ABOUT THIS CONFERENCE
Join us at the 1st International Symposium on Small Launchers and Spaceports 2024!
Held at the ECSAT Centre in Harwell, UK, the 3-day International Symposium on Small Launchers and Spaceports is a unique, technically focused event jointly co-organised between the UK Space Agency (Office of the Chief Engineer) and the European Space Agency (Directorate of Space Transportation). The event focuses on themes supporting the development and sustainment of the small launcher industry and spaceports.
The conference will bring together technically orientated participants from industry, government, academia, and researchers from around the globe. The conference agenda adopts a multifaceted approach which looks to solve challenges in space through the active participation of those involved in the technical elements of launch activity.
The agenda and call for abstracts will be based around five themes:
1. System Design & Qualification
2. Manufacturing, Quality and Productionisation
3. Mission and Operations
4. Lifecycle Sustainability
5. Market and Regulations
Registration is free, as the co-organisers are hoping to welcome engagement and seek input from varied stakeholders in the technical aspects of launch activities.
ORGANISATIONS
ORGANISERS
INVOLVED ORGANISATIONS
EVENT OBJECTIVES
1. Demonstrate Commitment to Quality, Reliability and Safety: Highlight your robust testing and operational procedures, building trust and confidence with potential customers, regulators, and partners.
2. Sharpen Your Technical Edge: Deep dive into cutting-edge testing methodologies, advanced manufacturing techniques, and streamlined spaceport operations specifically tailored for the small launch market.
3. Build Strategic Partnerships: Gain insights from a diverse range of organisations with expertise across the development lifecycle. Foster valuable connections within the space industry and beyond.
4. Tackle crucial challenges: safety, sustainability, and environmental impact.
5. Network and collaborate with government officials, industry pioneers, private investors, and academic experts from both the space launch sector.
6. Spread awareness of your expertise and vision for launch through talks, and panel discussions.
This conference isn't just about discussing the future, it's about ensuring it. Your participation will help to influence decision-makers' understanding and support of launch, driving the community closer to solving global demands in a scalable and sustainable way.
| DAY 1 (ONE ROOM) |
|
| 08:00 | Registration |
| 09:15 | Opening introduction Mauro Augelli, Head of Systems Engineering, Office of the Chief Engineer (OCE), UK Space Agency |
| 09:30 | Welcome address Matthew Archer, Director of Launch Directorate, UK Space Agency |
| 10:00 |
Keynote Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General Born in Austria, Josef Aschbacher studied at the University of Innsbruck, graduating with a Master’s degree and a PhD in natural sciences. He has had an accomplished international career in space, combining more than 35 years’ work experience at ESA, the European Commission, the Austrian Space Agency, the Asian Institute of Technology and the University of Innsbruck. As Chief Executive Officer of ESA, Dr Aschbacher is responsible for the definition, implementation and development of Europe’s space infrastructure and activities, which include launchers, satellites performing Earth observation, navigation, telecommunication and space science, together with robotic exploration and ESA astronauts working on the International Space Station. He is responsible for an annual budget of €7 billion and a workforce of 5500 distributed across several establishments, principally in Europe. When taking up office as ESA Director General, Dr Aschbacher published a new strategy for space in Europe, called 'Agenda 2025', aimed at accelerating significantly the use of space in Europe through major new initiatives and programmes. From 2016–21, he was ESA Director for Earth Observation Programmes and Head of ESA’s ESRIN establishment in Frascati, Italy. He has been a key leader of the European Copernicus programme, which has grown beyond all expectations and is now considered to be one of the most ambitious and successful Earth observation programmes in the world. He worked in various functions within ESA from 2001 onwards both in Paris and Frascati. From 1994–2000, he worked at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, in his latest position serving as Scientific Assistant to the Director of the Space Applications Institute. From 1991–93 he was stationed as ESA Representative in Southeast Asia, where he developed projects in the Asian region while, at the same time, working in a full-time academic teaching capacity as Associate Professor at AIT Bangkok. In 2021, Dr Aschbacher became 'Grande Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana', the highest recognition accorded to non-Italian nationals. |
| 10:30 | Panel session (Theme 1) Moderator: Andrew Ratcliffe, Chief Engineer, OCE, UK Space Agency |
| 11:00 | Break |
