The SSTL Group is attending a number of shows in 2010 where it will present its latest satellite subsystems, satellite communications and civilian and commercial earth observation mission capabilities. Experts from SSTL and its American operation SSTL US will be on hand to discuss your latest space challenges and how they might be solved.

SATTECH
Singapore - 28-30 January 2010.
The Global Space and Technology Convention (GSTC) is the world’s premier Space Convention showcasing the latest technology in space engineering and design.

ASS Guidance & Control Conference
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA - 6-10 February.
Join SSTL US LLC at the AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Conferencefor the latest developments in GN&C technology, with a unique focus on theory and applications in aeronautics and astronautics.

HOSDB 2010
Farnborough - 16-18 March 2010. Join SSTL on stand F17.
The HOSDB 2010 exhibition is a UK event showcasing the latest security equipment for law enforcement and public security. It focuses on: Crime and Policing, Security and Counter Terrorism, Identity Management and Border Security.

Satellite 2010
National Harbor, Maryland, USA - 16-18 March 2010. SSTL stand 1925.
This event looks to the future of satellite-enabled communications and the solutions that new technology and new markets will provide. Keep an eye on the Satellite Today blog for more information.

FIDAE Air & Space Show
Santiago, USA - 23-28 March 2010
This is the leading fair in Latin America and one of the five most important aeronautical fairs in the world.

National Space Symposium
Colorado Springs, USA - 12-15 April 2010. Join SSTL US LLC on stand 308.
The symposium has become widely known as the premier U.S. space policy and program forum with information and interaction on all sectors of space.

For more information keep an eye on Space Blog - or why not subscribe to our RSS feed using the big orange button in the top right.

As part of its mini-series looking at the state of British manufacturing, BBC Breakfast's Tim Muffett visited SSTL's headquarters in Guildford to find the secrets of its success.

The video report gives a sneak peak at cleanroom operations and mission control. Mr Muffet also catches up briefly with SSTL CEO Matt Perkins and Business Development Manager Phil Davies to discuss how SSTL hs carved a unique niche in the international space market with its low cost alternatives to conventional space missions.

If you missed BBC Breakfast this morning, or if like many Space Blog visitors you are from abroad you can watch the video report Surrey satellite firm weathers the recession online.

Today at 12:30 in Brussels, the EC announced that the SSTL and OHB-System team has been selected by ESA to supply 14 navigation satellites for the deployment phase of the Galileo satellite navigation system in a deal worth 560m Euro.

The two companies agreed to work together as a “core team” on Galileo at the end of 2007, with OHB taking the role of prime contractor and builder of the spacecraft “bus” and SSTL taking full responsibility for the navigation payloads onboard the satellite that will form the heart of the Galileo navigation system.

SSTL Group CEO Dr Matt Perkins is delighted with the news:

The award of this contract is an important step for SSTL. Our satellites are already providing operational services for many government and commercial customers and we are pleased to have a major role within Europe’s flagship Galileo programme. The experience gained on GIOVE-A will help us to ensure the contract will be a success for the EC and ESA. This programme will also help to establish SSTL as a provider of communications and navigation satellites into other markets.

It was champagne all round at SSTL in Guildford as the news was announced, warming spirits despite worst snow for 30 years affecting the local area.

A jubilant SSTL’s Executive Chairman, Sir Martin Sweeting, added

This award is great news for the UK space industry and once again confirms SSTL as a world leader in sophisticated satellites and payloads, building on its 25-year history pioneering small satellites with 34 already launched, truly changing the economics of space.

The first Galileo satellites produced under this contract will be launched from 2013. To help improve the overall schedule the team was authorised by the EC and ESA to initiate the procurement of long lead items for the full system during 2009 which will enable the team to make a quick start towards an operational Galileo constellation.

Continue reading "Green light for Galileo satellites"