Leaving Merton College, Oxford in 1993 with a BA in Physics, Doug joined the Defence Research Agency (now QinetiQ) to work on all things space, including radar surveillance, space radiation, spacecraft dynamics and military communications systems. In 2001, Doug moved to Surrey Satellites where he developed several new spacecraft including Europe’s first Galileo demonstrator satellite; ran the Science and Exploration business unit; and delivered multiple satellites and optical imaging payloads including the UK’s first cubesat.
In 2015, Doug created In-Space Missions, a company founded to develop satellite systems and new space enabled services. Since 2015, Doug has variously run the UK’s rocket programme; led the technical development of a disruptive innovation centre; developed a commercial demonstration platform for space; and initiated a company delivering real time video and immersive experiences from space. Throughout this journey, Doug pivoted the organisation several times, generated substantial early revenues and debt financed the growth of the company until selling to BAE Systems in September 2021.
Doug is the Vice Chair of UKspace (will take the Chair in Aug 2024), the industry trade body and also chairs the UK’s Space Skills Advisory Panel which provides pan-sector leadership to address the space sector’s skills challenges. When not working, Doug can be found having fun with his wife and daughter or playing his guitar noisily.
