Latest Insights from the EngX Community

  • 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…

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Latest IET EngX News

  • October Highlights on EngX: AI, Automation & Inspiring Journeys

    October was packed with fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and some truly inspiring stories from across the IET EngX community. Whether you’re into robotics, broadcasting, space tech or volunteering, there was something for everyone. Here’s a look back at what got people talking. Broadcasting Meets Sustainability In Behind the Broadcast , Gemma Hadley explored how the BBC is trialling solar-powered transmission stations in Ghana. It’s a fascinating look at how engineers are tackling sustainability and operational safety in broadcasting—especially in unpredictable climates like the UK. Why the UK Needs More Robots Professor Mike Wilson made a compelling case for automation in his Robotics lecture at IET Savoy Place. From cobots to humanoids, the UK’s productivity challenge might just have…

  • From Vacuum Flasks to Digital Inclusion: September on EngX

    As we step into autumn, let’s take a moment to reflect on the conversations and insights that sparked engagement across the IET EngX community throughout September. From historical engineering marvels to forward-looking debates and inclusive initiatives, here’s a roundup of what caught our attention last month. Engineering History Meets Everyday Life From our 'On this day in Engineering History' series, Hot Tea, Cold Science took us back to 1842 to celebrate the birth of Sir James Dewar, the mind behind the vacuum flask. This deceptively simple invention, rooted in cryogenics, has had a lasting impact from space missions to your morning coffee! A brilliant reminder of how foundational engineering principles can lead to timeless solutions. Read the post Global Perspectives on Engineering…

  • August on EngX: Fresh Ideas and Forward Thinking

    August brought a fresh wave of ideas, reflections, and hands-on inspiration across the EngX community. From thought-provoking blog posts to engaging forum discussions, here’s a look at what sparked conversation this month. Inspiring Future Engineers: IET Auckland’s ‘Project X’ Workshop On 12 August, the IET Auckland Network hosted its second annual ‘Project X’ electronics workshop at Waikowhai Intermediate School. This hands-on event aimed to ignite curiosity and creativity in young minds through engineering. Students explored circuits, built devices, and got a taste of real-world problem-solving. Read the full post Are You an Engineer If You Can’t Fix a Washing Machine? Richard Bodin reflects on a question his mother once asked him, sparking a philosophical journey through what it…

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Latest Partner News

  • In-flight Broadband Connectivity and Experimentation for Beyond 5G Networks “AeroNet”

    This work is supported by the HORIZON-MSCA-2024-SE-01-01, Project ID 101236523 and Innovate UK. Total amount is €1.8 million for five Universities and 3 Industries in EU and UK. Raed A Abd-Alhameed, Viktor Doychinov, Vuong Mai, Ifiok Otung University of Bradford, (UoB), Organisation in United Kingdom London South Bank University (LSB), Organisation in United Kingdom Technische Universität Dresden (TDN) - Organisation in Germany University of Athens (UoA) - Organisation in Greece University of Trento (UDT) - Organisation in Italy Fogus Innovations and Services PC (FGS) - Organisation in Greece Sigint Solutions Ltd (SGT) - Organisation in Cyprus JIO Platforms (JIO) - Organisation in Estonia Fogus Innovations and Service P.C. (FGS), Athens, Greece Sigint Solutions Ltd (SGT), Nicosia, Cyprus…

  • New Voltage Matters Forum attracts 300+ members as grid transition causes growing voltage issues

    More than 300 members have joined a Voltage Matters Forum to address the problem of uncontrolled voltages, as the grid comes under increasing pressure from millions of new distributed energy resource (DER) connections, including intermittent renewable generation, electric vehicles and rooftop solar installations. Co-created in January 2025 by voltage control specialists Fundamentals and power engineering experts Threepwood Consulting , the forum has attracted representatives and contributions from across the electricity industry, including network distributors, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, consultants and regulators. Fundamentals CEO Dr Jon Hiscock said: “It’s clear that uncontrolled voltages are increasingly causing problems across the grid. Complaints from consumers…

  • Booth Welsh Moves to Employee Ownership

    Booth Welsh has transferred ownership of the company into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), securing the long-term future of the business and placing its people at the heart of its success. The company, based in Irvine, Ayrshire was founded in 1989, and has grown to employ more than 300 people, serving clients throughout the UK and internationally. CEO Martin Welsh and the leadership team will all remain in their existing roles. The company says the move to employee ownership will secure the long-term future of the business and help attract and retain the best staff. Martin commented: "Employee ownership is something we've been planning for some time. Our people have always been at the centre of Booth Welsh's success. Today's announcement not only safeguards the long-term future of the…

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Latest articles from E+T Magazine

  • Drones capable of lifting people spark security fears in UK prisons

    Criminals are increasingly using sophisticated drones to infiltrate prisons to deliver contraband such as drugs or aid in prison escapes, MPs have warned. In a report, the Justice Committee said that the use of illicit drugs and their trade across prisons has reached “endemic” levels, which is fostering a “dangerous culture of acceptance that must be broken”. But it is the emergence of drones to deliver the drugs that represents a “paradigm shift” in how prisons should be thinking about tackling the drugs trade. As well as being able to bypass traditional perimeter security to deliver packages, the committee also heard about drones that could lift “a moderate-sized person”, which raises the threat that they could be used to aid in prison escapes. Recent data on drone incidents published…

  • O2 and Starlink team up to boost rural UK mobile coverage

    Virgin Media O2 has announced a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring satellite-based connectivity to rural areas across the UK. The deal will provide coverage in previous rural ‘not spots’ by automatically connecting phones via satellites when no standard mobile signal is available. Scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026, the new service, O2 Satellite, will initially offer messaging, maps and location services, with further improvements, such as voice and video calls, to follow. Virgin Media O2 has said the deal could see over 95% of the UK landmass covered within 12 months of launch. The service will connect to Starlink’s network of around 650 satellites, a satellite-to-mobile constellation in low-Earth orbit (LEO), delivering connectivity directly to compatible devices using…

  • Virgin gets green light to introduce trains on Channel Tunnel route for the first time

    The Virgin Group has announced a “landmark decision” by the rail regulator that allows it to press ahead with plans to launch a rival train service through the Channel Tunnel. Rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved Virgin’s use of the Temple Mills International depot in East London. Virgin says this “landmark decision” means it can now move ahead with its plans to launch a rival international train service through the Channel Tunnel, introducing competition on the route for the first time. Eurostar has had exclusive use of the Channel Tunnel up to now, with around 400 trains passing through the tunnel each day. Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, said: “The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly. …

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