Intersection series: Authors making space accessible and relevant webinar

In the first of the APM’s International Space Sector Interest Network Intersection webinar series presented on Thursday 21 May 2026, we explored the crossover between the space sector and other disciplines - and how ideas, practices, and creative approaches transfer in unexpected and valuable ways. 

This session brought together space exploration, education, and storytelling through the perspectives of two leading voices from the National Space Centre. 

We were joined by Dhara Patel, author and Space Expert at the National Space Centre, where she helps translate complex space news, astronomy, and exploration into engaging content for a wide range of audiences. Through writing, interviews, digital media, and events, Dhara focuses on making space accessible and relevant. Drawing on her book Space Exploration (Royal Observatory Greenwich), she reflects on the evolution of astronomy, the development of robotic and crewed missions, and how our growing understanding of the cosmos shapes future ambitions - while highlighting the many questions that remain unanswered. 

Alongside Dhara, Charlotte Isham joined the discussion. Together they co-authored the 2025 book Space Tour. Charlotte will bring her a perspective rooted in visual storytelling and education. Space Tour offers young readers an inspiring journey through the Solar System and beyond, combining striking imagery with fascinating facts about missions, celestial objects, and the mysteries of the Universe.  
In what was a fascinating session, Dhara and Charlotte explored how communicating space sits at the intersection of science, creativity, and learning - and what this crossover can teach us about engaging audiences, sustaining curiosity, and sharing complex ideas beyond the space sector. 

Webinar resources

Dhara and Charlotte have kindly allowed their presented material to be made available for viewing. The webinar recording on Vimeo, is now available in our APM resources area and also embedded below for reference.

This webinar is suitable for professionals with any level of experience.

Speakers

Dhara Patel, Space Expert, National Space Centre

Dhara is a Space Expert at the National Space Centre, working to help convey space science concepts, stories, and topical news to a variety of audiences. She graduated with a Masters in Physics, then began her career as a secondary school science teacher and has now been working as a science communicator for the past decade. Throughout that time, she has presented planetarium shows, workshops, live telescope observing sessions and talks at national science festivals, and continues to share her excitement and enthusiasm for space through organising space events, creating digital science content, writing books and doing TV and radio media interviews.

Charlotte Isham, NSC Discovery Director, National Space Centre

Charlotte is NSC Discovery Director at the National Space Centre, where she has worked since, 2006. She has always had a passion for space and from a young age spent time wondering at the stars in the night sky, when a clear night would allow. She originally trained as a primary teacher at De Montfort University, after completing a BSc in Social Policy at Loughborough University. Then when the opportunity arose at the National Space Centre for Education development officer, she jumped at the chance to work in the space industry. From completing an astronomy foundation course to meeting costume characters, and interviewing astronauts to writing educational activities, editing and now co-writing a book with the brilliant Dhara. She has had an exciting and varied career to say the least, which has given her the opportunity to share her passion about space and science with others.

Host

Mark Heelis, Programme Manager, Satellite Applications Catapult

Mark is the Deputy Lead for the Association for Project Management’s (APM) International Space Sector Interest Network. Established in 2024, the award winning Interest Network aims to connect practitioners, share best practices, and support future missions and sector ambitions through collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Mark is a Programme Manager with extensive experience delivering complex, transformational projects across engineering and technology domains. At the Satellite Applications Catapult, Mark plays a pivotal role in advancing the UK space sector, with a particular focus on emerging applications such as in-space logistics services and microgravity manufacturing.