Martina Blake ChPP FAPM

Programmatic and Strategic Advisor, European Space Agency (ESA)

Martina has a 25-year career in the UK government, leading and delivering complex and high-risk Government Major Projects and Programmes in areas such as the Space Industry, Government Security, Defence and Transformation, both in the UK and internationally.

Martina’s current appointment is as a UK Government Advisor to the European Space Agency (ESA), supporting delivery of ESA’s Space Safety Programme and ESA’s Transformation Initiatives. The Space Safety Programme aims to mitigate and prevent the effects of hazards from space, protect Earth, its inhabitants, and the vital infrastructure we depend on both in orbit and on the ground. She is also the UK representative for the International Project Management Committee within the International Astronautical Federation, working in partnership with space agencies such as NASA, ESA, JAXA, DLR and ISRO.

Prior to ESA, Martina was Head of the Office for Project and Programme Management at the UK Space Agency, advising on the transformation of the Agency into a successful delivery department, focusing on space missions and capabilities, and leading the cadre of project and programme specialists. She was also the Senior Programme Manager for the Space-Based Positioning Navigation and Timing Programme, exploring ways to deliver vital satellite navigation services to the UK which are critical for the functioning of transport systems, energy networks, mobile communications and national security and defence.

Across the UK government Martina is a high-risk Programme Assurance Reviewer for the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, providing expert advice across government departments. Recent reviews include UK Parliament Security & Transformation Programmes and the Ministry of Defence Skynet 6 Programme. Martina also has extensive experience in critical front line Operational Delivery roles, most recently supporting Operation Golden Orb in May 2023 (King Charles III Coronation).

Martina is a Fellow of the Association of Project and Programme Management, a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), and a graduate of the UK Government Project Leadership Programme and Oxford SAID Business School Programme for Project Leaders.