Star Helix

Interdisciplinary problem solving for Earth and Space

“There's unknown all around at every moment. That's where you seek knowledge.” - Frank Herbert

Whether you have a vision you wish to see to fruition, but can't get the square plug to fit in the round hole, or your smooth-running machine has developed bangs and shimmies, we can help you work the problem.

The space industry attracts creative thinkers and problem solvers with a can-do attitude.

Space is not a separate discipline, it is an application of a range of disciplines. To get beyond the Earth, space requires more than orbital mechanics and rocket science - it needs mechanical and electrical engineers, roboticists, data scientists, project managers, an understanding of biology and chemistry for life support systems, physicists and medical expertise, the arts to inspire and communicate, and pedagogy to teach.

Star Helix brings all of this and more, to explore your challenges with the same attention we would give to sending people to the moon.

Star Helix brings together the knowledge and experience of specialists from different disciplines to tackle real-world problems from multiple angles. Bringing the holistic approach needed for space sector development, our consultancy will employ a systems approach while digging down into the finest details. Our consultants will draw on their own knowledge and their networks of contacts to consider your challenges, and how they can be solved with existing or easily accessible resources.

Our three founders entered the space sector from a range of different backgrounds, bringing international relations, PR and promotion, environmental science, science technology and innovation, business and finance, science communication, education and outreach, literature, astrobiology, and geomicrobiology. Our consultants continue to diversify our portfolio, with expertise ranging from data science to mechanical engineering.

Whether it's research you wish conducted, or you have a specific problem you wish to solve, you will find the answers through Star Helix.

Timeline

All of our consultants are professionals in their fields. When problems come in we discuss between ourselves who has the expertise and availability to address your issue. Or, you can contact our consultants individually to find a timeline that suits you.

Perspectives

Need us to help your organisation think outside of the box? You can schedule an appointment with one of our directors to discuss different approaches to tackling your challenge.

White papers

We have a series of research articles into areas that might be of interest to you. If you wish to know more, please email us with the topic of your interest.

Our Offerings

Research

Field research
Mauna Loa volcano, Hawai’i; Haughton Impact Crater, Nunavut, Arctic circle.
e.g. Pressurised spacesuits, human factors engineering, microbiological sampling, field ecology, etc.
Desk research
e.g. Analogue mission papers, space sector infrastructure, biotechnology, Devon Island geology, etc.
Lab research
e.g. Algae stress resistance, sample fixation, nanoplastics, water purity, data analysis
Industry research
e.g. Infrastructure gap analysis, market potential for e-waste recycling technology
Technical due diligence
e.g. Verification and sense checking on new ventures or investments

Technology Development

Technology transfer of life sciences for life-support systems
Biotechnology for resource reacquisition
Extreme environmental life support - energy, pressure, HVAC in remote arctic or volcanic regions.
Testing pressurised spacesuits: physiology and human factors
Engineering spacesuits: gloves with greater dexterity, joints without ball-bearings
Expanding analogue astronaut research infrastructure

Business Development

Grant writing
Grant assessment
Strategic advice
Logistics and planning
Project management
Marketing and communications
Network expansion
Collaboration facilitation
Knowledge exchange
Cross-sectoral outreach – new customer bases for clients
Cluster services – linking industry, academia and government

Our Team

Star Helix Ltd’s directorship are an international team, representing Britain, the US, and Canada. We have consultants ranging across North America and Europe, and are always interested in considering new applicants to join our books.

Testimonials

I have worked with Natasha and Star Helix for a number of years and found her to be an invaluable resource. Space Scotland Company brought Natasha in to manage the Scottish Space Cluster and latterly to successfully secure the latest round of UKSA Cluster funding.
Natasha was central and critical to establishing and building relationships across, not only the Scottish Industrial Space sector, but into academic and other industrial sectors as well.
Star Helix are a pleasure to work with, always friendly, creative with problem solving, and willing to go the extra mile.

Prof. John Innes MSc CEng CPhys Non-Executive Chair, Space Scotland Company

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Knowledgeable and professional. They helped with in-situ pressurised garment testing, presenting at conferences, and the delivery of a manual for the Grissom suit. We have plenty of projects in store, and I look forward to continuing to work with Star Helix.

Dr Cameron Smith CEO of Smith Exploration Garments; Co-Director, University of Arizona Center for Human Space Exploration

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Mason and Natasha have been a pleasure to work with, bringing welcome insight and fresh ideas to an initiative very dear to my heart - the MarsSuit Project, where I’m using my expertise from designing the cooling system for the NASA Apollo spacesuits (still the template for the suits in use today), to develop a suit designed for the specific challenges on the Martian surface.
Star Helix’s previous experience in spacesuit testing in space analog environments was especially useful, as they provided constructive user feedback in addition to research and development support. I was so impressed that I also brought them in for two weeks to guest lecture on my Astronomy summer course at Berkeley, where they captivated my students with the breadth of their combined experience.

Dr Lawrence Kuznetz Director of Planetary Protection LLC; Senior Lecturer, University of California Berkeley

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From our blog

Research in the Arctic

What do you think of, when you think of the Arctic? If you’re anything like me, you immediately think of windswept plains of snow, glaciers of ice with blue-white cliffs.…

Reflecting on a Stellar Year: Star Helix 2023-2024

Star Helix has had an exciting first year! Since our conception as a UK LTD company one year ago, we took part in many groundbreaking activities that have propelled our…

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