Profile
Matt Cosby
Curriculum Vitae
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Education:
Lordswood Boys’ School, Birmingham
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Qualifications:
Degree in Physics and Space Science and Technology
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Work History:
DRA, DERA, QinetiQ Space UK
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Current Job:
Director of Space Engineering at Goonhilly Earth Station ltd
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Employer:
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About Me
Brummie physicist, now working as an engineer.
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I live with my wife and 2 children in Fleet, Hampshire. I do spend a considerable amount of time ferrying the family around their different activities. My wife is trying to make me run 5 km and I do enjoy swimming and badminton.
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My Work
I talk to Spacecraft around Mars
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I am working towards expanding our capabilities, at Goonhilly, to include deep space communications, orbit tracking, and the development of new communication systems. I was previously Chief Communications Engineer for the QinetiQ UK’s space group, where he was responsible for technical leadership of the planetary communications team, including the UHF transceiver on ESA’s ExoMars project.
Goonhilly, in partnership with ESA and SSTL, are developing a commercial lunar mission which will deliver small missions to lunar orbit and offer communications back to the Earth.
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My Typical Day: The technical work is very varied – however the constant is the need to run the company.
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In a small company you have to put your hand to almost everything. I can be presenting UK Space Agency in discussions with ESA, JAXA and NASA at the start of the day– then the next hour talking to the BBC, followed by dealing with a leaky roof in the guard house!
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What I'd do with the money
Buy Raspberry Pis for the local Cornish Schools
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Out of time
What's the best thing you've done in your career?
Landed on Mars
What or who inspired you to follow your career?
My Dad
What was your favourite subject at school?
Physics
What did you want to be after you left school?
TV Cameraman
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Yes
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
TV Cameraman
Who is your favourite singer or band?
David Bowie
What's your favourite food?
Bacon Sandwiches
What is the most fun thing you've done?
Stood between the Shuttle and the main tank while it was on the launch pad for STS-82
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Watch Aston Villa win the FA Cup; Receive Voyager at Goonhilly; land a mission on the Moon.
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