22nd Appleton Space Conference
When:
3rd December 2026
Location:
ESA Magali Vaissiere Conference Centre, Harwell Campus and online
The Appleton Space Conference brings together the thinkers, innovators, creators and leaders to share the latest advances in space science and technology.
Programme
09:00 – Registration and refreshments
Session 1: One government approach to space
09:35 – 09:45 – Welcome – Brian Moyna, Interim Director, STFC RAL Space
09:45 – 10:30 – Fireside chat: One government approach to space – Michele Dougherty, UKRI Space Champion, Alice Bunn, Director, UK Space Agency
10:30 – 11:00 – Break, networking, exhibition
Session 2: The future of space
11:00 – 11:20 –Terrestrial planning: 5 lessons to take to space – Hazel McGregor, Director, Prior + Partners
11:20 – 11:40 –The (un)sustainability of satellite re-entry – Matthew Middleton, Director, Southampton Space Institute
11:40 – 12:00 – The BepiColombo Mission to Mercury – David Rothery, UK Lead Co-Investigator, Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer, Open University
12:00 – 13:30 – Lunch, networking, exhibition
Session 3: Keynote lecture
13:30 – 14:15 – Joanne Wheeler MBE, Alden Legal and ESSI Director
14:15 – 14:30 – Comfort break
Session 4: From innovation to commercialisation
14:30 – 15:30 – Panel discussion: From innovation to commercialisation
15:30 – 15:45 – Highlight: TBC
15:45 – 16:15 – Break, networking, exhibition
Session 5: What can AI do for the space sector?
16:15 – 16:35 – Earth Observation in the age of AI: beyond the chatbot hype – David Moffat, AI and Data Lead Scientist, Plymouth Marine Laboratory
16:35 – 16:55 – AI for Astronomy Instrumentation – Bradley Frank, Head of Software and Electronic Engineering, UK Astronomy Technology Centre
16:55 – 17:15 – Building space in a virtual world: how AI is changing the way we design and operate spacecraft – Talha Baig, Space Systems Doctoral Researcher, University of Manchester
17:15 – 17:20 – Closing remarks
17:20 – 18:45 – Evening reception
Sarah Beardsley opening the 21st Appleton Space Conference.
What is the Appleton Space Conference?
Beginning in 2004, the Appleton Space Conference brings together leaders from across the Space sector – providing a platform to discuss the latest development in Space, Earth observation and technology development.
This one day event features presentations, talks and panel sessions delivered by thought leaders in academia, industry and policy and provides key networking opportunities to share and learn. Our previous speakers include ESA Astronaut Tim Peake, Director of the British Antarctic Survey Professor Dame Jane Francis, and Chief Scientist at NASA, Dr James Green.
