Dave – captivated by Space having watched the Apollo 11 launch on TV in 1969 as a very young boy - graduated in 1984 from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. The following year, he embarked on his career at British Aerospace in Stevenage, focusing on spacecraft propulsion. In 1999, Dave joined SSTL as Propulsion Team Leader, when the team was very small. "Back then, it was just two of us on the team!" he recalls.
His first project at SSTL was the groundbreaking SNAP-1, a 6.5kg nanosatellite. Remarkably, in just 14 months, the team designed, built, tested, launched, and completed in-orbit operations. It marked the first use of butane as a propellant in space. Since then, Dave has played a crucial role in many of SSTL's spacecraft, from nanosatellites to the 3.5-tonne GEO Quantum.
Over the years, Dave has held various roles, including Head of Mechanical Department and Chief Mechanical Engineer. Now, he focuses purely on the technical side as a Propulsion Expert, continuing to propel SSTL to new heights.
Thank you, Dave, for your outstanding contributions and dedication!
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