Mark Kinnersley BSc (Hons) Aero/ Astro and PhD Aero/ Astro, 1984/1990

Technical Director, Eurockot Launch Services; European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company

The aeronautics and astronautics course strongly appealed to me with subjects offered in exactly what I wanted to study. Southampton had also a great reputation for engineering.

What do you do?

Launch rockets. My job is as close as you can get to being a rocket scientist, even though I am an engineer. I am the person responsible within Eurockot Launch Services for all technical and programme related matters. I lead a team of half a dozen mission managers and engineers providing launch services with the Rockot small launch vehicle. Eurockot is an EADS ST and Khrunichev (Russia) joint venture.

What's the best part of your job?

The launches, they are really amazing and exciting especially in Baikonur, Kazakhstan and Plesetsk, Russia.

Why did you go into this career?

I wanted to be involved with launch vehicles.

What is your education/experience:

Up to age of 16: Skegness Grammar School, Lincolnshire; After 16: Branston School and Community College, Lincolnshire

Any advice on getting the first job?

My priority was to work in the space business. My first job was in fact in IT working in the space and avionics group of Logica Space and Defence systems. This wasn't really my cup of tea, I wanted to be involved in hardware. After one year I opted to go and work in Germany and worked on the development of the Ariane 5 launch vehicle. This was a great experience, especially in such a large and complex undertaking. This experience put me in very good stead for my latest role of selling launch services.

Why did you choose Southampton?

The aeronautics and astronautics course strongly appealed to me with subjects offered in exactly what I wanted to study. Southampton had a great reputation for engineering.

What was the best part about studying at Southampton?

The course and proximity to London.

What is your advice to potential students?

Do what you enjoy.

What are your hobbies?

Running, watching Werder Bremen FC.