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  • The Lecture Problem

    One of the first major challenges in spaceflight was how to get into space, namely the Launch Problem . It is because of this problem that rocket science became synonymous with complexity and, hence, when talking about non-complex matters, there is the phrase “it’s not rocket science” . With some poetic license, this article presents a subtler problem in the space sector, namely the Lecture Problem . How do we train people to learn about space businesses, markets, operations, law, finance, and technology in a way, which is appropriate for busy professionals? Collectively we have borrowed a conventional model, the lecture. Lectures are a staple method of information transfer in universities and, indeed, have been for centuries. Like it or not, the common practice of a lecture is one, in…

    Paul Iliffe
    Paul Iliffe

  • NEW BLOG SERIES: Payloads of the Past: November - Sputnik II and the Legacy of Laila

    November is a landmark month in satellite history, marked indelibly by a mission that not only expanded our technical horizons but also forced us to confront difficult ethical questions that still resonate today. As part of a new monthly series, “Payloads of the Past", I take a look back at a pivotal, yet often controversial, moment in the story of satellites and space. Remembering Sputnik II: Breaking New Ground On November 3, 1957, the Soviet Union’s Sputnik II became the first spacecraft to carry a living passenger into Earth orbit. That passenger was Laika, a stray dog from Moscow who, to this day, symbolises both the bold promise and the moral complexities of early space exploration. Laika’s journey, just one month after the world-awakening launch of Sputnik I proved rapid progress…

  • TV for everyone: Can a standalone streaming box facilitate the transition to online-only broadcast?

    As the broadcast industry charts its course towards a digital-first future, linear streaming services are emerging as a viable successor to traditional terrestrial television. Tracing the evolution of digital terrestrial television (DTT) and direct-to-home (DTH) platforms offers valuable lessons on how the transition can be managed without leaving any viewer behind. This shift is especially significant as public broadcasters worldwide struggle to sustain their over-the-air (OTA) satellite and terrestrial television services. They cannot simply switch off all analogue or digital terrestrial broadcasts, as a substantial share of audiences still rely on free-to-air (FTA) terrestrial broadcast services. The BBC has identified three groups most at risk of digital exclusion: the unemployed (limited…

  • Reflections, Reality & Resilience: Lessons from the Defence in Space Conference 2025

    The 2025 Defence in Space Conference (DiSC25), convened in London on October 28th and 29th, provided a powerful snapshot of a rapidly evolving domain where strategic priorities and technological innovation intersect. Billed as a free and open event for the global space and defence communities, DiSC25 attracted over 1,500 participants, including senior representatives from government, industry, academia, and international institutions.​ Community and Collaboration: Foundations for Progress DiSC25’s opening remarks set the tone: In a time of global uncertainty and threat, the sense of community and determination among space professionals has never been stronger. The event’s agenda reflected broad engagement, over 20 talks delved into topics such as Military Satellite Communications…

  • The Next Generation of Metals: Forging Our Future in Extreme Environments

    As engineers, we look at the world not just as it is, but as what it could be. Personally, the evolution of materials and the advancements in engineering that enable those developments absolutely fascinate me. My passion started young, always fascinated with the engineering of exotic metals and the concepts behind using them in innovative ways. I remember watching films and animations featuring robotics and powerful exoskeleton suits, which helped develop an already overactive imagination. The idea that we could use clever design and advanced materials to physically extend our reach and improve our resilience is a powerful motivator. This enthusiasm drives my interest in the development of new, wonderful ways that can help us grow toward unknown possibilities for humanity. From the crushing…

  • How is the automotive industry evolving, and what is driving the shift toward Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs)?

