Last Friday, the GDST Space Elective visited the Harwell Space Cluster in Didcot, Oxford – a leading hub in the UK’s space sector.
The group was impressed by the campus housing key organisations such as RAL Space, the UK Space Agency, and the Satellite Applications Catapult.
The first stop was RAL Space, a pioneering organisation with over 50 years of expertise. It has contributed to more than 210 space missions, including the Gaia spacecraft, which has been mapping a billion stars in the galaxy since its launch in 2013. Learning about the organisation’s significant role in space exploration proved both fascinating and inspiring for attendees.
The highlight of the visit was a session at the Satellite Applications Catapult. After participating in a group coding workshop, the group heard from several women working in the space industry. One particularly memorable account was shared by Shefali Sharma, co-owner of Oxford Dynamics, who described her bold approach to securing her role: directly calling the CEO of Oxford Dynamics, whom she had never met, and asking, “Is there a job for me?” before any formal introductions. Her advice to “create opportunities for yourself” left a lasting impression on the audience.
After a lunch with the speakers, the group toured the campus and explored various research and development organisations, gaining insights into the cutting-edge work being conducted at Harwell. This trip left our Sixth Form students inspired and motivated to explore potential careers in STEM.
“This trip was an incredible experience that opened my eyes to the possibilities in space careers. Hearing from inspiring women in the field was motivating, and connecting with others my age made me feel less alone. Touring the Harwell Space Research Cluster was a highlight, showcasing the work being done in space and giving me a clearer idea of how I can contribute to STEM. It helped me envision a future in this field.”Giselle, Year 12