| 11:30 | Presentations (Theme 1) |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 14:00 | Keynote Bradley Smith, Director of Launch Services (Space Operations) for NASA Bradley W. Smith is the Director of Launch Services within the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. He is responsible for providing strategic guidance, policy direction, and oversight to NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP), which manages the agency’s commercial launch service efforts placing high value scientific, weather and communication satellites, and other robotic payloads, into space for NASA and the nation’s civil sector. Additionally, he manages the agency’s Flight Planning Board, ensuring timely authority to proceed is given to launch service acquisitions as well as ensuring NASA missions are deconflicted prior to going to the launch range for approval. Prior to his current position, he served as LSP’s chief of staff, reporting directly to the program manager where he was responsible for LSP’s commercial launch vehicle acquisition strategy and led the program’s integration into NASA’s Artemis campaign. His previous experience includes serving as directorate lead counsel to the Assistant Associate of NASA’s former Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, where he was responsible for the provision of policy and legal advice to the entire directorate, working on matters as diverse as heading up strategic sourcing initiatives, aiding in the negotiation of Soyuz seats with Roscosmos, developing policy for NASA’s purchase of the Electron launch vehicle, and developing NASA’s acquisition strategy for the agency’s Deep Space Gateway. He also served as program counsel to LSP for over seven years. Bradley began his NASA career in 2009 with the Office of the Chief Counsel at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He has received numerous achievement and performance awards throughout his career, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Silver Achievement Medal, and numerous Honor Awards. He holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology from the University of Georgia as well as a Juris Doctor with an emphasis in space policy from the University of Mississippi School of Law. |
| 14:30 | Panel session (Theme 2) Moderator: Tristan Stindt, Launch Systems Lead, OCE, UK Space Agency |
| 15:00 | Presentations (Theme 2) |
| 15:30 | Coffee break |
| 16:00 | Panel session (Theme 3) |
| 16:30 | Presentations (Theme 3) |
| 17:00 | Networking and drinks reception |
| DAY 2 (THREE ROOMS) |
|
| 08:00 | Registration |
| 09:00 | Presentations (Theme 2) |
| 09:00 RM2 |
Presentations (Theme 3) |
| 10:30 | Break |
| 11:00 | Presentations (Theme 2) |
| 11:00 RM2 |
Presentations (Theme 5) |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 12:30 | Lunch (Staggered) |
| 13:30 | Presentations (Theme 4) |
| 14:00 RM2 |
Presentations (Theme 1) |
| 15:00 | Coffee break |
| 15:30 | Presentations (Theme 4) |
| 15:30 RM2 |
Presentations (Theme 3) |
| 16:30 | Presentations (Theme 1) |
| 17:00 | Presentations (Theme 5) |
| 09:00 17:00 RM3 |
‘Meet the Company’ |
| DAY 3 (ONE ROOM) |
|
| 08:00 | Registration |
| 09:00 | Keynote - tbc |
| 09:30 | Panel session (Theme 4) Moderator: Thilo Kranz, Commercial Space Transportation Programme Manager, European Space Agency |
| 10:00 | Presentations (Theme 4) |
| 11:00 | Break |
| 11:30 | Panel session (Theme 5) Moderator: Paul Cremin, Commercial Spaceflight Regulation and Policy Lead, Department for Transport |
| 12:00 | Presentations (Theme 5) |
| 12:30 | Closing remarks |
| 13:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 | Site visits |
Theme Blocks
Theme 1: System Design & Qualification (x4)
Theme 2: Manufacturing, Quality and Productionisation (x4)
Theme 3: Mission and Operations (x4)
Theme 4: Lifecycle Sustainability (x4)
Theme 5: Market and Regulations (x4)
EVENT INFORMATION
Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in small launch!
#technology #space #internationalsymposium
#future #sustainability
#launch #vehicles #spaceports
REGISTRATION
Please create a profile to complete your registration for the 1st International Symposium on Smal Launch Vehicles and Spaceports.
Two-Stage Registration: Due to the limited capacity and technical nature of this event we would like those interested in attending to register. All registrations will then be reviewed and confirmed.
MEET THE COMPANY
Along with the technical programme the symposium will allow companies or entities on day two, to present themselves to the larger audience within a parallel session called "Meet the Company".
If you are a company and are interested in presenting yourself and your business to the larger audience, please send the information below to internationalsymposium@ukspaceagency.gov.uk
• Name of company/organisation
• Website details
• How your presence will contribute to the event themes and objectives
• Point of contact (including name, job title and email address)
SPONSORSHIP
Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
For any enquiries and for sponsorship opportunities, please contact: internationalsymposium@ukspaceagency.gov.uk
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the 2024 International Symposium on Small Launch Vehicles and Spaceports programme!
TRAVEL
Getting to ECSAT
1. Arriving by Plane
From Heathrow Airport
Take the M4 motorway towards Slough, Reading and the West. Continue as far as junction 13 and then head north for about 8 miles on the A34 towards Oxford and follow the A34 directions given above.
From Gatwick Airport
Take the M23 to London and Guildford. At junction 7/8 join the M25 to Heathrow and Watford. At junction 15, take the M4 towards Slough, Reading and the West, and continue to junction 13. Head north for about 8 miles on the A34 towards Oxford and follow the A34 directions given above.
