Professor Atanu Chaudhuri

Professor of Technology and Operations Management at Durham University Business School and Co-Director of SPARC

What do you do?

I am a Professor of Technology and Operations Management at Durham University Business School, UK, with over 22 years of experience spanning the automotive industry, consulting, and research across India, Denmark, and the UK. I am also the Co-founder and Co-Director of Durham University Space Research Centre.

I participated in the working group on In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing, organised by Space Partnership to develop the UK's priorities in that area. Currently, I am working on a funded project assessing the circularity potential of space debris.

How are you involved in this area of science? 

My involvement centres around research on space sustainability and specifically related to circular economy in space and in-orbit servicing and manufacturing. As co-director of Durham University Space Research Centre, I am also developing the education portfolio of the centre to develop future ready workforce for the space industry. I am passionate about providing opportunity to school children to learn about space sustainability and encouraging them to build a career in the space industry.

What do you love about this topic?

Many things we take for granted such as use of GPS or accurate weather forecasting, communicating when travelling in remote regions or telemedicine are dependent on space technology. Thus, while space technology applications support sustainability on Earth, we should also ensure sustainable exploration of space. Our research addresses this important challenge facing mankind.

How does this work deliver real-world impact?

Our research can help in recovering and using materials from objects in space and assessing their feasibility and economic value. It can pave the way for such practices in the near future, support the companies engaged in such activities and provide guidance to the satellite industry to ensure sustainable design.