Orbex enlists Lesley Still in preparation for inaugural rocket launch
Lesley Still (credit: Orbex)
Forres-headquartered Spaceflight company Orbex has named Lesley Still as its new chief of spaceport operations ahead of the mainland’s first vertical rocket launch.
A significant milestone for the UK space industry, this move sees Orbex fortifying its ranks as preparations gain momentum at the Sutherland Spaceport (previously known as Space Hub Sutherland).
Ms Still, a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, brings an enviable four decades of experience in the aerospace sector. Her journey began at British Airways, where for 17 years, she refined her expertise in aerospace operations. Subsequent pivotal roles saw her managing operations at Loganair, Bond Offshore Helicopters, Sumburgh Airport in the Shetland Islands, and later as head of operations at QinetiQ’s Empire Test Pilots’ School. Her forte lies in strategic leadership, notably in planning and executing ground and logistics operations for commercial aerospace entities.
Upwards view of Orbex Prime rocket (credit: Orbex)
In her new role, Ms Still is tasked with operational oversight of the Sutherland Spaceport. She will ensure the spaceport’s operational readiness for the inaugural launch of Orbex Prime, manage its Spaceport Licence application, and collaborate with various stakeholders. Post-construction, she aims to intertwine the spaceport’s operations seamlessly with the local community and stakeholders, bolstering its regional significance.
Expressing confidence in Ms Still’s appointment, the CEO of Orbex, Martin Coates, 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.”
Ms Still added: “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.”
To provide context, Orbex Prime, a 19-metre rocket, is designed to propel small satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. Its unveiling in May 2022 marked it as Europe’s first complete orbital micro-launcher rocket. Moreover, Orbex has secured multiple commercial launch agreements with satellite manufacturers.
Lesley Still (credit: Orbex)
Forres-headquartered Spaceflight company Orbex has named Lesley Still as its new chief of spaceport operations ahead of the mainland’s first vertical rocket launch.
A significant milestone for the UK space industry, this move sees Orbex fortifying its ranks as preparations gain momentum at the Sutherland Spaceport (previously known as Space Hub Sutherland).
Ms Still, a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, brings an enviable four decades of experience in the aerospace sector. Her journey began at British Airways, where for 17 years, she refined her expertise in aerospace operations. Subsequent pivotal roles saw her managing operations at Loganair, Bond Offshore Helicopters, Sumburgh Airport in the Shetland Islands, and later as head of operations at QinetiQ’s Empire Test Pilots’ School. Her forte lies in strategic leadership, notably in planning and executing ground and logistics operations for commercial aerospace entities.
Upwards view of Orbex Prime rocket (credit: Orbex)
In her new role, Ms Still is tasked with operational oversight of the Sutherland Spaceport. She will ensure the spaceport’s operational readiness for the inaugural launch of Orbex Prime, manage its Spaceport Licence application, and collaborate with various stakeholders. Post-construction, she aims to intertwine the spaceport’s operations seamlessly with the local community and stakeholders, bolstering its regional significance.
Expressing confidence in Ms Still’s appointment, the CEO of Orbex, Martin Coates, 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.”
Ms Still added: “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.”
To provide context, Orbex Prime, a 19-metre rocket, is designed to propel small satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. Its unveiling in May 2022 marked it as Europe’s first complete orbital micro-launcher rocket. Moreover, Orbex has secured multiple commercial launch agreements with satellite manufacturers.