Space Lecture Winchester - Applying Missile Defence Technology to Solve the Near Earth Asteroid Prob

The context for this month's Space Lecture is the Chelyabinsk meteor (2013) which caused approximately £10 million worth of damage and led to 1500 people seeking medical attention. The object remained undetected prior to its atmospheric entry and a larger meteor would be catastrophic if it happened over a city.

Before panic sets in; some comfort can be taken that systems already exist, or are being developed, that could deal with this threat. With the technology potentially at our fingertips, this presentation primarily explores whether or not there is a strong enough business case for the inhabitants of Earth to pay for such a system.

The Lecturer, Mr Godfrey is a Senior Systems Engineer working at Lockheed Martin UK – Ampthill, technically leading the pursuit and execution of new business civil space programmes. Most notably he has worked on ESA Space Rider, ESA Mars Sample Return Orbiter, Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators as well as several classified exoatmospheric programmes. 

Meet at 6.20pm in Reception, the lecture starts at 6.30pm prompt.

Afterwards, you may wish to enjoy a quick drink in a nearby pub with your fellow Spicers. (Drinks payable separately on the day.)