    Over the past 15 years, the automotive industry has shifted from emphasizing mechanical features like torque and horsepower to a software-centric approach emphasizing driver convenience, assistance, infotainment, and connectivity. This evolution is driven by changing customer expectations—today’s users seek continuous feature updates, personalized services, and on-demand functionalities even after purchasing a vehicle. These demands are pushing the industry toward Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs), which offer flexibility, upgradability, data-driven insights, and seamless connectivity. I witnessed how customer expectations began to mirror their digital lifestyles, treating vehicles as extensions of their smart devices. This transformation sparked my interest in how software could redefine user…

  • The Future of Lean: From Factory Floor to Digital Sustainability

    Blog by Ketan Varia The IET Manufacturing Technical Network (MTN) hosted a global webinar on The Future of Lean on the 16 September 2025 , attracting 160 attendees from around the world. You can also view the on demand event. Lean thinking began as a simple but powerful mindset: create value, reduce waste, make things flow, and avoid overstressing processes. Over the decades, it has evolved, flourished, and quietly embedded itself in surprising places. Today, Lean stands at a crossroads; facing the challenges of digital transformation, sustainability, and global economic shifts. Lean and Sustainability: A Green Imperative Professor Konstantinos (Kostas) Salonitis of Cranfield University’s Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre opened the MTN webinar with a compelling vision: Lean…

  • Exploring the Stars and Systems: Aerospace Technical Network Volunteer, Patrick Capaldo in the spotlight!

    From stargazing on Australian beaches to working on cutting-edge aerospace projects in Europe, Patrick’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. We caught up with Patrick to learn more about what sparked their passion for aerospace, how volunteering with the IET has shaped their career, and what advice they’d give to others looking to follow a similar path. Let’s start at the beginning, what sparked your interest in joining the Aerospace sector? When I finished secondary school in Australia, I had no doubt in my mind that the university degree I wanted to follow had to involve aerospace engineering. This strong interest in the aerospace industry probably stemmed from a deep-seated fascination with space that I had since I was a young kid - and that I think a lot of young kids do. I think…

  • The role of Small Modular Reactors in Achieving the UK’s Net Zero.

    Achieving "net zero" is the world's key target for fighting climate change, which is already having serious consequences for people and nature around the globe. Prior legislation were passed committing the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. In the following years there have been a number of policies in place to reach the UK net zero target, and these are currently implemented in several sectors. In practice, reducing these emissions means largely switching away from coal, oil and gas to cleaner sources like wind, nuclear and solar power. Specifcally, nuclear energy has been a sector which has developed and improve in order to meet the Net Zero Goal with research and development carried out to enable this, this is obvious with project like the Hicknely Point C and…

    Emmanuel Ibanga
    Emmanuel Ibanga

  • Driving Change: The Human Side of EV Innovation

    Behind every electric vehicle (EV) on the road lies a story, not just of engineering and innovation, but of people driven by passion, persistence, and purpose. In a recent interview, engineers John Samuel and Pete James shared not only their technical insights but also the personal motivations and challenges that have shaped their careers in the EV industry. Innovation as a Way of Life For John Samuel, the journey began with a single word: innovation. “That’s what I enjoy,” he said simply. From his early days building racing cars to pioneering electric city vehicles and hybrid prototypes, Samuel’s career has been defined by a relentless pursuit of new ideas. He recounted a memorable encounter with Jeremy Clarkson during a test of the LA 301 hybrid prototype. “Jeremy was totally negative…

  • Transporter Beams to Sci Fi Dreams: Discover the Tech Star Trek Predicted

    What do automatic doors, mobile phones, and smart speakers have in common? They were all imagined decades ago in science fiction, and now they’re part of our everyday lives. This year’s IET Hereford and Worcester Christmas Lecture, “The Science of Star Trek” , promises to be a fascinating journey through the technologies that sci-fi got right, those it got hilariously wrong, and the ones engineers still dream of making real. Presented by retired chartered engineer Richard Baker , the lecture will explore how science fiction, especially Star Trek, has shaped our technological landscape and inspired generations of engineers. With a career spanning fire detection systems, rail safety, and even battery-powered trains, Richard brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this year’s festive…

  • From Beckenham to Panama: How FIRST®︎ STEM Programmes Can Spark Global STEM Journeys

    In a recent BBC article, students from Langley Park School for Boys in Beckenham were celebrated for qualifying to represent Great Britain at the FIRST® Global Challenge in Panama City. Often described as the "Olympics of STEM", this international robotics competition brings together teams from over 190 countries to tackle real-world challenges through engineering and innovation. What makes their achievement even more remarkable is that Langley Park is a comprehensive school, and their robotics journey only began two years ago. With the support of teacher Matt Fry, the students went from losing their first competition to becoming UK champions. As one student put it: “None of us thought when we started that we would become UK champions and represent our country in a global competition…

