Dr Sam Richards

Meet Dr Sam Richards, who has taken his degree out of this world. Sam is the Founder & Director of the Meridian Space Command and has previously had roles at NASA and ispace

Dr Sam Richards has taken his degree and career out of this world. From the classrooms of the University of Hertfordshire to directing space innovation across the globe, Sam’s journey reflects the power of passion, persistence, and global opportunity in the space industry.

Leading the way in Space innovation

Sam currently serves as Director of the Meridian Space Command, based at Space Park Leicester, where he works with organisations across the space sector to secure funding, deliver ambitious missions, and build sovereign space capabilities. He is also the Founder of Doable.Ventures, a venture platform supporting emerging technologies and start-ups in aerospace and beyond.

His journey through the space industry has been anything but conventional. Sam began his career as Mission Director and Instrument Scientist at NASA, flying in the stratosphere to study the Milky Way as part of advanced infrared astronomy missions. He later moved to Tokyo, where he led private lunar exploration projects as Master of Ground & Space at ispace, helping deliver the world’s first fully commercial mission to the Moon.

These experiences were built on a foundation laid at the University of Hertfordshire, where Sam’s interest in astronomy first came to life. 'When I discovered how strong the University’s Astronomy department was, I felt this was an environment where I could thrive,' he says. 'The hands-on research opportunities and international connections set me on a path I genuinely loved.'

One of those opportunities was a research year at the University of Sydney, which later led to his PhD. 'The lecturers at Herts were world-class, active astronomers, ' he adds. 'They brought their research into every lecture and were willing to involve keen students in real projects. That early exposure to research was a huge advantage.'

Advice for a career in Space

Now an industry leader, Sam continues to push boundaries. Through Meridian Space Command, he supports missions ranging from in-orbit demonstrations to deep space exploration. He is also involved in developing sovereign and allied hypersonic and spaceplane technologies.

Despite his impressive resumé, Sam remains with his feet firmly on Earth in his belief that anyone passionate about space can find their place in the industry.

Sam encourages students and early-career professionals to stay open, persistent, and curious.
'There are so many opportunities right now across space, technology, and innovation. If you focus on solving real problems and stay willing to learn, you will find doors opening where you least expect.'

He also reminds students that passion matters more than chasing titles or status. 'Find the thing that you enjoy the most and make that your focus. Passion will carry you through the tough days and help you build a career you are proud of.'

Looking ahead, Sam’s focus is on opening access to ambitious space missions, growing sovereign capabilities, and helping new ventures succeed in technology and beyond. Whether building lunar missions, new aerospace platforms, or the next generation of companies solving critical problems, Sam believes the future belongs to those who are willing to take on the impossible and make it doable.

From starting in a classroom at Hertfordshire to working on projects across the world and beyond, Sam’s journey shows that with the right mix of curiosity, courage, and persistence, anything is within reach.