensing frameworks around the world. Before joining the private sector, Nicolas was part of the Royal Netherlands Air Force's Space Security Centre, as a Space Law Intern, and also a Research Assistant at the University of Exeter, reading on applications of international (space) law in military operations. He holds an LL.B from the University of Sussex and an LL.M on Air & Space Law from Leiden University. He has been actively involved within SGAC, currently serving as an NPoC for Greece and a Co-Lead for the Space Generation Advocacy and Policy Platform's Sustainability Group.

The sustainable use of outer space is more crucial than ever before. I feel honoured to have been given this opportunity and I am looking forward to contributing to the discussions around space sustainability during the Summit!

Anjali Santhakumar

Anjali is an aerospace engineering student from London, and she is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree at the University of Bath. As the treasurer of the Engineers without Borders society, she actively contributes to promoting sustainable engineering practices. Furthermore, she is a member of the University Roving Team, where she shares her skills and knowledge. In addition, Anjali is a dedicated tutor and an active member of the university community. She serves as a mentor and captain, helping younger students settle into university and providing support to incoming undergraduates. As an aspiring engineer with a deep passion for spacecraft engineering, Anjali is firmly dedicated to advancing sustainability in the field. Her goal is to contribute to a future where sustainable practices are seamlessly integrated into space missions and exploration. To accomplish this, she plans to pursue graduate studies after completing her undergraduate degree, allowing her to further expand her knowledge and expertise.

I am honoured to have been selected for the SGAC – UK Space Agency – SWF Scholarship for the SWF Summit for Space Sustainability event. I am very grateful for this incredible opportunity to contribute to the important dialogue on space sustainability. I look forward to engaging with experts and fellow participants to shape a sustainable future for space exploration.

Ewan Wright

Ewan Wright is a PhD student at the University of British Columbia, Canada, where he researches the reentry of space objects and other space sustainability issues under the Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program (Astrophysics and Political Science). He graduated with a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Sheffield, UK, and completed internships at the Satellite Applications Catapult in the UK and the European Space Policy Institute in Austria. Ewan is a member of the SGAC Space Safety and Sustainability Project Group, a Junior Fellow of the Outer Space Institute, and volunteers with UKSEDS and SpaceCareers.uk to help people find careers in the space industry

I am very pleased to receive this scholarship to attend the SWF Summit for Space Sustainability in New York. It would not be possible for me to attend the conference without this scholarship so I am grateful to the SGAC, the UK Space Agency and SWF for their support. I'm really looking forward to discussing challenges in space sustainability, meeting colleagues, and sampling New York bagels in their hometown next month!