AE Talks: Online Event
AE Talks Test & Measurement
Available on demand now!
This interactive multi-session event put a spotlight on the world of Test & Measurement.
We heard from three engaging keynote presentations from, Surrey Satellite Technology, Skyrora and STFC RAL Space as well as our sponsors APITech and Monolith AI.

AE Talks Test & Measurement on demand
Keynote Speakers
Heard from three fantastic keynote speakers:
Robin Hague, Head of Launch, Skyrora
Dr Brian Le Page, Materials and Testing Functional Manager and David Costello CEng, Head of Mechanical and Propulsion, Surrey Satellite Technology
Robert Elliott, Head of Business Development, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Science and Technology Facilities Council
Participating companies
Hosted by
Bhavin Vyas
Sessions
How do you verify in orbit shock sources for sub systems and satellites in a 1g environment
Thursday 22 April 2021
Dr Brian Le Page, Materials and Testing Functional Manager and David Costello CEng, Head of Mechanical and Propulsion, Surrey Satellite Technology
Session Outline: How do you verify in orbit shock sources for sub systems and satellites in a 1g environment. Traditional shock testing of a system is a balance between being able to demonstrate the in orbit levels without over testing due to the limitations of ground test setups that can result in unnecessary failure, redesign and schedule impacts for a project. This presentation will include the technical challenges of idealising shock sources in the space industry and how SSTL successfully perform spacecraft and sub system testing.
A little bit about Brian…
Brian graduated with an honours degree in Metallurgy in 1988 and PhD in the area of Construction Materials in 1996 from the University of Surrey. He worked there as a Research Fellow in several Departments concerned with the testing of materials. He managed the Composites and Materials Testing Laboratories in the School of Engineering. Brian moved to SSTL in 2007 where he is now the Functional Manager for Materials and Mechanical Testing.
A little bit about David…
David graduated from the University of Exeter with 1st Class Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2005. He started working at SSTL in 2007 as a Lead Mechanical Analyst for spacecraft structures and is now the Head of Mechanical and Propulsion.
Dr Brian Le Page
David Costello CEng,

Evolving Space Test and Measurement at STFC RAL Space, the UKs National Space Laboratory
Thursday 22 April 2021
Robert Elliott, Head of Business Development, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Science and Technology Facilities Council
A little bit about Robert…
Robert Elliott is Head of Business Development for STFC RAL Space, the UKs leading space research and technology centre with experience in over 210 missions. Robert is responsible for future growth in the organisation by providing access to RAL Space world-class expertise, technologies and space facilities including the new National Satellite Test Facility, to both academia and industry. Previously he was Space Business Development Manager at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), and also Head of the Global Sensing and Satellite Centre (GloSS), a joint venture between NPL and the University of Surrey, developing a variety of projects in Earth Observation and regional growth.
Robert Elliott

Skyrora, making space sustainable
Thursday 22 April 2021
Robin Hague, Head of Launch, Skyrora
A little bit about Skyrora…
Founded in 2017 Skyrora are an Edinburgh based company working towards launching satellites from a UK Spaceport. The UK is historically strong in spacecraft manufacture and space data services, but has been without independent access to space for 50 years; Skyrora will provide that missing pillar directly from the UK, and through clean burning waste derived propellants minimise the ecological footprint of launch.
Robin Hague

Will AI-driven modelling change the way products are tested?
Thursday 22 April 2021
Dr Richard Ahlfeld, Founder of Monolith AI
Session Outline: From understanding flight test big data to modelling complex systems like brakes – advanced machine learning solutions are taking the engineering world by storm. But how can companies and engineers leverage these solutions? Where do they apply them to and should the way we test change because of these new methods?
A little bit about Richard…
Richard is the founder of Monolith, born out of his research work at Imperial which involved engagements with the most demanding engineering companies. He received the 2016 award for the greatest contribution to the University by a PhD student.
Dr Richard Ahlfeld

Copper Can’t Cut it: How Optoelectronics is changing the way data is transmitted.
Thursday 22 April 2021
Christopher Woodend, Product Manager Micro & Optoelectronics RF2M EMEIA, APITech
Session Outline: Join our Optoelectronic expert Chris Woodend, as he discusses the ever-evolving world of data transmissions in space and in our own skies. We will explore how the industry has shifted from using copper connections to fiber, and how APITech is keeping up with that trend.
A little bit about Christopher…
- Graduated in 1994 with BSc dual honours in Chemistry & Material Science
- Worked in the Microelectronics and Optoelectronics industry for 28 years. Last 8 years for API GY.
- Held roles as engineer and manager in both R&D & Manufacturing .
- Previously worked on JSF optical communications bus (including the smart missile), Eurofighter optical communications bus, Oil & gas down hole sensing, Vanguard & Trafalgar class submarine towed array. L-band naval AESA radar communication.
- Responsible for API strategic optical product roadmap.
- Experience in DFM (design for manufacture)of product concepts for end use application. (lifecycle management)
- Experience in costing of full projects, product concepts and feedback technical notes for sales quotes.
- Considered Optics and High temperature materials Subject matter expert within API
Christopher Woodend

ZeroAvia’s zero-emission powertrain: heralding the era of truly green aviation
Thursday 18 February 3:10pm GMT
Julian Renz, Business Development and Project Manager at ZeroAvia will be leading an informative session on embracing the future of environmentally friendly, zero-emission aviation.
A little bit about Julian…
“Julian is the Head of Programmes at ZeroAvia, the leader in hydrogen-electric zero-emission aviation. He’s been with the company since its inception three years ago, leading its HyFlyer I programme, through which ZeroAvia is flying the largest hydrogen-electric aircraft in the world. It is looking to extend its lead into 19-seat aircraft with its recently announced HyFlyer II programme.
Prior to joining ZeroAvia, Julian led project teams at SYSTEMIQ, a sustainability focused investment and advisory firm. He began his career in the green hydrogen sector after acquiring an MSc in Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich.”
Julian Renz

Panel discussion with Chris Gear and Julian Renz, hosted by Sameer Savani
Thursday 18 February 3:40pm GMT



Testimonial from AE Talks Aerospace Edition:
“Amazing event and some excellent speakers. Left me excited about how the whole industry is going to change for the better and these changes bring mass opportunities.” Mark Dalziel, New Business Development Manager, UK Electronics Ltd.