Mission Control Sunday 2023

To Infinity* and Beyond? (* The Moon)
Just over 60 years since the end of Apollo, NASA’s Artemis programme is underway, and this time
they are going with partners.  The European Space Agency provide the service module (and a small
animated sheep like passenger) for the successful Artemis 1 flight. The Lunar Gateway is under
construction, and the starting gun for Mars Sample Return has been fired, with Perseverance
depositing the precious cargo for later collection. Libby Jackson, Head of Space Exploration at the UK
Space Agency, will present a roundup of the UK’s activities in and around the Moon and Mars (and
possibly beyond).

Libby Jackson is one of Britain’s leading experts in human spaceflight, having spent over a decade working at the forefront of the field. Space was a childhood passion and after completing degrees in physics at Imperial College and astronautics and space engineering at Cranfield University, she has worked in the space industry ever since. Libby spent seven years working at the European Space Agency’s Mission Control for the International Space Station in a number of roles including her dream job as a Columbus Flight Director. She played a key role in Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station and continues to work in the field. Libby is a frequent contributor on television and radio, including Stargazing Live, The Big Think: Should We Go To Mars? and Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes? Libby is passionate about sharing stories of human spaceflight and encouraging young people to follow their passions in life. Her first book, A Galaxy of Her Own: Amazing Stories of Women in Space was published in 2017. Space Explorers: 25 Extraordinary Stories of Space Exploration and Adventure published in September 2020 with Wren and Rook.

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