The Arnold Barks Christmas Lecture 2026
Building the UK's Future in Space by Dr Michael O'Callaghan FRAeS
About
The Arnold Barks Christmas Lecture 2026: Building the UK's Future in Space will be presented by Dr Michael O'Callaghan FRAeS, who will discuss what is happening in space today, how it affects our lives, and where the UK is leading in supporting both science and security, from the next Mars rover to critical military satellite communications systems. Mike is a senior leader within the UK's Defence and Space community and will draw on his experience across the public and private sectors, including his current role as Head of Geospatial UK and Future Programmes at Airbus Defence and Space.
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Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
01 Dec 2026
6:30pm - 10:30pm
Organiser
- Dorset and South Wiltshire Local Network
Further Information
Early Bird Tickets Available until 11th November.
To book tickets for this event please follw the regiustration link.
Tickets include wine and canapé reception
Early Bird = £10 (Before 11/11/26)
Std Tickets = £12
Includes a Free Prize Draw with Engineering Related Prizes
Sign up here
Speakers
Dr Michael O'Callaghan FRAeS
Head of Geospatial UK and Future Programmes - Airbus Defence and Space
Mike is a senior leader within the UK’s Defence and Space community, with experience across the public and private sector, and with national and international Governments and agencies. He is a graduate from the University of Nottingham where he obtained his PhD in Chemistry, and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and member of their Space Group
Mike spent the first 15 years of his career just outside of Salisbury at Dstl, the research agency of the UK Ministry of Defence. He undertook a range of both technical and corporate leadership roles, including leading the Space Systems Science and Technology (S&T) Programme through a period of significant growth between 2017 and 2023, including supporting the development of UK Space Command’s Defence Space programmes.
Mike moved to Airbus Defence and Space in early 2023. As Head of Geospatial UK and Future Programmes, his role includes leadership of Airbus’s Geospatial portfolio in the UK which involves making best use of earth-observing images collected from satellites. He also leads other space-related projects delivering to UK Space Command, Dstl, and others.
Reasons to attend
Gain insight into current developments in space, learn how space technologies affect everyday life, and hear how the UK is supporting future science and security programmes from a senior leader in the UK's Defence and Space community.