Image: Professor Richard Holdaway, Director of RAL Space​

Professor Richard Holdaway, Director of RAL Space, was awarded a CBE - Commander of the Order of the British Empire - in the New Years Honours List 2013; in recognition of his remarkable services to Science and Technology.   

Professor Holdaway began his distinguished career with a Ph.D in Aeronautics and Astrodynamics at the University of Southampton. This was followed by a period working on the design of the Harrier VTOL aircraft at Hawker Siddeley before joining the Appleton Laboratory in 1974 and RAL in 1980. He was appointed Director of Space Science and Technology at RAL (now RAL Space) in 1998. He has 40 years of experience in Space Programmes, having worked on numerous missions in Space Science and Earth Observation with NASA, ESA, China, Russia and the UK National Programme. His CBE also recognises his work with the Royal Academy of Engineering, with his long association with Southampton University and his numerous public outreach lectures.

Professor Holdaway said: "This honour is underpinned by the tremendous work undertaken by everyone in RAL Space at RAL. I’m obviously delighted that it also recognises the work I do outside of RAL with academia, industry, government and the public."

The full list of honours can be viewed online.

For more information please contact: RAL Space Enquiries