Profile

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Brian Skidmore

Curriculum Vitae

  • Education:

    Wolverhampton Grammar School, Nottingham University, Manchester University, Open University.

  • Qualifications:

    O Levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, English, History. A levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry. Chemical Engineering MEng, Radio Astronomy (Jodrell Bank) MSc, Natural Sciences with Physics and Astronomy BSc

  • Work History:

    UCL, Dendrite, Vismed, ESYS, QinetiQ, Arqiva, Snell, XP Solutions, SSTL

  • Current Job:

    Senior Ground Segment Engineer and Mission Concepts Engineer

  • Employer:

    Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd

     

  • About Me

    I'm Brian, I love astronomy, music and travelling the world!

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    I live in Reading with my partner Dawn. We both do what we love – she’s a teacher and author, and I work on space missions.

    I have lots of interests – too many! I love astronomy and have recently taken up astrophotography. I also love playing the piano, especially in public which I usually do at weekends (though not at the moment!). travelling (I recently visited New Zealand, Hong Kong and India), reading about science & history and going for a run!

    I also give talks on space and astronomy to school children, scout groups and even at work.

  • My Work

    I help make sure satellites work in space

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    I work for Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford which designs and makes satellites for countries all over the world. I have two main jobs: I write the computer programs  that we use to tell our satellites what to do from the ground and I also work on new ideas for how to use satellites.It’s an amazing place to work with over 150 engineers all working on different aspects of space projects: software, solar panels, rockets, satellite control, communications, you name it!

    The Kepler building where SSTL builds its satellites

    The Kepler building where SSTL builds its satellites

    We have a special building where we make satellites and it’s very exciting seeing one being put together. And we always have a ‘launch party’ where we watch our satellites being launched. Recently we launched 6 satellites in one go on the most powerful rocket in the world – the Falcon Heavy!

    An SSTL S1-4 image of one farmer's tribute to the NHS

    An SSTL S1-4 image of one farmer’s tribute to the NHS

    The Falcon Heavy rocket with SSTL's 6 Formasat-7 spacecraft

    The Falcon Heavy rocket with SSTL’s 6 Formasat-7 spacecraft

     

  • My Typical Day: A typical day consists of designing and writing software, meeting colleagues and writing documents. But I work on lots of different projects so that no two days are the same.

  • My Interview

    • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

      Friendly, enthusiastic, curious

      What's the best thing you've done in your career?

      Discovering new stars in the Milky Way galaxy

      What or who inspired you to follow your career?

      I was just born loving astronomy and space! As a child I was taken to the local astronomy society and was hooked.

      What was your favourite subject at school?

      Chemistry

      What did you want to be after you left school?

      Chemical Engineer

      Were you ever in trouble at school?

      Yes. I'm not saying any more!

      If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

      Astronomer

      Who is your favourite singer or band?

      Pink Floyd, except on Wednesday's when it's Prince

      What's your favourite food?

      My partner Dawn's apple crumble - yummy!

      What is the most fun thing you've done?

      Being soaked by the Victoria Falls in Africa

      Tell us a joke.

      I like elevator jokes the best. They work on so many different levels.

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