 Massey returned to University College , London , in October 1945 to find it badly damaged by bombing , and the Mathematics Department in dingy temporary accommodation . In 1950 he was appointed Quain Professor of Physics and head of the University College , London , Physics Department . The department was merged with Astronomy in 1973 , but he remained its head until he retired in 1975 . Under his direction , the Physics Department was reoriented towards particle physics and upper atmosphere physics . He worked with the Woomera Rocket Range to develop British Skylark rocket , and was on the governing board of the Anglo @-@ Australian Telescope . He was the chairman of the Committee on Space Research ( COSPAR ) from 1959 to 1978 , and of its British national chapter . He was also the first Chairman of the European Space Sciences Committee , and helped found the European Space Research Organization and the Mullard Space Science Laboratory at University College , London . 
