I am a space domain awareness (SDA) specialist working as a Senior Sensor Network Operations Specialist at Sybilla Technologies, where I lead the technical delivery of satellite characterisation capabilities from ground-based optical sensors. My work spans hardware, software, and algorithm development for space surveillance, alongside operating a global network of sensors to deliver timely, high-quality data to customers and partners.

I am passionate about ensuring a safe and sustainable space environment — from protecting critical infrastructure in orbit to defending Earth against near-Earth objects. Prior to moving into industry, I held post-doctoral research positions at The Open University and the University of Edinburgh, where I contributed to NASA’s DART mission (the world’s first planetary defence test), ESA’s Hera mission, and NASA’s Lucy mission. I also led thermophysical modelling work characterising the surfaces of asteroids and conducted spectroscopic studies of meteorites.

I hold a PhD in Astronomy & Planetary Science from The Open University. My doctoral research focused on characterising asteroid spin and surface properties using robotic telescopes, collecting over 1,000 hours of observations to determine the physical properties of 18 asteroids.

Education

  • PhD in Astronomy & Planetary Science 2019–23 The Open University, Milton Keynes — Characterising Asteroid Spin and Surface Properties using Small-Aperture Telescopes
  • MPhys in Astronomy, Space Science & Astrophysics — First Class Honours 2015–19 University of Kent, Canterbury
  • A-Level & GCSE Education 2008–15 Westcliff High School for Boys, Westcliff-on-Sea

Awards & Memberships

  • Member, NASA Lucy Mission Surface Composition Working Group 2023–25 NASA Lucy Mission
  • Member, ESA Hera Mission Investigation Team 2023–24 ESA Hera Mission
  • Asteroid 30226 Samuelleejackson (2000 GY137) 2023 Named in recognition of work in planetary astronomy & robotic telescope observations — Asteroids, Comets, Meteors Conference, Flagstaff, Arizona
  • Member, NASA DART Mission Investigation Team 2022–23 NASA DART Mission
  • Rotary Prize for the Faculty of Sciences 2019 University of Kent, Canterbury
  • Dean’s Prize for the Faculty of Sciences 2018 University of Kent, Canterbury
  • Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society 2017– Royal Astronomical Society, London