ESTRELLAS 2026: Women in Space
About this Event
Join us for ESTRELLAS 2026: Women in Space, taking place on Thursday 18 June 2026 at Durham University. We’re bringing together women working across the space sector for a day of talks, discussion and networking – while also welcoming allies and supporters committed to a more inclusive future for space.
The programme includes speakers from the European Space Agency (ESA), UK Space Agency, Airbus, Durham University, Northumbria University and Gateshead College, alongside early-career researchers and industry professionals.
The event will explore careers, leadership, visibility and the different roles that keep the space sector moving – including the work that often happens behind the scenes.
Whether you already work in the space sector, are studying in the field, or are simply interested in the future of space, you are welcome to attend.
Please note there will be photography and filming at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed please let us know at registration and you will be given a different coloured lanyard so our photography team is aware.
Estrellas is organised by Durham University with support from Durham University Space Research Centre, Durham University STFC Impact Acceleration Account and the EPSRC North East Space Communications Accelerator (NESCA) Place Based Impact Acceleration Account: EP/Z536301/1.
By registering for this event, you agree that your registration data may be shared with our funders for monitoring and reporting purposes.
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Arrival and registration
🕑: 09:15 AM - 09:30 AM
Welcome by Ariadna Calcines Rosario, Head of Optics, CfAI, Durham University
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Meganne Christian FRAeS, ESA astronaut and UKSA Senior Exploration Manager
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
Caroline Harper, UKSA Head of Space Science
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
Siân Cleaver, AIRBUS Orion ESM Power & Avionics MSD Lead
🕑: 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM
Coffee break
🕑: 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Isabelle Crossley, DU PhD Candidate and Durham University Spaceflight Society
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Amna Riaz, Northumbria University, Space Technology Group
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
Carly Beckerman, Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC)
🕑: 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
Monika Sharma, Gateshead College
🕑: 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Meet the exhibitors
🕑: 12:45 PM
Group photo
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:15 PM
Lunch
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:00 PM
Panel: “The Invisible Force”
Info: Discussing essential roles with lower visibility across the space sector and highlighting the extraordinary work of Women in this field.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Final remarks
Info: Final Remarks by Joanne Rout, DU Senior Business Development Manager - Advanced Technologies, Orbit Enterprise Hub Manager and volunteer mentor with The Girls’ Network
🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:30 PM
Connecting women in space around the world
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Networking
🕑: 04:00 PM
Event close
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
