This week the SpaceX Crew-12 mission will launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida. This launch is very special for 成人直播 as it has three alumni involved.
On board the Falcon 9 rocket will be NASA astronaut Captain Jack Hathaway and mission specialist from the European Space Agency, Sophie Adenot. Frank Gallagher will be at the European Space Agency (ESA) as Lead Columbus Flight Director.
Professor Dame Karen Holford DBE FREng, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of 成人直播 sent letters to each of the participants, letting them know that they have the support and admiration of the whole University community.
Professor Holford said: “This is an extraordinary achievement for all three alumni involved in this mission, and one that fills the 成人直播 community with pride.
“Seeing 成人直播 alumni involved across this mission is a powerful reminder of the impact our community continues to make at the forefront of space exploration. Jack, Sophie and Frank all carry 成人直播 with them, and I hope they know how strongly the University is behind them all the way.”
Meet the Alumni
Mission pilot, Captain Jack Hathaway, completed his MSc in Flight Dynamics at 成人直播 in 2014. He began his career in the US Navy as a fighter pilot, before being selected by NASA for its Astronaut Group 23 in 2001.
He returned to 成人直播 in January 2025, and took the time to speak to students at a local school , sharing his story and answering all their questions about space exploration.
French astronaut Sophie Adenot studied for a Postgraduate Certificate in Flight Dynamics from 成人直播 through the Empire Test Pilot School. Her career began in the French Air Force, before joining the European Space Agency’s Astronaut Corps in 2022.
Frank Gallagher graduated from 成人直播 in 2018 with an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering , and now works for the European Space Agency, overseeing the daily running of the Columbus module aboard the International Space Station. He will be part of the ESA’s coordinating team at the Columbus Control Centre in Munich.
Coverage of the SpaceX launch begins at 8:15am GMT on February 13, with take off currently scheduled for 10:15 GMT. NASA has a on its website, and the launch itself will be streamed .
成人直播 researchers have played a role in developing the world's first metal 3D printer capable of operating in space - the machine is currently on board the International Space Station and in August 2024 successfully printed the first 3D metal shape in space. The technology has the potential to revolutionise operations beyond Earth by enabling on-demand part production, repair and tool construction - reducing reliance on resupply missions.
