Proving the beneficial impacts of public investment in space R&D, such as GPS and weather services, is incredibly important if new technologies and ambitious missions are to go ahead. My background in monitoring and evaluation of government programmes gave me the opportunity to lead on major evaluations of UK space R&D efforts. I was able to apply my broad knowledge in assessing how well public funds are able to support technology development in industry and academia, using advanced evaluation techniques such as theory-based methods and quasi-experimental techniques. I found that the mechanisms for public support for space are similar to how government might help to fund any new emerging tech, build international collaboration or support a fledgling space business environment. RAND's longstanding experience in the space sector in the US, UK and Europe gave me the platform to work in space myself, working alongside colleagues with real space engineering experience.

RAND Europe, combines expertise in science and space security that gave me the opportunity to work on cross cutting topics like earth observation, security constellations, space business development and much more. I lead multiple studies on space R&D strategy and funding for clients including the UK Space Agency (UKSA) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). One example is a study to assess the benefits of the UK's investments into the European Space Agency (ESA), across programmes such as TRUTHS, VIGIL and more. This involves speaking to space R&D companies in the UK as well as senior UK and ESA stakeholders. To do this, I manage teams of around 8-10 people per project, working with partners and experts to cover all elements of the work, which includes primary and secondary data collection, strategic analysis and reporting to senior government stakeholders.

My great interest in space, like for many people, started (and continues) as an avid reader of science fiction and books on astrophysics. I loved the humbling effect of thinking about the vastness of space and its possibilities. Now having made my start in space policy, I'm learning and applying as much as I can to deliver quality work with my teams. I want to continue growing our space portfolio at RAND Europe to better support national and international efforts in exploring space and solving those tricky policy problems around domain awareness and space debris. More than anything, I'd just like to continue being humbled by the amazing technological advances and missions that keep blasting off around the world!

Dr Billy Bryan is currently serving as an Evaluation and Research Leader at RAND Europe; however, the views, opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations contained herein are the author’s alone and not those of RAND Europe or its research sponsors, clients, or grantors. He is also a trustee at the University of Sussex Students’ Union, a member of the UK Government’s Evaluation and Trial Advice Panel (ETAP), and an advisor to Rocket Science ltd.