UKSEDS Midlands & East of England Regional Event, 2026

Home Farm Dr, Keele, Newcastle ST5 5NS, Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom

Hosted by SPARK at Keele University

25 April 2026 • 10:00 – 17:00 • IC6 Building, Keele University

Join UKSEDS and SPARK for a full day of talks, networking, and space exploration at Keele University. This regional event brings together students, researchers, and industry professionals to explore cutting-edge developments across astrophysics, aerospace, and satellite technology.

Why Attend?

Hear from leading academics and industry experts
Explore real-world applications in the space sector
Connect with students and professionals across the UK
Access observatory viewing and exclusive networking opportunities
See

Speakers

Prof. Raphael Hirschi (Keele University)

"What Stars are We Made Of?"
Most of us learn about the periodic table in school. This table lists the chemical elements we are made of as well as other elements like silver and gold that we can find on earth. "Where do these elements come from? and "What are we made of?" are long-standing questions for humanity. In this talk, I will describe how we can use computers as virtual Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics laboratories to answer these important questions. I will start by introducing stars and their importance and then explain how they produce chemical elements (nuclides to be precise) in their interior. I will also explain how scientists combine computer simulations, theory, nuclear physics experiments and astronomical observations to determine where the iron in our blood, the oxygen in our lungs and the gold in the banks come from.
Jawaria Nadeem (University of Manchester)
"Very Low Earth Orbits: The What, Why, and How"
What does it mean to operate a satellite in our atmosphere? Very low Earth orbits (VLEO) have the capability to provide a range of benefits for telecommunications and Earth observation missions, which could lead to a boom in large constellation networks using the regime. The benefits of reduced latency, higher resolution, and smaller payload are balanced against the challenge of overcoming aerodynamic drag. This talk discusses the challenges with developing novel material coatings for VLEO satellites and how modelling of rarefied gas-dynamics will be crucial to proving the capability of drag reducing technologies

Dr. Jack Tyler (Civil Aviation Authority)
"The UK space sector: Where we are, and where we’re going"
The UK space sector covers a wide range of activities, from satellites and launch vehicles to the data and space‑based services that support everyday life. This talk provides a high‑level overview of the UK space ecosystem, explaining the main types of space activity, how different parts of the sector fit together, and how the UK compares internationally. It will touch on recent developments across the sector and briefly outline the background role played by organisations that support and oversee space activities and space policy. The talk will also look ahead to what’s coming next for the UK space sector, from vertical launches from UK soil to future lunar missions.

Dr Mini Chakravarthini Rai(Founding Director Orbit Rise)
Talk title to be confirmed

Project Sunride (University of Sheffield)
"Pushing Boundaries in Student Rocketry"

Agenda Highlights

Introduction and keynote sessions
Industry and research talks
Observatory viewing session
Networking session in the IC6 Atrium
Additional talks to be announced
Closing session

Venues

The event will take place at the Denise Coates (IC6) Building at Keele University. All talks and networking sessions will be held within this venue, with the exception of the Observatory session, which is located a short walk away.

Tickets

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Non-Member Public

Public

For those delegates who are not currently a member of UKSEDS