James Osborn Email & Phone Number

I am the founding Director of the Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC), Professor of Space Science in the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow.My personal research is on free-space optics, studying how light travels through the Earth’s atmosphere. Initially this focussed on instrumentation for astronomy, building the scientific equipment that enables astronomers to use large ground-based telescopes to study planets orbiting distant stars, how galaxies form and evolve and even the nature of dark matter in the universe. More recently I have focussed on exchanging technology and techniques between astronomy and emerging sectors such as free-space optical communications (enabling global high-bandwidth and secure connectivity) and space surveillance and tracking (enabling the sustainable exploitation of space).Global communications provide benefits like healthcare access, secure communications, and climate monitoring. However, satellite constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) raise concerns about space debris and regulatory challenges.These issues led to the creation of SPARC, a multi-disciplinary centre focused on space sustainability. SPARC explores critical issues and solutions for sustainable space use.Atmospheric PhysicsThe Earth’s turbulent atmosphere affects light propagation, causing image distortion and scintillation. My research aims to forecast, model, measure, and mitigate these effects, improving optical systems for astronomy and communications.Free-space Optical CommunicationsUsing visible light for communications offers 10-100 times higher data rates than radio waves, meeting global data transmission demands. This technology also enhances data retrieval from space science satellites used for Earth observation and deep space missions.Astronomical InstrumentationThe full potential of ground based optical telescopes can only be realised with the careful application of sophisticated instrumentation. I am particularly interested in Adaptive Optics technologies for wide-field and high-contrast imaging and high-precision time-resolved photometry.Satellite Surveillance and TrackingTracking objects in space is crucial for sustainable space use. I develop optical technology to identify and track satellites and debris, reducing collision risks and ensuring long-term space usability.