UKSEDS Space Workshop 2012 Kingston

1. UKSEDS Workshop, Kingston University, 17th November, 2012
UK Space Science Heritage Project
Dave Wright (BROHP, Space Connections), Ryan Laird
(UKSEDS Secretary), Richard Painter (UKSEDS Project
Officer), Joseph Dudley (UKSEDS PR Officer)

2. 2
UK Space Science Heritage Project,
UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University
• The project proposed to interview, on video, ten space
scientists who have played a major role in developing UK
Space Science.
• Intended to archive the raw footage of future researchers
and participate in outreach activities around local schools,
colleges and universities once the audio footage has been
recorded.
• We also wish to include a film of artefacts and places
connected with the UK heritage to raise national
awareness and encourage viewers to visit these sites.
Oral history

3. 3
UK Space Science Heritage Project,
UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University
• The UK has played a significant role in
developing space science from the
launch of the Skylark sounding rocket in
1957 to the present, including the
Prospero satellite (1971) launched by the
UK Black Arrow rocket.
• In addition, Ariel-1 (1962), the first UK
satellite to carry experiments devised and
operated by UK universities, recently
celebrated the 50th anniversary of its
launch at the National Science Museum
in April.
• Many of the early pioneers are still active
and have a fascinating scientific and
human story to tell about their work.
Motivation

4. 4
UK Space Science Heritage Project,
UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University
• Professor Martin Barstow
• Professor Andrew Coates
• Professor Len Culhane
• Professor Keith Mason
• Roy Dommett CBE
• Professor Ken Pounds
• Professor Colin Pillinger
• Professor David Southwood
• Professor Fred Taylor
• John Thatcher – EADS Astrium
Interviewees

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UK Space Science Heritage Project,
UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University
“I will be happy to take part. Although quite a lot has been
recorded in various ‘histories’, the pioneering role of UK space
Scientists (starting ours pre-Sputnik!) is not widely recognised.
Neither is its importance as a base for the now strong UK
Space Industry.”
-- Prof. Kenneth Pounds
“I would be honoured to take part. Moreover, I think the whole
exercise is very worthwhile. I do hope you are successful.”
-- Prof. David Southwood,
Former Director of Science and Robotic Exploration (D/SRE)
at ESA
Support for the project

6. 6
UK Space Science Heritage Project,
UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University
• Recruit 12 students to undertake the bulk of the project;
expected to register as STEM ambassadors to schools.
• Students will be provided with refund for travel costs and a
reasonable budget for food and refreshments during the
interview days.
• Initial training will be at a two-day workshop (venue TBC) with
professionals with extensive experience in the film industry, oral
history, teaching and space science.
• At the end of the recording part there will be a further two-day
workshop to debrief the teams, examine the results and discuss
exploitation. Students will be given training in making
presentations in school and other locations.
• Students will work in teams of three for interviews.
Methodology

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UK Space Science Heritage Project,
UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University
• Raw footage will be archived.
• Edited highlights of the interviews will be placed on the
internet.
• Teaching resources will be produced by teachers to enable
the resource to be exploited more easily.
• Workshops for schools
• Temporary exhibition
Products

8. 8
UK Space Science Heritage Project,
UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University
Mentors
• Dr Chris Riley – In the Shadow of the Moon (Film Maker)
• Dr Howard Berry – University of Hertfordshire (Award
winning film and video editor).
• Paul Spencer – YESnet, ESERO-UK
• Dave Wright – BROHP, Oral history and pedagogy
• Dr Michael Kandiah – King’s College London, Oral history
and archiving
• Space Connections - Education resources and exhibition
• STEMNet – “Space” Ambassadors
Training

9. 9
UK Space Science Heritage Project,
UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University
Progress so far
• Pre-application submitted. Initial feedback received from
Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) – 20th June 2012.
• DW and RL attended a HLF grant surgery were they met
with a HLF Development Officer to discuss.
• JD and RL attended a HLF training workshop to familiarise
their selves with the full application terms, conditions and
procedure.
• JD and RL reviewed potential issues with HLF development
officer.
• JD and RL met with Dr Michael Kandiah, Kings College
London to discuss possible exhibition space, witness
seminars and week advice on oral history and archiving.

10. 10
UK Space Science Heritage Project,
UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University
• Need more specificity on our outputs and in particular the
education and outreach components.
• Need a project plan detailing that details a timeline and
specific achievements or milestones to be achieved at each
point on the time line. This will inevitably lead to HLF asking
for a plan as to evaluating the project and its progress.
• Archival research (time and money!)
• A much tighter focus.
• Young Roots vs. Your Heritage schemes.
• Need to show greater student support (including quotes).
This is where we need your feedback.
Main issues

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UK Space Science Heritage Project,
UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University
• Father of UK and European Space Science?
• Royal Society Gassiot Committee
• First chairman of the British National Committee for Space
Research
• The first Chairman of the European Space Sciences
Committee
• Helped found the European Space Research Organisation
(ESRO, ESA’s predecessor), as well as the Mullard Space
Science Laboratory at UCL.
Sir Harrie Massey

12. 12
UK Space Science Heritage Project,
UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University
• Undertake consultation at UKSEDS Workshop. Review
results.
• Pull together a steering group consisting of UKSEDS
members.
• Liaise with the BIS History Action Group to see how our
organisations can work together.
• Meet with archives at King’s College London to see the
facility and discuss what we need from them.
• Redraft application.
Next steps

13. 13
UK Space Science Heritage Project,
UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University
Feedback would be greatly appreciated from YOU. Please let
us know your comments as they will give weight to the
application. Let us know if you are interested in joining the
steering group!
Contact: heritage@ukseds.org
Website: www.ukseds.org/projects/heritage
Feedback form can be downloaded from here, where a copy of
these slides will be made available.
Consultation

14. Thank you for
your attention!