UK Space Agency gets a new chief executive
22 January 2013
David Parker, who has been acting chief executive of the UK Space agency since December 2012, becomes its new chief executive with immediate effect.
Dr David Parker
Dr Parker believes Britain has a remarkable future in space technology, and the UK Space Agency is leading the way. “I am extremely proud to accept this position," he said. "The last two years have proved what we can accomplish in space through collaboration and targeted investment.
Science minister David Willetts welcomed Dr Parker to his new role. "He has been part of the agency since its creation and most recently played a leading role in securing £1.2bn of UK investment at the European Space Agency Ministerial meeting," he said. “His extensive experience of government and industry will be vital in realising our ambition for the continued growth of the UK space sector.”
Between 2004 and 2010, Dr Parker worked at the UK's science funding council for space science. He is currently the UK's acting Head of Delegation to ESA, Chair of its Programme Board for Human Spaceflight, Microgravity and Exploration. He co-authored the Global Exploration Strategy Framework Document in 2007, which led to the creation of the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG).