Key figures join Farnborough International Space Show
Focus on future of space and remote sensing
A host of distinguished speakers from global space organisations have been confirmed for the Farnborough International Space Show and the 40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE-40), which will take place from March 19 to 20, 2025.
Industry leaders from Rolls-Royce, Thales Alenia, NOAA, Babcock International, the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency, and the Egyptian Space Agency are set to join a growing list of key figures who will shape discussions around the future of space exploration, sustainability, and remote sensing technologies.
New speakers include leaders from leading companies and institutions in the space industry. Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group, and Charles Vermont, Chair of the Lord Mayor of London’s Space Protection Initiative, are among the latest to join the programme. Other notable names include David Lockwood, Group CEO of Babcock International, and Katie Jarman, Assistant Chief Engineer for Space at Rolls-Royce.
The show will represent some of the world’s largest space companies, such as Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, and Viasat, and it will be a major platform for industry collaboration.
Speaking on Lockheed Martin’s involvement, Nik Smith, Director of Lockheed Martin Space UK, expressed excitement about the company’s role in the inaugural Farnborough International Space Show. He highlighted Lockheed Martin’s commitment to boosting the UK space sector through regional growth initiatives, such as their partnership with Northumbria University on the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST).
Smith also emphasised the importance of the company’s Space Camps, which aim to inspire young people to explore career opportunities within the space sector.
Fred Taylor, Vice President of Space and Cyber Applications at Viasat, also expressed enthusiasm for the event. “The space industry is rapidly evolving, and the need for reliable, real-time and cost-effective on-orbit communications has never been greater,” he remarked.
Taylor looks forward to discussing Viasat’s cutting-edge solutions for low Earth orbit (LEO) operators, government agencies, and commercial space ventures, which are transforming connectivity within the growing global space economy.
Alongside the Farnborough International Space Show, the 40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE-40) will discuss the latest advancements in Earth observation (EO) technology.
The co-located event will explore the synergies between emerging technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global partnerships, focusing on how these can improve understanding of Earth-system dynamics. The conference will cover various topics, including climate change, environmental monitoring, sustainable resource management, resilient urban infrastructure systems, and innovative EO technologies for adaptation and mitigation.
Among the newly confirmed speakers for ISRSE-40 are Rt Hon Lord Willetts FRS, Chair of the UK Space Agency, and Dr Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency. Other notable speakers include Michael Ford, Senior National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Senior Scientist, and Clement Albergel, Head of Actionable Climate Information at the European Space Agency (ESA).
The conference will also feature international voices such as Ole Morten Olsen, Director of Business Development and Innovation at the Norwegian Space Agency, and Hannes Taubenböck, Head of Geo-Risks and Civil Security at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR).
The theme of sustainability will play a significant role at ISRSE-40, with discussions on enhancing diversity within the sector, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing the role of Earth observation technologies in addressing global challenges.
Experts such as Agnieszka Lukaszczyk, Founder and CEO of hiALtitude Consulting, and David Ngindu Buabua, Director General of the Remote Sensing National Centre in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will contribute to these critical conversations.
The conference is expected to draw attention to the importance of space and remote sensing in tackling pressing global issues such as climate change and resource management. The diverse range of speakers reflects the increasing collaboration between the international space community and the growing importance of space and remote sensing technologies in addressing environmental challenges.
Image: The Bartolomeo external commercial facility seen connected to the Columbus laboratory module of the International Space Station. The upcoming Farnborough International Space Show will see discussions around the future of space exploration, sustainability, and remote sensing technologies. Credit: ESA
