Libby Jackson
Libby Jackson OBE is one of Britain’s leading experts in human spaceflight, having spent nearly two decades working at the forefront of the field.
- Served as a Flight Director for the International Space Station in the European Space Agency’s Mission Control
- Previously Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency
- Currently Head of Space at the Science Museum
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Libby Jackson's 2025 Biography
Meet Libby Jackson
Libby Jackson OBE is one of Britain’s leading experts in human spaceflight, having spent nearly two decades working at the forefront of the field.
Space was a childhood passion and after completing degrees in physics at Imperial College and astronautics and space engineering at Cranfield University, she has worked in the space industry ever since, joining the Science Museum in March 2025 as Head of Space.
Libby spent seven years working at the European Space Agency’s Mission Control for the International Space Station in a number of roles including her dream job as a Columbus Flight Director.
In 2014 she joined the UK Space Agency, where she managed the UK’s hugely successful education and outreach programme for Tim Peake’s Principia mission to the International Space Station. Over two million students took part in the activities, with one in three UK schools participating.
As Head of Space Exploration she managed the UK’s activities and investments, coordinating research and industrial activities in human and robotic missions, including activities on the International Space Station and missions to the Moon and Mars.
Libby joined the Science Museum in March 2025, where she plays a key role in the museum’s space-related public engagement activities while supporting the museum’s curators to acquire new space technologies for the national collection and deepening the museum’s relationships with space agencies around the globe.
Libby was awarded an OBE in the 2023 New Year’s Honours list for her services to the Space Sector, and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Kent in 2021.
Libby is a frequent contributor on television and radio, regularly contributing to news and science programmes. Past credits include Stargazing Live and Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?
Libby is passionate about sharing stories of human spaceflight and encouraging young people to follow their passions in life. Her first book, A Galaxy of Her Own: Amazing Stories of Women in Space was published in 2017, and her second, Space Explorers in 2020. Both are available in physical, digital and audio editions from all good bookshops.
Libby Jackson's 2025 Talks & Topics
Highlighting stories of women who have contributed to human spaceflight throughout the years.
Astronauts spend 6 months in space, with many years training for their missions. What happens in space, why is it important to everyday life, and what does it take to survive?
Humans are returning to the Moon, and have long dreamed of walking on Mars. Why are we going, what are the challenges to overcome, and how will we get to Mars?
Space was Libby Jackson’s passion and interest when she was a child, but she didn’t think it was possible to make a career out of it. 40 years later, she’s realized her dreams. In this talk, she shares what she’s learned along the way, Libby’s philosophies that led her here, and hopes to inspire the audience to see that they can follow their own passions and dreams.
Libby Jackson's Latest Books
Space Explorers: 25 Extraordinary Stories of Space Exploration and Adventure
This beautifully illustrated anthology illuminates twenty-five extraordinary stories of space exploration, adventure, and human achievement, from a leading expert in human spaceflight.
Launch Yourself into the Great Unknown.
The universe has always fascinated humans, but only a few have been daring enough to travel beyond the surface of the Earth. From the first man and woman in space to the moon landings to building the International Space Station in orbit, the history of space exploration is filled with peril, bravery, and strokes of genius.
In this beautifully illustrated anthology, spaceflight expert Libby Jackson reveals the best true stories of humankind’s thrilling journey to the stars and beyond.
A Galaxy of Her Own: Amazing Stories of Women in Space
From small steps to giant leaps, A Galaxy of Her Own tells fifty stories of inspirational women who have been fundamental to the story of humans in space, from scientists to astronauts to some surprising roles in between.
From Ada Lovelace in the nineteenth century, to the women behind the Apollo missions, from the astronauts breaking records on the International Space Station to those blazing the way in the race to get to Mars, A Galaxy of Her Own reveals extraordinary stories, champions unsung heroes and celebrates remarkable achievements from around the world.
Written by Libby Jackson, a leading UK expert in human space flight, and illustrated with bold and beautiful artwork from the students of London College of Communication, this is a book to delight and inspire trailblazers of all ages.
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