Meet our Steering Board guiding the strategic direction and priorities of Space West
Simon Agass is a senior space and geospatial technology leader with 20+ years of experience delivering innovation across government, industry, and academia. With a background in Remote Sensing and GIS Simon has led national and international programmes, specialising in turning complex space capabilities into real-world impact.
Currently Director and Board Member at Riskaware Ltd, Simon has driven Riskaware’s presence in the space sector, contributing to major initiatives like Riskaware’s participation in the UK Space Command’s BOREALIS programme. I’ve previously held senior roles at the Satellite Applications Catapult and secondments to the UK Space Agency, where he has supported the Space for Smarter Government programme.
Dr Sana Belguith is a Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security at University of Bristol and Research Institute for Sociotechnical Cyber Security Fellow. She leads the University of Bristol’s Cyber Security for Space Research Activity.
Dr Philippe Blondel works at the University of Bath. He holds a PhD in Physics/Remote Sensing from the University of Paris-VII, and his PhD was about radar imaging of Venus. He then worked at the University of Washington, the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences Deacon Laboratory and the Southampton Oceanography Centre. Physics can be used to explore our own planet, including volcanic fields and oceans, and the same techniques support exploration of planets and asteroids. Philippe is interested in asteroid mining, Space Situational Awareness in planetary/asteroid environments and the imaging of space debris. He often works with industry on collaborative projects and he contributed to the UK Parliament POSTNote "Defence of space-based assets" (https://post.parliament.uk/research-briefings/post-pn-0654/).
Nick Crew is the Research & Technology Key Account Manager for Public Funding and Co-operations at Airbus Defence and Space. He works within a cross-national team shaping the UK’s national technology and innovation plan. He also serves as COO of Airbus Endeavr Wales, commissioning early-stage research in partnership with the Welsh Government. Nick collaborates with academia, start-ups, SMEs, and industry, managing a broad challenge-led innovation portfolio. A Chartered Mechanical Engineer, he has delivered major systems and service solutions for defence, government, and commercial clients worldwide. He works closely with government, industry, and academia to promote technology development and innovation that supports Airbus strategy and drives UK economic growth.
Alex Hale is the Space Programme Lead at the NCC with over 10 years of experience leading science and engineering technology development projects in the Space sector for a range of different public sector organisations, such as NPL and the University of Bristol. Currently, Alex leads the delivery of a portfolio of composite engineering projects, and leads the cross-HVMC space working group.
Kim Lake, Head of Earth Observation and Science Projects at OHB Space UK. OHB Space UK is the new UK subsidiary of OHB SE, a leading European large scale integrator specialising in the development, implementation and operation of complete space systems. Kim has a PhD in Quantum Technology and has over 10 years experience in the Science, Technology and Space industry including involvement at component, Payload and Satellite system level through projects such as PACE, TRUTHS and IASI-NG.
Tobias Lin is Head of Capabilities in the Space Directorate within the Department for Science Innovation and Technology. He was previously National Space Strategy Lead at the UK Space Agency.
Ben Olivier has worked in Bristol’s space industry for nearly 40 years. At BAE Space Systems, he contributed to major missions including Hubble, SOHO, ENVISAT, and Rosetta. Following the closure of Matra Marconi Space’s Filton site, he joined SEA Ltd, helping grow it into the UK’s largest independent space electronics supplier before its acquisition by Thales Alenia Space, where he served as CEO until 2019. He led key projects including the EU Copernicus Multi Angle Polarimeter and an electric propulsion facility in Belfast. More recently, Ben has supported early-stage growth at iCOMAT and Space Forge, and worked at Arqit on quantum-capable systems. He now advises companies and agencies, and chaired the 2023 UK Space Conference programme committee.
Joe graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2018 with a Masters in Aerospace Engineering, specialising in Aerodynamics, Propulsion, and Space. He then proceeded to crowbar space into every role since, including next generation aerial refuelling, and research and development. He succeeded at MBDA UK, where he is now UK Space Lead. Joe is an emerging technology and early lifecycle specialist, taking projects from the earliest concept through to demonstrating feasibility. Joe also represents the Royal Aeronautical Society on the Steering Board. A member for nine years, Joe sits on the society Council and the Next Generation Board, as well as Chairing the Young Person’s Committee. His focus and passion is to expand the role of the society in the space sector.
Stephen Potts is the Chief of Finance & Operations at the Satellite Applications Catapult. In addition to providing a link to the Board of the Catapult supporting Space sector growth, he lives in Bristol, previously worked at UKHO, EA/Defra and started life as a strategy consultant for Accenture. He co-leads the SAC Security & Defence work which aligns with Space West priority theme.
Simon Reid is a Bristol-based Consultant with over 30 years space industry experience working with ESA, Eumetsat, Eutelsat, Galileo and other space agencies. Mr Reid has led digital innovation in many aspects of space systems including mission architecture and design, control centres and automation software, cyber security, earth observation, space situational awareness and in-orbit data centres. He is the former Managing Director of D-Orbit UK, CTO of RHEA group and Space Director at SciSys Bristol, currently supporting a number of space organisations on their space data journey.
Eric Sanders is part of the West of England's Inward Investment service: Invest Bristol & Bath. Eric and his team develop sector-based campaigns to promote opportunities in the West of England, and work with companies to secure their investment in the region.
Jim Sibson is Head of Research and Partnerships at Babcock International Group. He has been with Babcock for over 15 years and has been a strong advocate for the region, engaging with many regional initiatives including the development of a Western Regional Defence and Security Cluster.
Chris is an Associate Professor in Aeropsace Engineering at the University of West of England. Her research interests include: Hypersonic aerothermodynamics, ion thruster development, supersonic flow, access to space, space debris removal and in-space manufacture.
Hollie is a passionate community builder who believes that opportunity and innovation thrive through human connection. With a diverse background spanning global financial markets, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, she champions the power of collective ambition to tackle society’s biggest challenges. As General Manager of CyNam, Hollie leads the Executive Team in driving strategy execution for Gloucestershire’s cyber tech sector, focusing on ecosystem development, innovation and investment, and skills growth.
Dr Mark Woods is Head of Robotics, Autonomy & AI (RAAI), Chief Strategy Officer, and Board Member at CFMS. With over 20 years of experience in the space sector, Dr Woods has led innovation in RAAI and intelligent systems for space exploration, working for or in collaboration with ESA, the UK Space Agency, Airbus, TAS, NASA JPL, and others. His work includes leading key autonomy elements of the ExoMars Rover mission and first-of-a-kind AI deployments in both space and non-space commercial applications. He advises on strategic RAAI adoption, disruptive technology innovation, next-generation autonomy tools. He sits on UKSA's Space Exploration Advisory Committee as an external expert representing non-LSI industry within the UK, is a member of the Space West steering committee and sits on various other industrial/academic advisory groups.
