The past decade has seen remarkable scientific and technological advancements, as concepts of science fiction rapidly turn into reality. Many of these have been driven by Women is Space, who work to protect and defend the UK and allies space capabilities; recruit and train defence personnel to work in the space domain; and deliver space equipment programmes.
The Head of Space Policy in the MOD Space Directorate, Ms Natalie Moore, has the ambition to see the first female set foot on the moon within the next decade.
"With such rapid change and the corresponding ambition to keep pace, what better time to be involved in space, whether in Government, industry, academia or in our world class scientific community?"
Ms Natalie Moore
Head of Space Policy, MOD Space Directorate
Formed on the 1st April 2021, the UK Space Command Capability Operations is deputised by Group Captain Rayna Owens. A diverse and rewarding career has seen her become one of the most experienced people in space Defence; having worked in 5 different jobs across 10 years.
Rayna was the Stations Commander of RAF Fylingdales, who monitor objects in the atmosphere and provide early warning services that support the UK and US missile defence system.
She then became involved in the formation of the Space Directorate and UK Space Command, before co-Chairing the Capability and Architectures Working group. For the past 8 years, Rayna has also led the UK participation in the annual US space wargaming activity thinking about future challenges, capabilities and concepts.
In July 2018, Rayna moved to Air Command to set up an RAF Space Capability team working on many innovative activities. The team have been pivotal to determining the capability of UK Space Command and finding how industrial developments are relevant to Defence output – working closely with the Space Directorate, UK Stratcom, UK Space Agency and International partners.
"There is something about space that engenders passion in those involved and while the work is challenging it is very exciting as we are setting the foundations for the future."
Group Captain Rayna Owens
Deputy Head Space Capability Operations, UK Space Command
Ms Rachel Solomons is the Scientific Adviser at UK Space Command, making sure science, technology and innovation is maximised for UK defence space.
She studied astrophysics and radio astronomy during her Physics and Aerospace Engineering degree at Manchester University. Rachel then went on to work closely with the vast network of scientists and engineers at Dstl, finding novel ways of engaging industry to ensure UK Space Command continues to grow and be efficient.
Squadron Leader Lou Page achieved a BSc (HONS) in equine science and business management before going into the space domain in 2014. Lou took over as Project Manager in 2017, launching the CARBONITE-2 satellite owned by Surrey Satellite Technology and used by the RAF to explore ISR from space. She also initiated and led the Programme ARTEMIS and is currently on exchange with the United States Space Force at the National Security Space Institute in Colorado. Here, Lou is a Space Instructor for future space leaders across the US Armed Forces and allied partners – which requires the MODs highest space qualification.
"It’s a hugely rewarding role, playing my part of that and an absolute privilege to learn not only from my United States Space Force colleagues, but from every student who walks through our doors."
Squadron Leader Lou Page
Exchange Officer at National Security Space Institute (Peterson SFB)
Flight Lieutenant Jo Parker is the Officer Commanding Training at the UK Space Operations Centre. She joined the RAF in 2001 as an airman, only two weeks after sitting her GCSEs. Fast forward 20 years and she is now responsible for the formal and informal training of all personnel at the front line of space operations for the UK and intelligence cadre and orbital analysis team. They monitor the space domain constantly, at all hours of the year for significant space weather activity, satellite conjunctions of concern, adversarial activity across all earth orbits plus space launches and missile activity.
"No two days are the same in space, so it’s an enjoyable challenge to ensure that our new arrivals are suitably prepared for what the domain might present to them once they are live on shift. I am also in my second year of my RAF funded Master’s degree as part of the Dowding Fellowship scheme, for which my dissertation is space focused. I’m not sure that my 16 year old self back at Halton could have fathomed the career pathway that lay ahead."
Flight Lieutenant Jo Parker
Officer Commanding Training
Dr Gemma Bagheri MSci Msc PhD QTS CPhys is the Chief Scientist and Technical Lead for the UK Space Command Artemis Small Satellite Operational Capability Demonstrator. This involves setting requirements and overseeing the design and delivery of satellite missions and associated ground stations. She also provide scientific advice and engagement within Ministry of Defence, wider government and within allied communities.
"It is a really exciting time to be working in the UK space sector and I am glad to see a number of extremely capable female colleagues and I am keen to encourage young women, returners or women new to defence and space."
Dr Gemma Bagheri
Chief Scientist and Technical Lead
