On 21 October we welcomed Professor Paul Febvre, Professor of Space Systems Engineering and Director of the Space Systems Centre at Cranfield University, for two sessions at the University of Bradford.

Masterclass: Space Systems, Innovation and the Future of Space

In the afternoon Professor Febvre gave an open and engaging masterclass on the real-world challenges and future directions of the space sector, to an audience of students, staff and members of the public. He began by sharing the story of his first connection with the University of Bradford many years ago, which made the session especially meaningful for everyone in the room.

The discussion ranged from satellite constellations to the ways AI could be built into space technology, network operations, products and services. The question and answer part was a real highlight: the audience asked thoughtful questions, and Professor Febvre answered each one generously, drawing on more than 40 years of experience in the field.

Cantor Technology Lecture: Space 2050

In the evening he gave the Cantor Technology Lecture, "Space 2050: Opportunity, Sustainability and the Future of Life Beyond Earth", in the Small Hall. He took the audience through the fast-changing space landscape, from the International Space Station and commercial crew missions to Earth observation, mega-constellations and the growing question of sustainability in orbit.

The lecture ended with a big question to think about: will space become a burden on Earth's resources, or could it help us build a more sustainable future?

It was wonderful to see such a full room of staff, students, researchers and members of the public. Many thanks to Professor Febvre, to the Cantor Technology Lectures for bringing such distinguished speakers to Bradford, and to everyone who came along and joined the conversation.