BCI Alumni Q&A: Steve Grey

Why did you choose the Bristol Composites Institute for your studies?
I completed my undergraduate degree in the Aerospace Engineering department at Bristol, so I was already familiar with the research group and their work. I was particularly attracted to the CDT format, which offers the freedom to explore and choose my PhD topic, as well as the opportunity to develop key skills essential for a successful PhD student.

Dr Steve Grey, Lead Satellite Operations Engineer at Space Forge

What research area did you specialise in whilst you were here?
My focus was on engineering origami. Specifically, I was interested in understanding the mechanical properties of origami structures, which theoretically have a single degree of freedom (making them a perfect mechanism), but in reality, they possess multiple degrees of freedom. This means that, while theoretically, a single actuator would suffice to deploy an origami structure, in practice, actuators must be distributed throughout the structure to achieve the desired deployment.

After leaving the BCI where did you go?
My first role after leaving BCI was at a start-up company in Newport called B2Space. This company specialises in high-altitude ballooning, specifically with the objective of creating a satellite launch vehicle that deploys from a high-altitude balloon. Initially, my role was to perform all analyses (structural, aerodynamic, control, etc.) in support of the design of our products. After a few months, I also took over the management of the mechanical design, build, and launch operations of our high-altitude balloons. I spent two years with B2Space, during which I travelled and conducted high-altitude balloon launches in places as diverse as North Wales and the Canary Islands. After those two years, I was ready for a new challenge and moved to Space Forge as the Satellite Operations Lead. In this role, I am responsible for developing and executing the operations of our satellites and payloads throughout their reusable lifecycle. About a year into this role, the opportunity arose to also take on the ForgeStar-1 platform product lead role. As part of this, I am the most senior engineer responsible for the technical decisions throughout the lifecycle of ForgeStar-1 (an R&D satellite), from design through build and test until the mission is complete in orbit.

What are you currently working on and what do your future plans look like?
I am currently preparing to manage the operations of ForgeStar-1 when it launches this summer. My future plans are to grow my team at Space Forge so that we can best support the technology development and design needed to build and operate ForgeStar-2, which will be our first operational satellite performing in-space manufacturing and returning the products to Earth.

How did the BCI prepare you for work outside of academia? 
The two most important things were: 1. Teaching me how to be a self-starter and figure out what the problem is and how to solve it on my own. 2. Giving me the freedom to teach and engage in outreach, which broadened my horizons and helped me make contacts that have been beneficial throughout my subsequent career.