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Libby Jackson
 

Libby Jackson OBE is one of Britain’s leading experts in human spaceflight, having spent nearly two decades working at the forefront of the field.

Space was a childhood passion and after completing degrees in physics at Imperial College and astronautics and space engineering at Cranfield University, she has worked in the space industry ever since.

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Libby spent seven years working at the European Space Agency’s Mission Control for the International Space Station in a number of roles including her dream job as a Columbus Flight Director.

In 2014 she joined the UK Space Agency, where she managed the UK’s hugely successful education and outreach programme for Tim Peake’s Principia mission to the International Space Station. Over two million students took part in the activities, with one in three UK schools participating. 

 

As Head of Space Exploration she managed the UK’s activities and investments , coordinating research and industrial activities in human and robotic missions, including activities on the International Space Station and missions to the Moon and Mars.

Libby was awarded an OBE in the 2023 New Year’s Honours list for her services to the Space Sector, and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Kent in 2021.

Libby is a frequent contributor on television and radio, with past credits including Stargazing Live and Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?

Libby is passionate about sharing stories of human spaceflight and encouraging young people to follow their passions in life. Her first book, A Galaxy of Her Own: Amazing Stories of Women in Space was published in 2017, and her second, Space Explorers in 2020. Both are available in physical, digital and audio editions from all good bookshops.

© 2025 Libby Jackson.  All rights reserved.

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