UK Space Science Heritage Project

UKSEDS Workshop, Kingston University, 17th November, 2012

UK Space Science Heritage Project

Dave Wright (BROHP, Space Connections), Ryan Laird (UKSEDS Secretary), Richard Painter (UKSEDS Project Officer), Joseph Dudley (UKSEDS PR Officer)

2UK Space Science Heritage Project, UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University

• The project proposed to interview, on video, ten space scientists who have played a major role in developing UK Space Science.

• Intended to archive the raw footage of future researchers and participate in outreach activities around local schools, colleges and universities once the audio footage has been recorded.

• We also wish to include a film of artefacts and places connected with the UK heritage to raise national awareness and encourage viewers to visit these sites.

Oral history

3UK Space Science Heritage Project, UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University

• The UK has played a significant role in developing space science from the launch of the Skylark sounding rocket in 1957 to the present, including the Prospero satellite (1971) launched by the UK Black Arrow rocket.

• In addition, Ariel-1 (1962), the first UK satellite to carry experiments devised and operated by UK universities, recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its launch at the National Science Museum in April.

• Many of the early pioneers are still active and have a fascinating scientific and human story to tell about their work.

Motivation

4UK Space Science Heritage Project, UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University

• Professor Martin Barstow• Professor Andrew Coates• Professor Len Culhane• Professor Keith Mason• Roy Dommett CBE• Professor Ken Pounds• Professor Colin Pillinger• Professor David Southwood• Professor Fred Taylor• John Thatcher – EADS Astrium

Interviewees

5UK Space Science Heritage Project, UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University

“I will be happy to take part. Although quite a lot has been recorded in various ‘histories’, the pioneering role of UK space Scientists (starting ours pre-Sputnik!) is not widely recognised. Neither is its importance as a base for the now strong UK Space Industry.” -- Prof. Kenneth Pounds

“I would be honoured to take part. Moreover, I think the whole exercise is very worthwhile. I do hope you are successful.” -- Prof. David Southwood,Former Director of Science and Robotic Exploration (D/SRE) at ESA

Support for the project

6UK Space Science Heritage Project, UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University

• Recruit 12 students to undertake the bulk of the project; expected to register as STEM ambassadors to schools.

• Students will be provided with refund for travel costs and a reasonable budget for food and refreshments during the interview days.

• Initial training will be at a two-day workshop (venue TBC) with professionals with extensive experience in the film industry, oral history, teaching and space science.

• At the end of the recording part there will be a further two-day workshop to debrief the teams, examine the results and discuss exploitation. Students will be given training in making presentations in school and other locations.

• Students will work in teams of three for interviews.

Methodology

7UK Space Science Heritage Project, UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University

• Raw footage will be archived.• Edited highlights of the interviews will be placed on

the internet.• Teaching resources will be produced by teachers to

enable the resource to be exploited more easily.• Workshops for schools• Temporary exhibition

Products

8UK Space Science Heritage Project, UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University

Mentors• Dr Chris Riley – In the Shadow of the Moon (Film Maker)• Dr Howard Berry – University of Hertfordshire (Award

winning film and video editor).• Paul Spencer – YESnet, ESERO-UK• Dave Wright – BROHP, Oral history and pedagogy• Dr Michael Kandiah – King’s College London, Oral

history and archiving• Space Connections - Education resources and

exhibition • STEMNet – “Space” Ambassadors

Training

9UK Space Science Heritage Project, UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University

Progress so far

• Pre-application submitted. Initial feedback received from Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) – 20th June 2012.

• DW and RL attended a HLF grant surgery were they met with a HLF Development Officer to discuss.

• JD and RL attended a HLF training workshop to familiarise their selves with the full application terms, conditions and procedure.

• JD and RL reviewed potential issues with HLF development officer.

• JD and RL met with Dr Michael Kandiah, Kings College London to discuss possible exhibition space, witness seminars and week advice on oral history and archiving.

10UK Space Science Heritage Project, UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University

• Need more specificity on our outputs and in particular the education and outreach components.

• Need a project plan detailing that details a timeline and specific achievements or milestones to be achieved at each point on the time line. This will inevitably lead to HLF asking for a plan as to evaluating the project and its progress.

• Archival research (time and money!)• A much tighter focus.• Young Roots vs. Your Heritage schemes.• Need to show greater student support (including quotes).

This is where we need your feedback.

Main issues

11UK Space Science Heritage Project, UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University

• Father of UK and European Space Science?• Royal Society Gassiot Committee• First chairman of the British National Committee for

Space Research• The first Chairman of the European Space Sciences

Committee • Helped found the European Space Research

Organisation (ESRO, ESA’s predecessor), as well as the Mullard Space Science Laboratory at UCL.

Sir Harrie Massey

12UK Space Science Heritage Project, UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University

• Undertake consultation at UKSEDS Workshop. Review results.

• Pull together a steering group consisting of UKSEDS members.

• Liaise with the BIS History Action Group to see how our organisations can work together.

• Meet with archives at King’s College London to see the facility and discuss what we need from them.

• Redraft application.

Next steps

13UK Space Science Heritage Project, UKSEDS Workshop 2012, Kingston University

Feedback would be greatly appreciated from YOU. Please let us know your comments as they will give

weight to the application. Let us know if you are interested in joining the steering group!

Contact: [email protected]: www.ukseds.org/projects/heritage

Feedback form can be downloaded from here, where a copy of these slides will be made available.

Consultation

Thank you for your

attention!