Dr Peter Shaw
Senior Lecturer in Astronautics
Contact
- Email: p.shaw@kingston.ac.uk
- Location: Roehampton Vale
- Faculty: Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing
- School: School of Engineering and the Environment
- Department: Department of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering
- Personal website
About
I graduated with a degree in 'Physics with Satellite Technology' in 2006 from the University of Surrey and again in 2011 gaining a PhD in 'Pulsed Plasma Thrusters for Small Satellites' from the Surrey Space Centre (SSC). I helped establish the Electric Propulsion (EP) facility there and spent several years researching and building EP devices. The first EP device I designed, tested and built that was sent into space was on the UK first CubeSAT 'STRaND-1', which was nominated for a Times Higher Education Research award.
In 2011 I co-founded a medical plasma company called 'Fourth State Medicine'.
In 2013 I joined industry and worked for Surrey Satellite Technology limited. I spent two years in Assembly, Integration and Testing, building microsatellites and then a further three years in the propulsion team working on monopropellant propulsion systems and EP ground propellant loading hardware.
In 2018 I joined Kingston University becoming a champion for the KU Rocket Lab and the KU Gravity Drop tower.
Areas of specialism
- Pulsed plasma propulsion
- Electric propulsion
- Satelite propulsion system design, manufacturing and testing
- CubeSat propulsion technology
- Microsatellite propulsion technology
- Rocketry
- Deep learning in plasma simulations
- Deep learning in propulsion testing
Courses taught
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Qualifications
- PhD - Title: 'Pulsed Plasma Thrusters for Small Satellites'
- BSc (Hons) - Physics with Satellite Technology
Professional membership
Member of the UK Space Propulsion steering committee, that advises the UK Space Agency on in-space propulsion and launcher matters.
Research
I am interested in all aspects of Space Propulsion, from engines and system components used to launch technology into space to exploring new concepts and ideas of moving around in space. I have a hands-on approach to my teaching and research and prefer to demonstrate concepts and ideas through physical testing than purely theoretical work.
My main academic goals and objectives includes;
- Teach and inspire the next generation of space propulsion engineers and researchers for the UK space industry.
- Explore propulsion and launcher technologies that lower the cost per mass of getting technology into space.
- Exploring propulsion and power technologies that will enable human exploration of the solar system with the specific aim of aiding the exploration of Jupiter and its moons.
- Optimising propulsion system components and technologies (valves, tanks etc.) for use in micro and nano satellites
- Influence and advise UK Government space policy decisions