melissa quinn nee thorpe

Business and Enterprise, Aeronautical Science, Education, Environment

Suggested by Ben Quinn

Ben says, “Mel was the first woman in the world and in history to mange a Spaceport. Mel has used her position in the aeronautical industry to inspire young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), bringing her knowledge and inspirational approach into education at school, University and beyond. Melissa advocates for transparent processes and de orbiting policies in the industry and has made a significant contribution to the development of legislation governing launches worldwide. The Space Cluster now established in Cornwall is part of her legacy and Spaceport Cornwall is still the only Spaceport licensed in Europe.

Melissa says her purpose can be summarised as, ‘space for good’, that is, ‘harnessing the power of space to benefit people and planet’. Her Ted talk is about the power of kindness.

Mel has helped me understand how men like me can support woman like her to be their true self in society and show the world how there is a difference in leadership between men and women. She has inspired many to remain kind while under pressure and to keep their values at the forefront of what they do. Mel works in a patriarchal industry with many male egos and has created projects that take social and environmental impact into account.

Mel has called Cornwall home for almost 15 years. She has had her daughter Robin here and created community at home and work.”

Melissa is currently Managing Director for Seradata, the industry’s leading space data publisher. It‘s mission is to provide the Space industry with world class decision support tools, data and analysis. She became a member of The Royal Aeronautical Society in 2023.

@melsgoodspace

spaceportcornwall.com