Ollie Knappett

About Me

Hi, I'm Ollie, a passionate space enthusiast with a strong academic background in AI, Robotics and Space Science; I'm eager to contribute to the future of exploration and push the boundaries of what is possible! Recently graduated with a distinction and first class honours, I'm currently putting my knowledge to use at the Satellite Application Catapult while aiming for my dream: joining the European Space Agency. This website showcases my journey, experiences, and skillset, inviting anyone who shares my passion or seeks collaboration to explore and connect.

Experience

Junior Robotics Engineer - Satellite Application Catapult

October 2023 - Present

Developing the Future of Space Servicing: Contributing to the design and development of a state-of-the-art In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing (IOSM) yard at the Satellite Applications Catapult. This groundbreaking facility will be instrumental in validating and verifying critical space missions, enabling advancements in technologies like satellite refueling and module replacement.
Utilizing my expertise in robotics and engineering, I am actively involved in creating solutions for autonomous manipulation and close proximity operations within the IOSM yard.
My work directly contributes to shaping the future of space exploration by enabling advancements in satellite servicing and maintenance, ultimately extending the lifespan of vital space assets and reducing reliance on costly launches.
I collaborate closely with a talented team of engineers and scientists to ensure the successful implementation and functionality of the IOSM yard, fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of space technology.

Winner of the Marine Autonomy Challenge 2023

October 2022 - June 2023

Winner of the prestigious Marine Autonomy Challenge 2023, a national competition focused on autonomous and safe operation of Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) for addressing ocean pollution. See more here: LinkedIn Post.
Utilized the provided simulator hardware effectively during the down-select gateways to showcase technical competency and secure a spot among the top three finalist teams.
Showcased outstanding autonomous capabilities in the on-water weekend held at the Solent University Ship Handling Centre, successfully completing a series of mission challenges, including navigation, obstacle avoidance, berthing, pollution searching, and target identification.
Received recognition from an expert judging panel for achieving high scores in mission challenges, demonstrating exceptional performance, and showcasing the potential for remote and autonomous pollution detection operations.

Teaching Assistant for AI summer School

June 2023-August 2023

Teaching Assistant at Aberystwyth University while writing my Masters thesis.
Helped introduce key concepts of Artificial Intelligence to PhD and Post-doc researchers and how they can apply them in a broad range of topics ranging from grazing cattle to polar ice cap drift.

Ladybird guide to Spacecraft operations training course

September 2022

Selected by ESA to attend a specialised course at ESEC-Galaxia in Belgium
Provided a strong foundation in autonomous spacecraft operations
Covered topics included AOCS, OBDH and managing sensors and electronics.
Hands-on experience from a simulation exercise which we acted as mission operations in a small team, attaining the highest grade out of all attendees.

Research Assistant, Solar Research Group, Aberystwyth University

July 2022 - Septmeber 2022

Assisted multiple projects within the Solar Research group at Aberystwyth University
Manually fitted models of Coronal Mass Ejection geometries to allow myself to analyse them and draw meaningful conclusions such as ejection speed and mass.
Machine learning experience with training a CNN to categorise coronagraph images taken from STEREO-A and SOHO.
Required complex problem-solving skills to address the problem of predicting which CMEs will cause the most effect on Earth.

Education

Artificial Intelligence MSc

Aberystwyth University

September 2022 - September 2023
Distinction

Continuing my studies in the field of Artificial Intelligence, acheiving a high distinction grade across all modules
Gaining expertise in advanced software engineering and the application of artificial intelligence in various domains, choosing to explore robotic concepts and control systems when possible.
Covering Machine Learning, computational intelligence, applied data mining and statistical analysis.
Winner of Marine Autonomy Challenge. Developped autonomous behaviours including object detection and avoidance, path planning, mapping, and image recognition for USV to address the issue of ocean pollution

Space Science and Robotics BSc

Aberystwyth University

September 2019 - June 2022
1st Class Honours

Highly specialised degree in Space Science and Robotics
Gained a comprehensive understading of software engineering and robotics. Alongside developping skills in space science and exploration within the space industry.
Final major project titled “ExoMars Rover PanCam calibration target detection” involved working as a team with members of the University Faculty on the ExoMars Rover. Developed and evaluated the performance of multiple methods of calibration.

Cheadle Hulme School

September 2011 - June 2019

3 A levels: Maths B, Physics B, Psychology B. 9 GCSEs A-C range
Team captain for badminton. Member of multiple bands, winning the Alderley Edge music festival. Grade 7, distinction, in Piano and Trombone. Gold DofE award.