For the last twelve years, Michel van Pelt has worked as a cost engineer, systems engineer and as Concurrent Design Facility team leader for the technical center of the European Space Agency (ESA) in The Netherlands. He has been involved in many ESA space projects during many different phases, which has given him a unique insight in the definition, conceptual design, development, launch and operation of spacecraft. Specifically, his work in ESA's Concurrent Design Facility for conceptual design studies has given him a deep understanding of the various scientific, technical, financial and political issues and constraints that drive the development of spacecraft, as well as a broad knowledge of innovative ideas for future launchers and space missions.
He has written many articles on space and is editor and writer for two Dutch spaceflight magazines. In addition, he regularly gives presentations on space-related topics for student associations, etc. His Copernicus - Praxis book "Space Tourism, Adventures in Earth Orbit and Beyond" was published in 2005, followed by "Space Invaders, How Robotic Spacecraft Explore the Solar System" in 2006, "Space Tethers and Space Elevators" in 2009, and "Rocketing into the Future" in 2012, all published through Springer/Praxis.