Breaking New Ground In Space Domain Awareness

Since joining Raytheon NORSS in July 2022, the former biochemistry student turned data analyst apprentice has been instrumental in revolutionising how Raytheon NORSS handles its data, particularly through his development of new tools to support the scientist and orbital analyst teams. 

“I recently developed a data analysis tool that aligns real-world data with our simulation outputs,” he said. “This innovation offers us a clearer understanding of network performance and aids in evaluating new features.”

The tool is redefining the data landscape for the company’s flagship ground-based Low-Earth Orbit Optical Cameral Installation system, known as LOCI, and combines multiple datasets from across the sensor network, aiding analysis of observations and the network performance. This helps to identify why certain objects weren’t seen, like high image noise, dim objects, cloud cover or high moon illumination.

“I’ve built tools to better understand and improve what LOCI is seeing, leading to developments that have increased observations,” Nicholls said.

LOCI tracks, detects and catalogues space debris, orbiting satellites, operational spacecraft and other objects to predict their orbits and avoid collisions. The system, along with the company’s NORSSTrack software, supplies mission-critical Space Surveillance and Tracking data to the UK Space Agency and UK Ministry of Defence.

“I hadn’t considered a career in space was possible until I saw the data analyst apprenticeship role advertised with Raytheon NORSS.”

“Handling larger datasets efficiently has been transformative,” Nicholls said. “I’ve introduced new techniques for data storage and code efficiency, enhancing existing tools and bringing significant improvements to our systems.

Nicholls is shaping how the Raytheon NORSS team and its customers understand and utilise data.

 “Josh’s approach brings fresh perspectives,” said Hester Baird, Raytheon NORSS senior orbital analyst and Josh’s supervisor and mentor. “His contributions have not only advanced our projects but have also enriched our team's skill set. He has a fantastic hands-on approach to his apprenticeship and is always keen to take on new tasks. It’s been eye opening to see how much he has learned.”

It is this analytical prowess that led him from a path towards medical research, namely as a cancer research scientist, to Raytheon NORSS.

“At university, I enjoyed the theory more than the practical labs, which was lonely work,” said Nicholls. “In my third year, I did a data analysis project on cancer survival rates across the UK.

“The hands-on experience I’ve gained here is unparalleled; as is the industry experience and knowledge I’ve absorbed from colleagues."

“The project involved collecting open-source data, manipulating it, and looking for trends. I found this investigative process fascinating and so on graduating I looked for data analysis jobs.”

Nicholls found that many of these roles required coding experience, which he didn't have.

“I hadn’t considered a career in space was possible until I saw the data analyst apprenticeship role advertised with Raytheon NORSS,” he said.

The apprenticeship, he said, has been a real eye-opener that has challenged the traditional norms of education through building practical skills and business insights.

“The hands-on experience I’ve gained here is unparalleled,” Nicholls said, “as is the industry experience and knowledge I’ve absorbed from colleagues. If I could do it all over, I’d choose an apprenticeship straight out of school. I’ve found working on real projects with tangible effects much more rewarding.”

"The most innovative solutions come from people who can bring a fresh perspective to the industry."

As Nicholls’ three-year apprenticeship concludes this spring, his thirst for learning remains unquenched.

“I’m eager to dive deeper into projects and explore Raytheon UK’s development offerings,” he said. “Gaining managerial skills and building my CORE certification are my next steps.”

With a practical approach and an eye for innovation, Nicholls is not just a testament to the power of apprenticeships but a beacon of what’s possible when traditional paths are reimagined. His journey highlights the transformative potential of learning on the job, setting a precedent for future talent in the space industry.

“My advice to anyone wishing to transition fields to the space industry is to absolutely go for it. I think the most innovative solutions come from people who can bring a fresh perspective to the industry and utilise their skills and knowledge from areas which do not directly relate to the space industry,” he said.

Nicholls’ story is a reminder that with dedication, mentorship and the right opportunities, the sky is unlimited.