Speakers

Speaker profile

Dr Junayd Miah is widely recognised as a UK space subject matter expert, having led the development
and delivery of several critical space and ground segment capabilities for the Ministry of Defence
(MOD). Much of his work has been path-finding research and development in collaboration with
international partners across the globe that enabled the MOD to expand its space capabilities and
shape its strategic direction.

Dr Junayd Miah currently serves as Command, Control, Communications & Computers (C4)
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Science Adviser for UK Space Command. He
provides critical advice for the development of an integrated space operations architecture, resilient
satellite communications and earth observation satellite missions for UK defence and civil sectors. The
development of this integrated architecture in particular will enable the operation of future sovereign
space assets in addition to collaborative operations with academic, commercial, and international
partners.

Prior to this, Dr Junayd Miah led the development of MINERVA – A >£120 million, game-changing
space programme for a notional space architecture and associated Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance (ISR) satellite missions. This programme will set the foundation for all future ISR
operations by UK Space Command. He also delivered the UK governments first owned and operated
Ground Station and Mission Operations Centre, and demonstrated the first operation of a satellite by
the UK government in over 17 years. The development, delivery and subsequent operations of this
facility enabled many technical, policy and governance challenges to be addressed to advance UK
Space Command capabilities. His experience in satellite manufacturing and operations was crucial for
the delivery of the US-UK Coordinated Ionospheric Reconstruction Cubesat Experiment (CIRCE)
satellite mission and UK owned Prometheus-2 satellite mission.

Dr Junayd Miah completed his Bachelor’s degree at University of Southampton before subsequently
completing his Master’s degree at Harvard University’s illustrious Center for Astrophysics, researching
supernova remnants in distant galaxies. After completing his Master’s degree, Dr Junayd Miah
proceeded to complete his PhD at University of Durham, investigating star formation in merging
galaxies.

Throughout his career, Dr Junayd Miah has demonstrated the ability to deliver towards national
objectives, and influence partners and suppliers towards achieving MOD long-term visions. He has a
proven track record to research, innovate, and collaborate to deliver quality assured space solutions
for the benefit of the UK. Outside of work, Dr Junayd Miah frequently supports the growth and
development of scientists through engagement and mentoring events in academia and community
outreach programmes.