Former Human Performance Specialist at the European Space Agency, Space Careers Lead at the UK Space Agency & Founder of Launchpad
Susan Charlesworth’s Biography:
Susan Charlesworth is a psychologist, astronaut trainer and keynote speaker renowned for her expertise in human performance, leadership, communication and resilience under pressure. Having spent more than 15 years supporting both the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency, Susan has worked at the forefront of astronaut development and high-performance team training. As a Human Behaviour and Performance Specialist, she trained astronauts, flight directors and mission control teams to perform effectively in some of the world’s most demanding environments. Her unique insights into decision-making, teamwork and leadership under pressure make her a highly sought-after speaker for organisations navigating uncertainty and change.
Susan’s career began with a BSc in Experimental Psychology from the University of Bristol, before she further specialised with an MSc in Human Factors and Safety Assessment in Aeronautics at Cranfield University. She initially built her professional reputation in education, progressing to become Head of Psychology at Oaklands College, where she was recognised with a Lecturer of the Year award. In 2011, she joined the European Space Agency, where she spent a decade helping prepare astronauts and operational teams for the challenges of human spaceflight. She later moved to the UK Space Agency, holding senior positions including Astronaut Flight Education Programme Manager, Education and Outreach Manager and Space Careers Lead.
Alongside her extensive work in the space sector, Susan is the author of ‘Handbook of Mental Performance: Lessons from High Performance Domains’, which explores the psychology behind success in demanding environments. She has also completed a Personal Performance Coaching Diploma with Merit and delivered the prestigious Institute Lecture for the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors. Her expertise has earned her leadership positions within Women in Aerospace Europe, where she served as Director of Individual Memberships and Professional Development.
In 2021, Susan founded Charlesworth Human Performance Ltd, creating innovative leadership and development programmes that translate lessons from space exploration into practical workplace strategies. A respected media commentator, she regularly appears on the BBC and Sky News discussing astronaut training, human performance and the future of space exploration. Through her keynote presentations, Susan inspires audiences to build resilient cultures, strengthen communication, embrace uncertainty and perform at their best when the stakes are highest.
Why Hire Susan Charlesworth?
Susan brings audiences inside the world of astronaut training and space mission preparation to reveal practical lessons in leadership, resilience and performance. Drawing on her experience working with astronauts, flight directors and mission control teams, she demonstrates how individuals and organisations can thrive under pressure, communicate effectively and make better decisions in uncertain situations. Combining scientific expertise with engaging storytelling, Susan delivers actionable insights that resonate across industries. Her acclaimed TEDx talk, ‘Let’s Teach Our Children to Problem Solve Like Astronauts’, showcases her ability to translate complex psychological and performance concepts into practical strategies for success. Alongside her media appearances and leadership programmes, Susan delivers inspiring keynote presentations that leave audiences equipped to perform at their best in challenging environments.
Susan Charlesworth‘s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Susan Charlesworth’s remarkable career:
- 2026 – Interviewed by BBC News and Sky News on astronaut training, human performance and modern space exploration.
- 2022 – Served as Director of Individual Memberships and Professional Development at Women in Aerospace Europe.
- 2021 – Founded Charlesworth Human Performance Ltd and launched the Launchpad leadership development programme.
- 2021 – Appointed Space Careers Lead at the UK Space Agency, helping inspire future generations of space professionals.
- 2018 – Became Education and Outreach Manager at the UK Space Agency, leading engagement initiatives across the sector.
- 2016 – Appointed Astronaut Flight Education Programme Manager at the UK Space Agency.
- 2011 – Joined the European Space Agency as Human Behaviour and Performance Specialist, training astronauts and mission teams.
- 2009 – Became Head of Psychology at Oaklands College and received recognition as Lecturer of the Year.
Videos
Susan Charlesworth’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Susan Charlesworth delivered a truly exceptional keynote that captivated our audience from start to finish. Drawing on her unique experience training astronauts and mission-critical teams, she transformed complex concepts around leadership, resilience and human performance into practical lessons that everyone could apply. Her insights were thought-provoking, inspiring and immediately relevant to the challenges facing modern organisations. Susan’s engaging storytelling, scientific expertise and authentic delivery left a lasting impression on delegates, who continued discussing her ideas long after the event. We would highly recommend Susan to any organisation seeking a speaker who can inspire high performance in uncertain environments.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Susan Charlesworth’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Building Resilient & High-Performing Teams
- Communication & Teamwork in High-Stakes Settings
- Human Performance in Extreme Environments
- Leadership Under Pressure
- Lessons from Space for Organisations on Earth
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making in Uncertainty
How Much Does Susan Charlesworth Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Susan Charlesworth?
Susan Charlesworth’s speaking fees typically reflect her exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.