The Science Museum in London has appointed Libby Jackson, one of the UK’s leading experts in human spaceflight, as its first head of space.

Her role will include public engagement activities such as events, new activities for schools and digital content on the museum’s website, YouTube channel and on Wonderlab+ website. She will also support the curatorial team to acquire new items for the collection.

Jackson joins the Science Museum from the UK Space Agency, where she was head of space exploration.

The Science Museum announced last month that the 40-year-old Exploring Space gallery on its ground floor would close after the Easter holidays, to be replaced by a new Space gallery in the autumn.

In a statement, the institution said Jackson’s role would ensure “important international efforts in space exploration are better represented in the Science Museum Group collection and in future displays in the museum”.

New displays in the Space gallery include two human-flown spacecraft (Apollo 10 and Soyuz), the radio headset used by Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong, and a full-size testing model of BepiColombo, the spacecraft expected to arrive on Mercury in 2026.

A museum exhibit showcasing spacecraft models, including a sectioned view of a rocket and satellites. The display is set against a dark background, highlighting the intricate details of the space technology.
An exhibition hall with space-related artifacts, including a spacecraft capsule and a large parachute. Information panels are visible, and lighting casts a serene atmosphere. The hall is spacious and modern, with dark walls and ceiling.
Left: Gallery shot from the Exploring Space Gallery at the Science Museum. Right: Soyuz capsule in the Exploring Space gallery Science Museum Group

As head of space, Jackson will also work to build and develop relationships between the museum and space agencies around the world.

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She has worked at the UK Space Agency for nearly 11 years, with responsibility for delivering the UK’s activities in human and robotic missions exploring Low Earth Orbit, the Moon and Mars.

She also led the education and outreach programme for Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station in 2015-16.

“Libby joins at an exciting time as we prepare to open a new Space gallery this autumn, and I have no doubt her expertise, strong connections with space agencies around the world and deep public engagement experience will enable us to do even more to fuel visitors’ fascination with space,” said Ian Blatchford, director and chief executive of the Science Museum Group. 

Jackson added: “The Science Museum’s space gallery has been a touchstone through my life, from my earliest visits as a child and lunch breaks as an Imperial College student to celebrating Tim Peake's launch with thousands of school children and family visits. So I am beyond thrilled to be joining this phenomenal institution and supporting the amazing and dedicated team in delivering inspiration for visitors.”