Andrew Ratcliffe

UK Space Agency • Chief Engineer

Andrew Ratcliffe is Chief Engineer at the UK Space Agency (UKSA) leading the Office of the Chief Engineer (OCE). Within this role Andrew leads the UKSA’s engineering function which provides technical assurance to the UKSA project portfolio and the capability to assess emerging mission concepts and technologies. Across Andrew’s time with the UKSA he has been heavily involved in space safety and sustainability activities, from involvement in the licensing of novel missions to supporting the development of the UK national regulatory framework. Andrew represents His Majesty’s Government (HMG) as Head of Delegation at a number of international forums including the United Nations Committee On the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Scientific and Technical Sub-Committee (UNCOPUOS STSC) and Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC). As part of his role at UNCOPUOS STSC Andrew has led the UK’s involvement in the Long-term Sustainability Working Group, championing the implementation of the guidelines and supporting the WG in developing new approaches to guide its work. Andrew is also the former Chair of the IADC on behalf of UKSA, a committee consisting of 13 Member Space Agencies and 3 Associate Members, who perform coordinated research on space debris topics. Prior to joining the UKSA, Andrew worked for Airbus Defence and Space where his role included leading and being involved in a number of mission studies and technology development activities from sample return missions to active debris removal.

Events

77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026)

5 - 9 October 2026

Antalya, Türkiye

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2017

25-29 September 2017

Adelaide, Australia

Participation:

Participation