Surrey Satellite Technology

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) designs, builds, tests and operates small satellites and has done so for more than 40 years. The company grew out of research at the University of Surrey, where a team led by Martin Sweeting built UoSAT-1 from commercial off-the-shelf components; launched in 1981 with NASA's help, it was the first modern re-programmable microsatellite. SSTL was formed in 1985 as a spin-out, and in 2009 Airbus bought the majority shareholding from the university. SSTL is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus. With the launch of HotSat-3 the company marked its 80th satellite and 50th launch.

Firsts

• First modern microsatellite with in-orbit re-programmable computers, UoSAT-1 (1981)
• First modern digital store-and-forward communications payload, UoSAT-2 (1984)
• First modular 50 kg microsatellite design, UoSAT-3 and UoSAT-4 (1990)
• First satellites for South Korea, Portugal, Chile and other nations through its training satellite build programme
• The Disaster Monitoring Constellation

What SSTL offers

The company supplies satellite platforms, Earth observation spacecraft, lunar missions such as the Lunar Pathfinder, navigation and GNSS reflectometry missions, subsystems, space services and customer training. Training satellite build programmes transfer know-how to new space nations, with case studies published on the site. SSTL presents its small satellites for Earth observation, science and lunar missions at events such as the International Astronautical Congress, APRSAF and Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen.

Facilities

SSTL operates from two sites in south-east England that cover its vertically integrated process from satellite and payload design through manufacturing, test and post-launch operations. Tycho House, the headquarters, is on the Surrey Research Park in Guildford, and the Kepler Building nearby houses the cleanrooms and laboratories. A site at Bordon, Hampshire, holds the composites and mechanisms facilities, with a climate-controlled lay-up room, processing and surface preparation areas, where spacecraft panels and mechanical structures are made.

Shows

Surrey Satellite Technology appears in the exhibitor and sponsor lists of the Small Satellite Conference 2027 (ice cream social sponsor), SmallSat Europe 2027 and the SmallSat Symposium 2027 (sponsor).

Contact

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