Some people are working on how we might really travel to the stars in the near future. Rob Swinney, i4is, Fellow of the BIS, Project Leader of Project Icarus and former RAF squadron leader will discuss the likely methods and means in a way understandable to all. In the near future will it be giant nuclear rockets or miniature beamed sails; will it be some private adventurer or nation state – or take some unified world organisation; or will the driving force be peace or war?
Public Lecture
The Initiative for Interstellar Studies (i4is) presents:
Robert Swinney
Friday 27thJuly, 2018
(Start time: 1800 prompt, doors open 1700)
In the Interstellar Space conference room at the i4is HQ, the Bone Mill, New Street, Charfield, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8ES
The i4is (a not-for-profit organisation incorporated in the UK) are proud to bring open lectures on space and related studies, generally on the last Friday/Saturday of the month, to the people of South Gloucestershire and the local area. We aim to bring thought-provoking lectures suitable for enthusiasts through to students and professionals that raise the knowledge of all the participants. Perhaps join us for dinner afterwards (self funding!) – you should try to let us know by the Monday prior.
Presenter: Robert Swinney BSc, MSc, MIET, FBIS, CEng, RAF (Retd)
In the 1980s Rob completed his BSc in Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Newcastle and his MSc in Radio Astronomy at the University of Manchester (Jodrell Bank). After several years teaching Craft, Design and Technology at Sherborne School for Boys he returned to his studies and graduated from Cranfield University with a further MSc in Avionics and then undertook a rewarding career in the RAF as an aerosystems engineering officer. He completed his commission in 2006 having attained the rank of squadron leader.
Rob is a Chartered Engineer, a Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology and a Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society. His early research was published in Nature and The Astrophysical Journal and later work in the Journal of the BIS. He was one of the first to join the BIS design study for an interstellar probe, Project Icarus and he is the current Project Leader. He is a member of the non-profit organisation, Icarus Interstellar, and is co-founder and currently Deputy Director of the Initiative for Interstellar Studies.
As a youngster Rob followed the Apollo adventure and the Grand Tours of the Voyager spacecraft. Today, he believes the 'planets are aligning' again, and organisations like the Initiative for Interstellar Studies, Icarus Interstellar, Breakthrough Initiatives and the British Interplanetary Society will prove that although extraordinarily difficult, real steps to interstellar travel are being taken.
Pricing
Free – but if you are able - a voluntary retiring contribution to i4is, suggestion of £10 for the employed, others: i4is/BIS, Students, Pensioners or Job seeking £5.
To join any of the events contact the booking team at: info@i4is.org