From London City Airport
Take the M11 from Woodford via A112, Newham Way, N Circular Rd/A406, and Exit 4. Transition to M25 and M4 towards A34 in Berkshire (Exit 13). Follow A34 to Fermi Ave in Oxfordshire. Access M27 from A335, then M3 and A34 to A4185 in Oxfordshire. Take the A4185 exit from A34, and continue on A4185 to Fermi Ave.
2. Arriving by Car
From the A34 (driving south)
Exit the A34 at the Chilton junction, signposted Harwell Campus and Chilton. At the top of the slip road, enter roundabout and take the second exit onto Hagbourne Hill. At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto A4185. After going over the A34, go straight ahead at the next roundabout, remaining on the A4185. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto Fermi Avenue (signposted Harwell Campus, Fermi Entrance, Diamond, HPA, RAL)
You will see ECSAT Conference Facility on your left hand side next to the ECSAT main colourful building with the member state flags at the front.
From the A34 (driving north)
Exit the A34 at the Chilton Junction, take the first exit on the roundabout (signposted Wantage), then merge onto the A4185. At the next roundabout take the first exit (signposted Harwell Business Centre, RAL, and NRPB) onto Fermi Avenue. You will see ECSAT on your left-hand side.
Upon arrival at ECSAT Conference Facility, parking spaces for visitors are available at the back of the building. Parking permits will be issued on a first come first serve basis.
3. Arriving by Train
Eurostar
To reach ECSAT via Eurostar train, please visit Eurostar Website There are trains to London Saint Pancras international from the stations:
• Paris Gare Du Nord: On average trains run every 30 minutes from 7:00 to 9:00 and after 9:00 they run every hour.
• Brussels Midi: On average trains run every hour or more from 8am
• Rotterdam Central: On average trains run every 1-2 hours starting from 6:58
• Amsterdam Central: On average trains run every hour starting from 6:11
From London St. Pancras to Didcot Parkway
Although there are not any direct services from London St. Pancras to Didcot, it is still easy to travel to Didcot Parkway by train from London Paddington train station.
• From St Pancras Station: walk about 4 minutes to King's Cross St. Pancras and take the Circle line (yellow) towards Hammersmith. After 5 stops (10 minutes circa) you arrive in Paddington Underground station.
• From Paddington underground station: walk (2 minutes circa) towards Paddington Railway Station and from there the choice is of many Great Western Fast Trains heading towards Didcot Parkway, usually every 30 minutes.
Please follow the instructions below for public bus transportation and to be informed about reliable taxi companies.
4. Arriving by Bus
From Didcot Parkway
Walk about 2 minutes and just outside the train station to get Services X34 and X35 on stop R2 or R3 provide an up to every 15-minute frequency between Didcot, Great Western Park and Harwell Campus on weekdays– Journey is about 25 minutes, stop ID in Harwell Campus is: “Eighth Street South” Walk about 3 minutes south on Eighth St., at the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Fermi Ave. ESA ECSAT will be on the right-hand side, in Fermi Ave, Harwell, Didcot OX11 0FD.
From Oxford City Centre
Broad Street stop or Oxford Canning Crescent stop:
This service is to Harwell Campus fast via A34 and stops in Harwell Campus in Becquerel Avenue Terminus, OX11 0RD. Walk about 11 minutes. Head south on Becquerel Ave toward Fermi Avenue (roundabout). At the roundabout Turn left onto Fermi Avenue and walk on Fermi Avenue for about 10 minutes. ESA ECSAT is on the right-hand side. Please always check latest updates here: https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/harwell/
5. Arriving by Taxi
From Didcot Parkway
Walk about 4 minutes towards the taxi pick-up area outside the train station on the right hand-side. Via taxi route the journey to ESA ECSAT takes approximately 12-15 minutes The taxi will drop you off in front of ECSAT entrance.
Recommended Taxi Companies
If you would like to prebook a taxi for your arrival at ECSAT, please see below for recommended taxi companies.
COACH SERVICE
A complimentary coach service will be available from all three hotels listed below. This service will run to a timetable, and if you are not able to board the coach on time then you would be required to organise your own travel to the conference facility. A coach timetable will be shared closer to the event.
Approximate distances:
• Courtyard by Marriot – 4.0 miles (6.4km)
• Milton Hill House – 2.8 miles (4.5km)
• Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford – 8.8 miles (14.2km)
ACCOMMODATION
Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South
Milton Hill House
From Hilton Garden Inn
VENUE
The symposium is taking place at ESA's European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT), located at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in the UK.
CONTACT
For conference matters please contact the conference organisers:
For organisational matters please contact the ESA Conference Bureau: ecsat.mvcc.ecb@esa.int