- The Ireland Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society resumes public lectures after a hiatus of more than 7 years
- The lecture takes place on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at Wynns Hotel in Dublin city centre
- Malcolm McDonald FRAeS, President of the Royal Aeronautical Society, delivers the lecture titled Stop Counting Satellites: From Spacecraft to Systems
- The lecture examines space infrastructure resilience and systems engineering
- The event marks the first Dublin Branch lecture since 2019
After a hiatus of more than 7 years, the Ireland Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society is set to resume its programme of public lectures with a look at the growing importance of resilience in the space sector. The event takes 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 revealed, McDonald argues that this focus can miss the bigger picture. His lecture examines 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 explores how complex space-enabled systems can remain resilient when faced with disruption.
Topics 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 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.
Malcolm McDonald is 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.
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 an opportunity to reconnect with a professional community that spans both traditional aviation and the rapidly expanding space sector.
