Doug Liddle

After leaving Oxford University in 1993 with an BA in Physics, Doug joined the Defence Research Agency (now QinetiQ) in their world class Space Department where he worked in radar surveillance, space radiation, spacecraft dynamics and military communications systems (Skynet 4). In 2001 Doug joined Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) as a Spacecraft Systems Engineer where he led the development of several new spacecraft including a 3,000 kg geostationary telecommunications satellite and was the lead design engineer for a number of new satellite missions including Europe’s first Galileo demonstrator satellite, GIOVE-A. Latterly at SSTL he headed up the Science & Exploration business unit and delivered multiple satellites and optical imaging payloads including the UK’s first <10 kg cubesat in collaboration with the University of Surrey. In 2015, Doug created In-Space Missions, a company founded to develop satellite systems and new space enabled services. Doug pivoted the organisation several times, generating substantial early revenues and debt financed the growth of the company until acquisition by BAE Systems in September 2021. Latterly, Doug became the Director of Space at BAE Systems before standing down in early 2025 to focus on his role as Chair of UKspace, the UK’s Space sector trade body. Doug co-founded Apogee Missions Advisory Limited in June 2025 - a boutique consultancy dedicated to supporting and growing the space sector. AMA works with investors, space businesses, academia and government to deliver sector insights and business transformation at a strategic and operational level. In August 2025, Doug took up a part time role as a Professor at the University of Surrey with a remit to lead the growth of the new Surrey Space Institute. In November 2025 he became Chair of Unbound Orbits Ltd and is an advisor for Thorn SDS Ltd. He also sits on the investment committee for a new growth fund - Space4Earth - which specialises in scaling up impact driven space businesses.