St Mary's Calne
This week, as part of our British Science Week celebrations, we had the incredible opportunity to hear from Libby Jackson, one of the UK’s leading experts in human spaceflight. She shared her lifelong passion for space and her journey from studying Physics at Imperial College to working at the forefront of the space industry.
During the lecture, Libby provided fascinating insights into her upcoming role as Head of Space at the Science Museum. She described her work as a Columbus Flight Director and the crucial role she played in the educational outreach program for Tim Peake’s mission. Her stories emphasized the dedication required in space operations and the importance of teamwork in human spaceflight.
Beyond her technical expertise, Libby spoke about the significance of curiosity, perseverance, and seizing opportunities, encouraging us to pursue our interests - whether in science, engineering, or other fields.
One memorable story was when, at 17, she and a friend emailed NASA asking for a work-shadowing opportunity, and to their surprise, NASA said yes! Her enthusiasm for space and exploration was truly inspiring, and we left the lecture motivated to explore new paths in our own areas of interest.
Funmi and Lara, UVI