Some seventy people gathered at the EADS Astrium Stevenage site on the afternoon of the 3rd of September 2003 in an appreciation of the late Charles Martin, or “Mart” as he was universally known. Mart died at the end of 2002 whilst on holiday in China but such was the impact of the man that there was a strong desire to find an occasion for his former friends and colleagues to meet again and celebrate his life. September’s event was the result of discussions earlier in the year between representatives of Astrium, The Royal Aeronautical Society, The British Interplanetary Society, The British Rocketry Oral History Project (BROHP), and The De Havilland Aeronautical Technical School Association, all of which organisations benefited from Mart’s enthusiastic support over the years.
Mart is probably best remembered for his time as Chief Designer at the British Aerospace Space Division but he was influential throughout his time at De Havilland, Hawker Siddeley Dynamics and the various forms of BAe’s Space entity (which subsequently became part of Matra Marconi Space, Astrium and now EADS Astrium). He was one of the key figures in the industrial side of Blue Streak and other significant programmes with which he was involved were Ariane, Space Shuttle Pallets, Intelsat VI, Olympus and HOTOL.
The aim of the proceedings was to hold an informal appreciation of Mart and his work and this was accomplished through a series of short reminiscences from a variety of those who knew him. Topics included apprentice days, the various space projects, the experience of a “Mart Attack”, his competitive approach to social events, fighting the Wetherby Council over pavements and his very recent involvement with a new generation of rocket researchers to whom he freely gave of his experience with liquid oxygen. The early theme of “Mart - My Hero” clearly became one of the most popular with many speakers declaring that their names should be added to this list. A short presentation on the Beagle 2 Martian lander, that was designed and developed at Stevenage and is currently on its way to Mars, highlighted the fact that, not only was this a project that Mart would have supported, but that in order to meet such a demanding programme many experienced engineers were brought in who had had direct contact with Mart - so in sense his spirit lives on in space flight hardware even now.
Proceedings were enhanced by the presence of many artefacts, many brought along by Mart’s widow, and by a site history display that rekindled vivid memories for most of those present. Thanks are due to EADS Astrium who kindly organised and hosted this event.
If there is one word that best summarises Mart from the appreciation, it is probably “enthusiasm” and the sentiment that came over the strongest was the fact that he cared; indeed he cared so much about the job, the people and the Company. Indeed, Mart could make the impossible seem possible, however daunting the task. Comparisons were made with some of the old aircraft companies’ Chief Designers and the fact that we shall not see his like again - but, for those gathered, Mart was well and truly appreciated.
John Thatcher