Clyde Space

Craig Clark - CEO/CTO

My Job at Clyde Space

My function at Clyde Space is very varied.  For the most part I handle the day-to-day running of the company.  this involves ensuring that the rest of the team here have the resources that they require in order to deliver our hardware on time and in budget.  I also provide substantial technical input to all of our engineering programmes; although Clyde Space has individual world-leading expertise in batteries and electronics, my input is still required from a mission and space application perspective (because of my specific experience in this area), as well as in a peer review capacity. 

Another major part of my job is in business development.  This ranges from networking at conferences, etc. to preparing proposals.  One of the key skills that i have been able to develop over the years is Systems Design of a power system for small satellite missions.  This lends itself excellently to the preparation of proposals as it involves a significant proportion of systems design work in order to specify and propose a power system that is right for the job.  I often find that the system I propose for missions can result in a change in spacecraft design; it's work I enjoy and it is pleasing to see satisfied customers at the other end.

Qualifications

BEng (hons) Power Engineering, 1994, University of Glasgow.

MSc Satellite Engineering, 2001, University of Surrey.

Life Before Clyde Space

Apart from a few summer jobs before and during my time studying for my first degree at the University of Glasgow, I have been fortunate to have always worked in the small satellite industry. 

My first degree was in Power Engineering, which although covered large power stations, generators, etc. it was mostly about power electronics, motors and drives and control theory.  This stood me in good stead to get a position as a power Systems Engineer at the Small Satellite world leaders, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited.  I had an excellent time at Surrey, especially in the early part of my career when the company was small enough for all the staff to know one another and know their families. During my time at Surrey, I worked on over 25 different missions, was head of the Power Team for about 7 years, studied for my MSc in Satellite Engineering and did my part to help Surrey grow into the space industry big boy it is now (300 staff at last count or so I heard recently).  After 11 years at Surrey, in 2005 I left to head back to Scotland and at the same time started Glasgow's first space company, Clyde Space.

Outside Clyde Space

When I'm not busy working at Clyde Space, I tend to spend most of my time with my family.  My kids are aged 2 and 4, so there is never a dull moment, but it is a great age and they are loads of fun.

I'd say the most interesting out-of-work activity I do is playing the drums.  I have played for several bands, original music, Orchestras, Big Bands, you name it.  It is great fun playing the drums, and I definitely don't do enough of it.  My first band was in Cumbernauld and was called 'The Custard Experiment' and more recently I was in a band called 'Drench' in Surrey.  I don't think that there is anything on the internet about these bands, but if i find (or post) something, I'll add a link here for those interested.

Another of my interests is in reading.  Although I don't consider myself a hard-core Sci-Fi fan, I do enjoy reading decent Science Fiction.  My ideal read is a book that has a stab at where we'll be in the not so distant future.  Again I'm not expert in this area, but I have read a few novels and, if you are interested, I would recommend the following:  Ian M. Banks; A fantastic imagination.  I love, most of all, his Culture novels and the shere scale of the 'world' that the stories take place.  Probably my favourite Banks novel is Excession, but if you are new to Culture novels, I would start with Consider Phlebas.  I'm proud to say that Mr Banks is also Scottish and still lives in Scotland.  Stephen Baxter; It was a Stephen Baxter book that first got me hooked into Sci-Fi novels. His 'NASA Series' is an excellent read, especially if you have an engineering and/or space background.  Also, the 'Manifold Series' will just blow your mind.  I am just about to start reading the 'Destiny's Children Series'. I would also recommend novels by Alastair Reynolds and Peter F. Hamilton (the Night's Dawn Trilogy is a brilliant read).

Other Info

I am a member of the Entrepreneurial Exchange here in Scotland.  This group has been very useful in helping me learn how to go about growing a company; I would recommend it to anyone crazy enough to start a company themselves.

I am a member of the British Interplanetary Society (or BIS).  The BIS are not only extremely useful for those interested in space in general, but they are also excellent at supporting the British Space industry (including Clyde Space).  They are also an integral part of the team organising this year's International Astronautical Congress here in my wonderful home, the City of Glasgow.

I am a member of the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) through which I am a Chartered Engineer. Within the IET I also do my best to participate within the Satellite Systems and Applications Professional Network.

My Linkedin profile can be found here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/craigsclark.

You can also keep up-to-date with my contact details on my Plaxo profile.