To Infinity and Beyond: Lessons from Space

Discover how space technology is transforming life on Earth. Hear about fascinating projects funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) that are improving healthcare, agriculture, and transport in surprising ways. From ambitious ideas that seemed unlikely to succeed to some of the most unusual project submissions, this talk will reveal how space innovation is making a real-world impact.

Astronauts face a myriad of challenges both physical and mental when assigned to space missions. So how do we prepare for these? Well by locking them away in disused soviet bunkers for 2 weeks and seeing how they fare! Last year I flew to Piła, Poland to participate in an Analog Astronaut mission at Lunares Research Station where I lived for 2 weeks in isolation from the outside world and took part in psychological studies. I lived, ate, and worked as an astronaut would in a high-fidelity moon base simulation and will tell you all about the experience I had… and the drama that came with it.

Tides shift, sands move, and navigating the Solway Firth can be trickier than dodging sandworms on Arrakis! But what if satellites could help? Join me as we explore how space tech is mapping the ever-changing tidal flats, making life safer for lifeboat crews and local mariners. No spice, just science—because knowing where the ground isn’t might just be the key to safe passage!