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Subham Gupta (MSc Astronautics and Space Engineering 2018)

Chief Executive Officer, Space Resources Laboratory Ltd

Subham Gupta's impact in his field is both profound and far-reaching. Since embarking on his career in the small satellite industry in 2014, Subham has demonstrated exceptional prowess and innovation. He was instrumental in the development of SRMSAT-2, which is set to advance to a low lunar orbit, and his expertise extends to various space missions, including the design of satellites for Near-Earth Object (NEO) observation, showcasing his dedication to pushing the boundaries of space technology. Subham’s contributions to sustainable space exploration, including the development of a propulsion system aimed at mitigating space debris, reflect his commitment to a sustainable and accessible space future.

Under Subham's leadership, Space Resources Laboratory was honoured as 'Aerospace Company of the Year 2022,' and he has been recognised as an Exceptional Talent by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the UK Government, and featured in Forbes' 30 under 30 (Europe) in Manufacturing & Industry 2023.

As a speaker at high-profile conferences, such as the International Space Convention 2023, Subham has established himself as an influential figure, and his ongoing efforts to foster industry-academia collaboration through his connection with ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ further highlights his dedication to advancing the aerospace sector.

Subham’s innovative spirit, resilience, and dedication to excellence make him an inspirational leader and a role model for aspiring aerospace professionals.

Edward Anastassacos (MSc Astronautics and Space Engineering 2014)

CEO and Co-founder at HeroTech8

Edward Anastassacos is a passionate and well-respected engineer who has worked on guidance, navigation and control systems for spacecraft and unmanned vehicles. He is at the forefront of drone technology.

As CEO and Co-founder, Edward leads business strategy and partnership development and fundraising activities for HeroTech8. HeroTech8 now have offices in UK, France and US and their drones are used all over the globe by border control, airport security, construction, police and emergency services. They have also conducted a trial over two days with Milton Keynes University Hospital transporting medical supplies across the hospital site from the Pathology Unit and Saxon Clinic. 

Edward has a diverse work experience across multiple industries. His career highlights include Airbus Defence and Space, where he worked as a Guidance, Navigation, and Control specialist, Blue Bear Systems Research Ltd working as a Systems Engineer, and at Transport Systems Catapult as a Senior Systems Engineer. 

His career achievements have also included leading a number of UK Government’s UAS programmes, managing the UK Drone Pathfinder and the Open UAS Traffic Management initiatives. 

Ziad Jreijiri (MSc Aerospace Vehicle Design 2015)

Co-founder and CEO, Oreyeon LDA

Ziad Jreijiri is the Co-founder and CEO of Oreyeon LDA, a start-up developing solutions to enable the aerospace industry to optimize its security using artificial intelligence.

Ziad completed his bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2014 at the University of Balamand in El-Koura, Lebanon before attending ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ to complete his MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design degree in 2015. Ziad has also completed an Immersive Entrepreneurship Program at Draper University in 2019.

Ziad returned to the University of Balamand as a lecturer, delivering modules covering Aerodynamics, Aircraft Structures, Aeroplane Systems, Materials, Hardware, and Maintenance Practices, as well as visiting the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi in Vietnam, delivering modules on Aeronautics as a joint project between Airbus and Vietnam Airlines.

Prior to this, Ziad joined a young start-up company working on EVTOL UAVs (fixed wing) and discovered his passion for aviation and entrepreneurship. Ziad found enjoyment in fast-moving environments and wondered why the aviation industry was slow to adopt deep technology solutions. To address this gap in the market, he co-founded Oreyeon in 2019 which has continued to grow over the years to a team of almost 40 people with Tier 1 customers worldwide.

Ziad said: "For years since I graduated, every time I told someone I'm a Cranfield alumnus and saw their reactions, it gave me a sense of pride to see and hear what they had to say about ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥. It feels to be recognised by the same institution that has given so much to its students and alumni, and for me, to be able to pay it forward in little ways."

Dr Siti Juita Mastura Binti Mohd Saleh (PhD Aerospace Vehicle Design 2016)

Senior Lecturer, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

In a complex-ridden aerospace industry dominated by men, Dr Siti Juita Mastura Mohd Saleh is one of the women who is at the forefront of its development. She is currently a lecturer in the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), a tenured position held since she was awarded a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ in 2016.

Siti was one of the first female Malaysian's to be certified with a professional drone pilot license, RePL, by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia, and her illustrious career with drones began with the development of an Autonomous Parcel Drone for Pos Malaysia. Reflecting on the opportunities that come with the advancement of drone technology, Siti's interest branched towards the development of autonomous agricultural drones, and the experience and background she gained in Aircraft Structure during her PhD led to her appointment as the Head of Structure Unit for Malaysia’s biggest Cargo Drone Project.

Siti is involved as a lead consultant in many projects at national level, such as supporting the National TVET Agenda for Aerospace and Automotive Industries with the Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia. Her understanding of the importance of education and human capital development has also led to Siti supporting the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia in promoting safety management in the Aerospace Industry. In addition, as a co-founder of the UTHM spin-off company known as Avitex Solution, she has conducted numerous training programmes for government agencies and industries on drone operation safety.

Siti is passionate about promoting equality in experiencing the technology, which has led to her running community engagement programmes in conjunction with Youth With Disabilities and Aborigines.

Marcos Acín González (MSc Aerospace Vehicle Design 2014)

Stress Analysis Expert, NASA AMES Research Center

Marcos Acín González grew up in Leon, Spain, and went on to study Aerospace Engineering in Madrid, Valencia, and ultimately Cranfield.  At ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Marcos studied an MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design (2013-2014) as part of the Erasmus European Partnership Programme.

Following the completion of his studies, he was awarded a National Award for Excellence in Academic Performance by the Spanish Minister of Science, former astronaut Pedro Duque. The Airbus Group, University of Valencia, and the regional government of Valencia also recognised Marcos’ outstanding academic performance.

Since graduation, Marcos has worked for several engineering companies around the world including Strand7, Rolls-Royce, Applus IDIADA and NASA. Marcos’ main expertise is in Structural Analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for product development and innovation. During his time at Rolls-Royce he contributed to the development of the Ultrafan engine, the next generation in aircraft engine technology. At Applus IDIADA he specialised in car crashworthiness and occupant safety working for top OEM automotive companies. Most recently, within the NASA Advanced Supercomputing department based at AMES Research Centre in Silicon Valley, he has been researching and developing new thermal protection materials for atmospheric re-entry missions.

Currently, he is pursuing an Executive MBA to expand his business acumen and make further progress in his career.