UK-based spaceflight company Orbex has appointed Lesley Still as its new Chief of Spaceport Operations. This key appointment comes as Orbex advances its preparations for the UK mainland’s inaugural vertical rocket launch.
Still, an esteemed Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, brings an extensive four-decade aerospace industry background to her new role. Throughout her career, she has occupied strategic leadership positions, specialising in orchestrating efficient ground and logistics operations to bolster the endeavours of commercial aerospace entities.
In the newly created role of Chief of Spaceport Operations, Still will assume responsibility for the operational management of Sutherland Spaceport (previously known as Space Hub Sutherland). Her role encompasses ensuring the facility’s readiness for the inaugural launch of the Orbex Prime rocket. This entails overseeing the Spaceport Licence application and engaging with the various stakeholders involved. A central aspect of her role involves collaborating closely with the local community and stakeholders to establish the spaceport as a significant asset for the region. Once the spaceport’s construction reaches completion, Still will also oversee its ongoing operations, with a particular focus on critical aspects such as health and safety protocols.
Still embarked on her career journey at British Airways, where she honed her aerospace operations skills over a period of 17 years. Subsequently, she held key management roles in operational delivery at Loganair and Bond Offshore Helicopters. She then undertook the management of Sumburgh Airport in the Shetland Islands for Highlands and Islands Airports Limited. Additionally, she served as the Head of Operations for the Empire Test Pilots’ School at QinetiQ, maintaining her emphasis on strategic planning and project execution in senior leadership capacities.
Speaking about the new appointment, Martin Coates, CEO at Orbex, said: “The next few months are critical for Orbex as we are building both a rocket and a spaceport at the same time. Lesley’s extensive aerospace sector experience will be invaluable as we fine-tune our operations and get ready for our first launch. We look forward to her leadership and guidance as we continue our preparations.”
Lesley Still added: “This is the perfect time to be joining Orbex. The progress the team has already made in recent months is impressive, and I’m eager to play my part in the UK mainland’s first vertical rocket launch. As Chief of Spaceport Operations, I will be working hard to ensure the success of both Sutherland Spaceport and Orbex, and further cementing their places in the local community.”
Orbex Prime is a 19-metre-long rocket designed to launch small satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits, and it became the first full orbital micro-launcher rocket to be unveiled in Europe in May 2022. Orbex has already announced several commercial launch contracts with satellite manufacturers.
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