  • In sight: Opportunity to peer into the future of media and technology at IBC 2025

    This is an article that I have written after IBC2025 and our IET Media Technical Network sessions in Amsterdam. This was published in APB+ Publisher in Singapore in my monthly article. I thought of sharing those articles in EngX for members to access. Before diving into preparations for IBC 2025, it is worth revisiting what IBC, the International Broadcasting Convention, is. Indeed, IBC is an independent body owned by six leading professional bodies in the broadcast and media industry: the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the International Trade Association for Broadcast and Media (IABM), the Royal Television Society (RTS), the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) and the Society of Motion Picture…

  • From STEM Student to Strategic Leader: Shaping a Career in Manufacturing

    From his early days as a STEM-focused student to his current role as Operations Strategic Development Manager at Oxford Instruments, Ben Unett has built a career around operational excellence and a passion for sharing knowledge. In the next of our 'My Engineering Career' blog series , Ben reflects on his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and why volunteering with the IET Manufacturing Technical Network (TN) has become a meaningful part of his professional life. STEM to Manufacturing Ben’s interest in engineering began at school, where he was drawn to maths, physics, and chemistry. With a father who taught maths, STEM subjects were always part of the equation. “I started off thinking I wanted to do mathematical engineering,” Ben said. “But I realised I was more hands-on than theoretical…

  • “What’s the difference between a satellite and a spacecraft?” – Why We Need Holistic Sat-Comms Training

    There is a lingering and often ignored problem for the sat-comms sector. Despite being the most dominant sector within the commercial space economy, a key element of global trade, and a decisive factor in defence, many people do not understand it. That is true for many people even within the sat-comms sector. Several years ago I spoke with a seasoned employee at a sat-comms company and he told me about one of the all-staff meetings. It had been another hour-long talk by the boss. He talked in nautical terms, of headwinds and stormy conditions, of satellites and spacecraft, markets and missions. Hundreds of people sat there diligently, silently, and unquestioning. This man then asked me shyly, “…but what’s the difference between a satellite and a spacecraft?” It’s a fair question. I explained…

  • The Day New York Went Underground: Engineering the Subway Revolution

    On 27 October 1904 , New York City introduced its first underground railway line, running from City Hall to 145th Street. The Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) system covered 9.1 miles and carried over 100,000 passengers on its first day. It marked a significant shift in how cities approached mobility, especially in densely populated urban centres. The subway addressed mounting congestion, pollution from horse-drawn vehicles, and the limitations of surface-level transport. It also demonstrated how engineering could be applied to solve complex urban challenges with speed and scale. Technical Challenges and Solutions Constructing the subway beneath Manhattan’s busy streets required a combination of civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering expertise. Engineers had to navigate existing…

  • Behind the Broadcast: Engineering Challenges in Modern Radio

    The broadcasting industry is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation. As technology evolves and audience expectations shift, engineers are being asked to solve problems that go far beyond signal strength and studio acoustics. Two themes rising to the top of the agenda? Sustainability and operational safety . At this year’s Radio TechCon, one standout session explores a BBC-led initiative to transition transmission stations in Ghana to solar power . It’s a bold move toward greener broadcasting, and it raises an important question: how can we adapt renewable energy solutions to work reliably in less predictable climates like the UK? For engineers, this isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a strategic one. Power redundancy, battery storage, and weatherproofing all come into play. And…

  • Robotics: where we are now and what the future could look like (Central London Network September Evening Lecture)

    Blog Post by Central London Network Chair Matthew Davies Robotics in the UK: Why We Need More Robots, Not Fewer Professor Mike Wilson , Chief Automation Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) , presented on “Robotics: Where We Are Now and What the Future Could Look Like , ” at the IET’s Savoy Place on behalf of the Central London Network . Using data, case studies, and decades of hands-on experience to show how automation is changing UK manufacturing and how increasing the level of automation is a key means of addressing the challenges currently facing it. The talk began with Professor Wilson tracing his career arc: from an MSc in Industrial Robotics back in 1981 through to being the Chief Automation Officer of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and director of the…

  • Volunteer Jaya Sujeewon Rughoo – In the spotlight!

