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Human spaceflight & leadership expert

Libby Jackson

Libby Jackson OBE helps organisations apply space exploration lessons on leadership, teamwork, and resilience. A human spaceflight expert and former ESA Flight Director, she is now Head of Space at the Science Museum.

Trusted by Science Museum in London, UK Space Agency, NASA

Libby Jackson OBE, Speaker | Space Leader
Libby Jackson

Libby Jackson

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£2k–5k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

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Libby Jackson's biography

At a glance

  • Former ESA Mission Control Flight Director
  • First Head of Space, Science Museum
  • Author, A Galaxy of Her Own and Space Explorers

Libby Jackson OBE has spent nearly two decades shaping Britain's role in human spaceflight, from directing missions in Mission Control to shaping national space policy and public engagement.


A physics graduate of Imperial College London with a further degree in astronautics from Cranfield University, she served as a Columbus Flight Director at the European Space Agency's Mission Control, overseeing International Space Station operations, before joining the UK Space Agency as Head of Space Exploration, and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.


There she led the education programme for Tim Peake's Principia mission, reaching over two million students across one in three UK schools, and later oversaw Britain's involvement in human and robotic missions from the International Space Station to the Moon and Mars. She is now Head of Space at the Science Museum, and a frequent media commentator, including on NASA's Artemis II mission.


Audiences leave with a grounded understanding of how astronaut training builds resilience, how Mission Control teams make decisions when stakes are highest, and how the future of lunar and Mars exploration connects to leadership, teamwork, and performance back on Earth.


Libby combines Mission Control credibility with a storyteller's clarity, making space feel immediately relevant to any organisation.

Libby's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Libby

Libby's Mission Control background makes her a strong fit for audiences navigating high-stakes decision making or complex team dynamics. Her Principia education programme reached one in three UK schools, proof she translates complex science for any audience.

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Trusted by Science Museum in London, UK Space Agency, NASA

Featured Projects

Libby Jackson - A Galaxy of Her Own: Amazing Stories of Women in Space book cover
Libby Jackson - Space Explorers book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Libby Jackson for my next event?

Email libby.jackson@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Libby's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

Libby Jackson draws on her direct operational experience in Mission Control and her work leading the Tim Peake Principia education programme to ground her talks in real mission scenarios, translating high-stakes decision-making and astronaut training into frameworks relevant to organisational leadership and teamwork.

What is Libby Jackson's speaking style like?

Libby Jackson draws on her direct operational experience in Mission Control and her work leading the Tim Peake Principia education programme to ground her talks in real mission scenarios, translating high-stakes decision-making and astronaut training into frameworks relevant to organisational leadership and teamwork.

Libby Jackson draws on her direct operational experience in Mission Control and her work leading the Tim Peake Principia education programme to ground her talks in real mission scenarios, translating high-stakes decision-making and astronaut training into frameworks relevant to organisational leadership and teamwork.

What topics does Libby Jackson specialise in?

Libby Jackson OBE speaks on astronaut training and resilience, Mission Control decision-making under pressure, and the future of lunar and Mars exploration as they connect to leadership and team performance. She served as a Columbus Flight Director at ESA's Mission Control, later became the UK Space Agency's Head of Space Exploration where she led the Principia education programme reaching over two million students, and is now Head of Space at the Science Museum.

Libby Jackson OBE speaks on astronaut training and resilience, Mission Control decision-making under pressure, and the future of lunar and Mars exploration as they connect to leadership and team performance. She served as a Columbus Flight Director at ESA's Mission Control, later became the UK Space Agency's Head of Space Exploration where she led the Principia education programme reaching over two million students, and is now Head of Space at the Science Museum.

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There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

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Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

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You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

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Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

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What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

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Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

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Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

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