WHAT WE DO
Started in 2011, we offer a fresh and innovative approach to space software development. Our team come from both the space industry and other high-technology sectors, which allows us to blend the most innovative ideas from different fields and create new and unique approaches to software development and operation.
HOW WE WORK
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, even the way we operate as a company. We are employee-owned and we believe it is the fairest way to structure an organisation. It allows us to attract, retain and motivate the best talent. And it simply creates an awesome place to work!
WHERE WE ARE
We are a Scottish company with offices in Dundee, Edinburgh and Bristol. Scotland’s space sector is growing faster than anywhere else in the UK and we are excited to be part of it. With Glasgow manufacturing more satellites than any other city in Europe and the UK’s first orbital spaceport being built in Sutherland, Scotland is set to be the first country in Europe to provide a complete solution for the manufacture and launch of small satellites.
Meet the team
John Baughn
Chairman
John brings over 40 years of experience in the commercial space sector, providing strategic leadership and deep industry insight to Bright Ascension. With extensive expertise in space operations, commercial strategy, and governance, he plays a key role in supporting the company’s long-term growth and strengthening its position within the sector.
Peter Mendham
Founder, CTO
A co-founder of Bright Ascension, Peter now leads our technology strategy and product vision as CTO. With extensive experience in space software engineering and mission-critical systems, Peter focuses on driving innovation across the HELIX® suite and ensuring our solutions remain robust, interoperable, and future-ready.
Mark McCrum
Founder, Chief Engineer
As a co-founder of Bright Ascension, Mark plays a key role in shaping the company’s technical direction. With deep expertise in both onboard and ground systems, Mark is instrumental in translating complex mission requirements into robust, real-world software.
Patricia Druken
COO
Patricia is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in technology and operational leadership. Patricia’s focus at Bright Ascension is on design and implementation of organisational vision. She also leads Software Product and Solutions Engineering, ensuring reliability, performance, and a great customer experience with our HELIX® suite of product across a wide range of missions.
Laura Calder
CFO
Laura leads Bright Ascension’s finance function, supporting strategic planning, investment, and sustainable growth. With a strong background in financial leadership, she plays a key role in shaping the company’s commercial strategy and ensuring we remain financially resilient as we scale. Laura brings focus, rigour, and insight to help drive our next phase of development.
Alun Taylor
Head of Services Engineering
With deep expertise in our core technology, Alun leads our Services Engineering across numerous missions and projects, which we design and tailor to meet each client’s specific needs.
Richard Adams
Sales Director
Richard is likely to be the first person you meet at Bright Ascension. With many years of experience in software and technology sales, Richard will find the right solution to suit your needs and expectations.
Anna White
Product Manager
Anna has a wealth of experience in product management and take care of bridging the gap between our engineering and commercial teams, making sure our products meet your needs and expectations.
Sabrina Hennings
Project Manager
Sabrina, our experienced Project Manager, works with our customers to deliver our software on missions. Sabrina will be there to ensure your mission software development goes like clockwork and all deadlines and milestones are met on the dot.
Kat Lloyd
Project Manager
With many years of project management experience, Kat is responsible for delivering many of our projects, including our pioneering HELIX suite of products. From running project boards to day-to-day activities she sees projects through from start to finish.
Matt Kidd
Customer Applications Engineer
Matt takes care of our customer needs from developing tutorials and support material, delivering demos and assisting pre-sales to providing first rate customer support to existing clients.
Olga Garvin
Marketing Manager
Olga is our creative and content wizard and handles everything to do with marketing, branding and promotion of our products and services.
Louise Stevenson
Head of People
Experienced in HR and people management, Louise makes sure all of us at Bright Ascension have an exceptional employee experience.