After a hiatus of more than seven years, the Republic of Ireland Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society is set to resume its programme of public lectures with a fascinating look at the growing importance of resilience in the space sector. The event will take place on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at Wynns Hotel in Dublin city centre.
The lecture, titled “Stop Counting Satellites – From Spacecraft to Systems”, will be delivered by Malcolm McDonald FRAeS, current President of the Royal Aeronautical Society and one of Europe’s leading figures in space technology and systems engineering.
While the space industry is often measured by the number of satellites launched or programmes announced, McDonald argues that this focus can miss the bigger picture. His lecture will examine the often-invisible space infrastructure that underpins modern society, supporting everything from communications and navigation to timing systems, Earth observation, and emergency response services.
Drawing on research from the Applied Space Technology Laboratory at the University of Strathclyde, the presentation will explore how complex space-enabled systems can remain resilient when faced with disruption. Topics will include satellite engineering, network science, resilient timing systems and Earth observation, with practical examples demonstrating how interconnected technologies can help solve real-world challenges. These range from studies of neurodivergence to assisting lifeboat crews navigating in poorly charted waters.
At the heart of the lecture is a simple but increasingly relevant message: a satellite is only one component of a wider capability. Success should not be judged solely by what is placed into orbit, but by whether space-based systems can continue delivering the services upon which society depends when things go wrong.
Distinguished Speaker
Malcolm McDonald is widely recognised for his contributions to the international space sector through his work across academia, industry and government. He serves as Chair of Applied Space Technology at the University of Strathclyde, is a Visiting Professor at the Centre for Space Research, University College Dublin, and is also a director of Weather Stream, a US-based company focused on satellite weather instrumentation and data analytics.
Return of a Long-Standing Tradition
The lecture marks the first event hosted by the Dublin Branch since 2019. The last branch lecture featured former Aer Lingus executive and aviation personality Donal Foley, whose presentation on his career across Aer Lingus, the Royal Air Force, Thomas Cook and the Irish Aviation Authority drew a strong audience and positive feedback.
For Irish aviation and aerospace enthusiasts, the return of the RAeS lecture programme provides a welcome opportunity to reconnect with a professional community that spans both traditional aviation and the rapidly expanding space sector.
Event Details
What: RAeS Dublin Branch Lecture – Stop Counting Satellites: From Spacecraft to Systems
Speaker: Malcolm McDonald FRAeS, President, Royal Aeronautical Society
Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Time: 20:00
Venue: Wynns Hotel, 35-39 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1
Admission: Open to RAeS members and non-members alike
For anyone with an interest in aviation, aerospace, technology, or the increasingly vital role of space infrastructure in everyday life, this promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking evening.
