Dr Peter Shaw
Faculties, deparments and locations
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment
- Department of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering
- School of Engineering
- Roehampton Vale
Senior Lecturer in Astronautics
- Email:
- p.shaw@kingston.ac.uk
About
I graduated with a degree in 'Physics with Satellite Technology' in 2006 from the University of Surrey and again in 2011 gaining a PhD in 'Pulsed Plasma Thrusters for Small Satellites' from the Surrey Space Centre (SSC). I helped establish the Electric Propulsion (EP) facility there and spent several years researching and building EP devices. The first EP device I designed, tested and built that was sent into space was on the UK first CubeSAT 'STRaND-1', which was nominated for a Times Higher Education Research award.
In 2011 I co-founded a medical plasma company called 'Fourth State Medicine', (https://www.fourthstatemedicine.co.uk/).
In 2013 I joined industry and worked for Surrey Satellite Technology limited. I spent two years in Assembly, Integration and Testing, building micro satellites and then a further three years in the propulsion team working on mono-propellant and chemical propulsion systems and EP ground propellant loading hardware.
In 2018 I joined Kingston University (KU) becoming a champion for the KU Space facilities including the Rocket Lab and the KU Gravity Drop tower.
In 2019 I gained my Fellowship in Higher Education and strive to bring engaging active learning environments into the lecture room. I am currently working on my Senior Fellowship in Higher Education. I became the Module Leader for the Space Vehicle Design.
In 2020/21 I have spent time developing KU Space technology facilities, championing the upgrade to the Rocket Test facility and leading on processing the donation of several vacuum chambers and specialist plasma propulsion testing equipment, to be used as part of a future space technology laboratory.
In 2020 I became a PI on a Metamorphic Parachute Deployment System for the UK Space Agency.
From a research perspective I have been exploring how to use neural networks in the field of space technology and investigate the advances that they can bring to the sector.
Qualifications
- PhD - Title: 'Pulsed Plasma Thrusters for Small Satellites'
- BSc (Hons) - Physics with Satellite Technology
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Domains
I am interested in all aspects of Space Propulsion, from engines and system components used to launch technology into space to exploring new concepts and ideas of moving around in space. I have a hands-on approach to my teaching and research and prefer to demonstrate concepts and ideas through physical testing than purely theoretical work.
My main academic goals and objectives includes;
- Teach and inspire the next generation of space propulsion engineers and researchers for the UK space industry.
- Explore propulsion and launcher technologies that lower the cost per mass of getting technology into space.
- Exploring propulsion and power technologies that will enable human exploration of the solar system with the specific aim of aiding the exploration of Jupiter and its moons.
- Optimising propulsion system components and technologies (valves, tanks etc.) for use in micro and nano satellites
- Influence and advise UK Government space policy decisions
Specialisms
- Satellite Technology
- Satellite Propulsion
- Electric Propulsion
- Chemical Propulsion
- Deep learning and Neural Networks
University responsibilities
- Industrial Advisory Board Champion for the Department of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering