From a young age Sarah has been fascinated by space technology and how satellites can be used to improve life here on Earth.

Inspired by their mission to bring connectivity to those even in the most remote areas, Sarah joined Inmarsat having completed her MSc in Space Engineering with distinction from the University of Surrey. Prior to this she attended Swansea University where she achieved a First class Bachelor’s degree (BEng) with honours in Aerospace Engineering (with additional focus on space engineering). Alongside her studies, Sarah served with the Royal Air Force University of Wales Air Squadron and captained her hockey team.

As part of Inmarsat’s graduate scheme Sarah has gained a range of experience in several different departments, starting in our Product Group working with our Maritime Business to explore how we can combine new technology with our existing L-band terminal to improve the lives of crew members at sea and keep them connected to their friends and families at home. Following this, Sarah moved into a role as a Software Developer working in the Network Software Support Group building a software bridge to enable the relevant teams to access real time data.

In October 2019, Sarah joined the Spacecraft Analyst team and has since been working on the development of scenarios in our spacecraft simulators, which will be used for the purpose of training and procedure testing. Sarah’s work on the simulators is helping the team to be better prepared for spacecraft operations, to train new recruits faster, and to conduct procedure testing much more easily.

In addition to the day to day rotational work Sarah is a valued and well respected individual within the early careers programme. She has shown great commitment to our STEM outreach programme and regularly visits local schools and participates in our School Insights day to promote STEM and careers within our industry and in particular to inspire girls to continue to study STEM subjects beyond GCSE. As part of this programme she has also designed and lead assemblies on building and launching satellites tailored to the relevant age groups and designed activities for young people. She has, as part of this also trained other graduates in the delivery of these sessions.

Outside of work Sarah sits on the Satellite Technical Network’s executive committee for the Institute of Engineering (IET). This group consists of approximately 20 people who come together quarterly to organise events in the industry for students, apprentices or professionals interested in engineering, specifically within the Space industry.

Sarah has also been involved in a charity that we work closely with (Team Rubicon) who offer disaster response support in both the UK and internationally. Sarah completed domestic and international training within a year of joining Inmarsat which means she could be called upon to support any global disaster relief effort.