SSTL and its new owner EADS-Astrium have announced the creation of a new ”Space Engineering Innovation Hub” in conjunction with the University of Surrey in Guildford, UK. The new venture that was highlighted by Sir Martin Sweeting when the sale of SSTL was announced in January, and now work is storming ahead to put the necessary funding and structures in place.

The new hub will combine academic research and commercial exploitation to develop technologies that “change the economics of space” by providing rapid-response, low-cost, highly capable space missions. This has been reflected the creation of in a a prestigious new Research Chair in Space Engineering at the Surrey Space Centre. The new Chair will be jointly sponsored by the Royal Academy of Engineering and SSTL. Applications are already flooding in - so if you fancy the challenging the current economics of space with innnovative new technologies, and helping the UK stay at the forefront of International space research then now's the time to start!

UK Space Minister Lord Drayson commented

Surrey is a shining example of innovation in the UK space sector, leading the world in pioneering new and more affordable approaches to space and its applications. I applaud the imagination and commitment of the Academy and SSTL in their investment in the future of Britain in space.

Robert Barrett of the Royal Academy of Engineering added:

The Academy strongly supports the effective combination of academia and industry through our prestigious Research Chairs Scheme – this new professorship at the Surrey Space Centre is an example of the Academy’s commitment to linking industry with academia.

SSTL has built and launched 32 small satellites and has eight more under construction carrying Earth observation, navigation, communications and space science payloads. The Surrey Space Centre and SSTL are currently working on an exciting UK-led small satellite mission to the Moon in 2012.

Many thanks to Dr. Renato Filjar for drawing our attention to the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Institute of Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy, University of Nottingham 2nd GNSS Vulnerabilities and Solutions 2009 Conference to be held on 2 - 5 September 2009 in Baska, Krk Island, Croatia.

This four-day event aims to gather GNSS experts and focuses on GNSS problems and vulnerabilities, as well as to developments aiming to improve the accuracy and reliability of GNSS. Unique environment of Baska and its natural resources and rich history, combined with friendly hospitality will again create an inspiring atmosphere for ideas and knowledge exchange, well known to those who attended the last year's conference.

Two special sessions will be organised in order to address particular causes of GNSS vulnerabilities: Space Weather and Ionospheric Effects on GNSS, and Safety Critical Applications (including emergency situations management, homeland security and Intelligent Transport Systems). The rest of the conference will address other causes of GNSS vulnerabilities and means of their over-comings, such as GNSS system and augnetation vulnerabilities, GNSS interference and management, tropospheric impact on GNSS, navigation algorithms. The design of user equipment will also be considered, with an insight into user experience and applications.

Two special sessions will be organised to address particular causes of GNSS vulnerabilities: Space Weather and Ionospheric Effects on GNSS, and
Safety Critical Applications (concerning primarily ITS).

Extended abstracts should be submitted to Dr Renato Filjar, FRIN by e-mail no later than 1 May, 2009. His email address is rfiljar@vtsbj.hr

Dr. Renato Filjar invites you to join the leading GNSS experts and discuss the most important issues related to further exploitations of satellite navigation systems in the wonderful Mediterranean environment of Northern Adriatic. In addition, the organising committee kindly appreciate your efforts in informing your colleagues about the event.

For more details visit the RIN conference page

Leading small satellite mission provider SSTL, has been recognised as one of the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For, and the only space industry company to make the listing.

SSTL ranked 89 out of the 997 companies that took part, with staff giving a top 20 score to finding their work stimulating, saying that they feel proud to be working for the world’s leading provider of small satellite missions.

Susan Jason, who's been with SSTL for 10 years explained the appeal of the British space innovators

There are lots of techie, geeky, space enthusiasts here. We have healthy, fiery debates. It’s amazing being able to contribute to such an important area.”

The survey showed that people go out of their way to help each other, with colleagues fun to work with and supportive - another top 20 score. SSTL was also recognised as a 1* (First Class) Best Companies To Work for the third year running.

Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, Group Chairman and founder of SSTL has been instrumental in fostering this unique working environment

Since SSTL’s formation in 1985, highly motivated people have been the company’s most important asset. The innovation and total commitment that our staff bring to each and every project, enables us to satisfy our customers in a technically demanding field. We reflect this view in striving to make SSTL the very best place to work

Jackie Orme, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development,, said:

Being a Best Company to Work For is not just about prestigious listings and names up in lights. Engaged staff understand when times are tough and will respond by going the extra mile. Their companies will be the ones best placed to emerge strongly in a recovery.