What does a law student get up to during an 8 week internship at Spaceport Cornwall? Let, Arthur Penhaligan, our most recent intern from the UKSA’s Skills for Space programme, tell you all about it.
Coming into this role I really wasn’t sure how it would go, as many of the other interns on this programme are studying more industry-related subjects like Engineering and Physics. Whilst I knew this knowledge wasn’t integral for my role, what I did understand was pretty much gleaned from information I’d picked up organically – from social media and random Google searches! I’m pleased to say that within my very first day at Spaceport Cornwall, I quickly realised that every skillset has a place in the sector, including mine.
These past 8 weeks have been full of excitement and I’ve been made to feel so welcome by the Spaceport, Cornwall Airport Newquay, and Halo team. From the start I’ve been researching the future of unmanned aircraft flight in and around commercial airports. The law in this area is yet to be fully developed, and it’s very different from the laws I’m used to learning as part of my degree, so at times it’s been difficult to wrap my head around. Fortunately, I’m not afraid of a challenge so it’s been an exciting project, and I’m proud to be finishing up this internship with a 50 page report on the subject to my name! I hope that it will help the team at the Spaceport to develop their knowledge in this area, and in turn bring forward exciting opportunities for Spaceport.
Beyond the office I’ve been fortunate enough to attend a number of events. In just the first week I found myself helping the marketing team at the airport with the first easyJet flight to Gatwick over the summer. Another exciting moment was when the Kármán Line came to record their first live podcast from Spaceport Cornwall. It was great to see the whole of the Cornwall Space Cluster come together – and to see how admired Spaceport Cornwall is on the national stage. One of the highlights was the opportunity to attend the Farnborough International Airshow. The way the space industry integrates with aerospace as a whole on an international scale was very insightful, and of course it was great to see all of the aircraft they had flying and on display there.
With my internship finished, I’m heading off to study abroad for a year in Sweden. And once I finish my degree, I’m definitely keen to pursue a career in the industry. I’m currently considering doing my dissertation on a topic linked to space and aviation law, and a masters in the same field afterwards, to expand my knowledge.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure hosting Arthur at Spaceport Cornwall for this 8 week internship funded by the UK Space Agency.
The ‘Skills for Space’ programme is a vitally important pathway for young people to gain experience and build their network in the industry and we are proud to support it.
Arthur brought a different skillset to the role than we originally anticipated which was extremely welcome. His professionalism and critical thinking gained from his law studies was evident from his first day and really impressed the team.
We will definitely follow Arthur’s future career closely, and it goes without saying he is welcome back at Newquay anytime.” – Ross Hulbert, Head of Engagement at Spaceport Cornwall