RAeS Lecture in cooperation with HAW, DGLR, VDI & ZAL

What does it take to design and build a spacecraft that can deliver cargo to the International Space Station?

This talk looks at the challenge from the following angles.

First, the engineering reality. Even for a cargo vehicle the bar is extremely high. Visiting the ISS requires strict safety and redundancy, and the integration of many disciplines: structures, avionics, GNC, propulsion, thermal control, software, operations, and many more. To create a safe and reliable capsule, one of the goals is to expose issues early, test aggressively, and fix problems quickly so the final vehicle is safe.

Second, the entrepreneurial side. Building a company as a startup in Germany means dealing with supply chains, financing, and recruiting strong engineers while building credibility in a conservative industry.

As conclusion, we look at what working in a startup means for engineers: you have increased responsibility, the ability to be hands-on, fast personal growth, and close collaboration with experienced experts. 

Jon Reijneveld is the Co-Founder and Chief Engineer at The Exploration Company (TEC), where he leads the engineering team in designing, developing, and operating innovative space capsules. With a master's degree in aerospace engineering from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Jon has specialized in space systems engineering.

Jon's career began at Airbus in Munich, where he worked on the European Data Relay System, managing the software for the control of the space and ground segment. He later joined the Orion Service Module (SM) team at Airbus Bremen as Deputy Chief Engineer, playing a crucial role in the qualification of the first module and leading the launch preparation campaign for Artemis I at Cape Canaveral.

Driven by a passion for advancing the space ecosystem in Europe, Jon co-founded TEC. Under his leadership, the engineering team at TEC implements practical systems engineering practices to rapidly produce innovative designs. TEC successfully launched its second capsule in June 2025 and is now working on its third capsule Nyx, with a planned demonstration flight to the ISS in 2028.

On 22nd August 1985, 55 passengers and crew on board British Airtours flight 328 lost their lives when a fire ripped through the cabin after an uncontained engine failure and abandoned take-off. Forty years later, the lecture reflects on the many advances that have taken place to improve cabin safety and passenger survivability. These include changes in fire safety, crashworthiness, cabin configuration and crew training – many of which are connected to Cranfield through the work of the late Professor Helen Muir, Frank Taylor and the Cranfield Impact Centre. Case study investigations include British Midland flight 92 at Kegworth, United flight 232 at Sioux City, Air France flight 358 at Toronto and culminate in the amazing story of those on board Japan Air Lines flight 516 which collided with a Coastguard aircraft at Haneda Airport in January 2024.

Graham Braithwaite is Director of Aerospace & Aviation at Cranfield University and Professor of Safety and Accident Investigation. He has over 30 years of experience in aviation safety, working with the likes of CAA, easyJet, Cathay Pacific, TUI, Airbus and Boeing on research and education projects. Graham joined Cranfield in 2003 to lead the internationally renowned Aircraft Accident Investigation course, which has now broadened into marine, rail, road, construction and healthcare. The activity was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2011 – the highest honour for a UK academic institution.

Graham served as an independent member of the TUI Safety Review Board 2011-25 and as Independent Safety Adviser to the British Airways Board since 2015. He became a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 2006.