On 1 April, Sally Howes became chairman of the UK Space Agency Steering Board (replacing David Southwood, who completed his term of office in March).

Graham Turnock, chief executive of the UK Space Agency (www.gov.uk/ukspaceagency), said: “I am delighted to welcome Dr Howes. The knowledge and enthusiasm she brings will provide excellent leadership for the board.”

The UK’s space sector has seen significant growth in recent years, with its total income now standing at £14.8 billion a year.

The sector employs 41,900 people, and its exports are worth £5.5 billion a year. Much of this growth is due to space manufacturing, including satellites, ground systems and components.

The UK has significant capabilities in this area, building major parts for one in four of the world’s commercial telecommunications satellites.

Dr Howes has a PhD in hydrology from the University of Bristol, and a Master of Arts in geography from the University of Cambridge. She is a Council Member of Surrey University, and she chairs the Surrey Research Park.