Researchers at the University of Strathclyde (
www.strath.ac.uk) have won a UK-wide award for their work on the Stardust project, which examined solutions to the threats posed by asteroids and space debris.
They were the winners in the Space Achievement/Academic Study Research category of the Sir Arthur Clarke Awards.
The award was presented at the UK Space Conference 2015 in Liverpool. It was collected on behalf of the Stardust team by Chiara Tardioli and Clemens Rumpf, and it was presented by the first Briton in space, Helen Sharman.
This follows Strathclyde’s success at the 2011 Sir Arthur Clarke Awards, when its Advanced Space Concepts Laboratory was the winner in the Space Research category.
Stardust network manager Peter McGinty said: “This award is a fantastic achievement for us, as well as for Strathclyde’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. It’s a testament to the pioneering work of our researchers.
“Asteroids are a significant natural threat to the Earth, but we now have the knowledge and technology to tackle the risks they present. Space activity is essential to our understanding of the universe and our place in it.
“Managing and controlling the debris that is a by-product of this exploration will allow us to continue to make further progress in the research and ensure a safe future for our assets in orbit.”