Gresham’s STEAM Week got off to a superb start with a focus on the Space sector. Ben Jarvis, CEO of Launch Access Ltd, brought ‘Space Down to Earth’, challenging the idea that a career in space is only for those who excel in science and maths.

Ben shared his own unconventional route into rocketry, which began with an interest in art and design. His career has ranged across creative and technical projects, from model-making and electronic toys to rocket launches for CBeebies, Vic Reeves and Brainiac.

Ben’s key message was that there are many ways to find a place in the space sector, and that space is closer to home than many people realise. The presentation highlighted that there are more than 50,000 people working directly in the UK space sector, with over 400 companies employing more than 5,000 people in East Anglia alone. He pointed to work happening in the region, from satellite technology to in-space 3D printing and the use of satellite data to monitor our oceans.

Bringing Space Down to Earth offered a fresh perspective on who can work in space, what those careers can look like, and the opportunities already taking shape on our doorstep.