    We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Jaya Sujeewon Rughoo, whose journey from curious newcomer to community leader is nothing short of inspiring. Jaya spoke to us about how it all began, the moments that have stayed with her, and the advice she’d offer to future engineers. Let’s start at the beginning, what first drew you to volunteering with the IET, and how has your involvement evolved over time? Honestly, my story might sound familiar to others, but it all started with PATW (Present Around The World)*. I love sharing how I first came across the IET, it was during a job interview back in 2015, right after I’d finished the fourth year of my engineering degree. One of the interviewers asked if I knew about the IET (I didn’t at the time) and mentioned I could enter the PATW competition…

  • Thriving in engineering with ADHD: practical tips

    ADHD can bring both challenges and amazing strengths, especially in a field as creative and fast-moving as engineering. Engineer Mikaela shares her personal strategies for harnessing ADHD and using it as an advantage. Here you’ll find her top tips for boosting focus, managing your time and wellbeing, and making the most of the unique traits that ADHD brings. Everyone’s different, and this is one engineer’s story about finding strategies that help them thrive. Whether you’re studying, starting your career, or a seasoned engineer discovering more about yourself, with a little experimentation and the right support you can start engineering your way. Make ADHD work for you ADHD can be a real asset in engineering. Quick thinking, creativity, and adaptability often come naturally, especially…

  • IBC Review 2025 - Shaping The Future

    Blog Post by Central London Network volunteer Phil Snuggs How are we shaping the future of entertainment and technology? The October Central London Network Evening Lecture was a Panel review in partnership with the Royal Television Society London Network. The topic was the recent IBC2025 show, a global event for the media, entertainment, and technology industry. The Panel in the Turing Lecture Theatre was chaired by Nadine Dereza , Broadcaster & Journalist. Her fellow Panel members were: Dan Cherowbrier – Acting CTO Formula E Muki Kulhan – IBC Accelerators Lead Ian Nock – CEO Fairmile West and vice chair IET Media Technical Network Tia Shenton – RTS Young Technologist of the Year 2025 The panel recounted how IBC 2025 was attended by 43,858 visitors and had 1,300 exhibits…

  • Driving Innovation in Rail: How the RTS is Shaping the Future of Freight in Great Britain

    The UK rail industry is undergoing a transformative journey, and at the heart of it lies the Rail Technical Strategy (RTS) —a collaborative framework designed to unify stakeholders, drive innovation, and deliver a shared vision for the future of rail. In a recent session led by Gareth Evans (Head of Rail Technology, Network Rail) and Louisa Moisio (Director of Research, RSSB), industry leaders explored how the RTS is evolving and actively shaping investment, particularly in the freight sector. Why the RTS Matters Rail is vital to the UK’s economy, enabling social mobility, reducing emissions, and supporting regional growth. But it’s also a fragmented industry, with multiple organisations operating across devolved structures. The RTS provides a shared vision and a strategic roadmap to align…

  • IET France visit to “Grand Paris Express” – one of Europe’s largest mega-projects

    Those living in the Paris suburbs are familiar with the ongoing long-term construction of the "Grand Paris Express". Over 40 billion Euros are invested in this mega-project to extend the public transport network around Paris with over 200km of new train lines and 68 new stations. First proposed in its current form in 2009, it's one of the largest projects in Europe. The first stations opened for the Olympics in 2024 and all stations in the current construction phase will open by 2030. Communication on the project is essential given the significant cost and long-term impact on the local community. The managing company, Societe des Grands Projets, created the "Fabrique du Metro" in Saint-Ouen (northwest Paris suburbs) for this purpose. This is a superb exhibition centre covering all aspects…

  • Harnessing the Colorado River: How Engineers built a powerhouse!

    On 15 October 1936 , the Hoover Dam’s hydroelectric power plant was officially completed, transforming a colossal concrete structure into a living system of energy generation. While the dam itself had been structurally finished the year before, it was the commissioning of its power plant that truly unlocked its potential, delivering electricity across the American Southwest and setting a precedent for large-scale renewable energy projects. The Hoover Dam was a feat of civil engineering and a bold statement about what coordinated engineering disciplines could achieve. From the excavation of Black Canyon to the installation of massive turbines, the project demanded precision, innovation, and resilience. Hydroelectric Engineering at Scale At the heart of the dam’s power generation system…

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