Mike Curtis Rouse is a leading figure in shaping Europe's In-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities, with deep expertise in robotics, space technology, and material science. As Head of ISAM at the Satellite Applications Catapult, he leads a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technologists, and analysts whose combined experience spans spacecraft, launch operations, automotive and high value manufacturing. With a clear ambition to position the UK at the forefront of the emerging commercial space economy, Mike drives advancements in in orbit servicing, robotics, manufacturing, and propulsion technologies. Under his leadership, the team operates Europe’s largest rendezvous proximity operations and docking simulator, alongside state-of-the-art facilities for rocket engine design and manufacturing, located at Westcott Venture Park 

Mike has founded several companies focusing on drone technologies, propulsion and additive manufacturing including a successful exit to ANSYS in 2017 for process simulation.  

Mike's prior career includes prior roles at Second Star, Reaction Engines, the European Space Agency, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, the Mitre Corporation, CERN, NATO and the British Army reflecting his extensive contributions to cutting edge technological innovation and strategic leadership.