Professor Richard Holdaway

Professor Richard Holdaway, CBE, FREng, is a distinguished British space scientist and engineer, renowned for his leadership in the UK’s space sector. Born in 1949 and educated at The Skinners’ School in Tunbridge Wells, he went on to earn a PhD in aeronautics and astrodynamics from the University of Southampton. His early career included work on the Harrier jump jet at Hawker Siddeley before joining the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) in 1980. He became Director of RAL Space in 1998, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the UK’s capabilities in space science and technology, collaborating with NASA, ESA, and other international agencies. His contributions earned him a CBE in 2013 for services to UK space engineering.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Professor Holdaway has been a passionate advocate for public engagement in science. He has delivered lectures worldwide, including aboard Cunard liners, and holds visiting professorships at several universities, including Southampton, Kent, Beihang University in Beijing, and Embry-Riddle in the U.S. He also chairs multiple high-tech companies, such as Cambridge Space Associates and Stratospheric Platforms Ltd. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to innovation, education, and the exploration of space, all rooted in the academic foundations laid during his formative years at The Skinners’ School.