Champagne was flowing as SSTL won the Times Higher Educational Supplement Awards 2006 category of "Outstanding Contribution to Innovation & Technology" at a ceremony in London last Wednesday night, recognising the successful spin-out from academic research at the University of Surrey.

The prize, which was sponsored by Toshiba, was awarded to SSTL in a unanimous decision by the judging panel. The Times Higher Education Supplement reported the comments of David Way, director of innovation platforms and key technologies at the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the award, "clear technological innovation in a very demanding environment - space".

SSTL has been at the forefront of small satellite development for many years and its staff have recently celebrated their progress with the 25th anniversary of the research and development microsatellite that started it all, UoSAT-1 (University of Surrey satellite). UoSAT-1 was designed and built by a small research team at the University and launched free-of-charge as a 'piggy-back' payload through a collaborative arrangement with NASA on a DELTA rocket in 1981.

Following the launch of the second university research satellite UoSAT-2 in 1984, SSTL was formed and developed the microsatellite concept into a commercial product. Fifteen years and some 20 satellites later, SSTL launched the international Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) satellites for Algeria, China, Nigeria, Turkey & UK which has proved a remarkable success.

Commenting on the award, SSTL CEO Sir Martin said, "We have come a long way since developing UoSAT-1 at the University of Surrey. At that time we recognised the business potential for exploiting the emerging microelectronics technologies to develop small yet capable satellites that would change the economics of space - making space more accessible to businesses and developing nations. SSTL is now recognised as not only a worldwide leader in small satellite technology but also as a highly professional organisation and capable commercial prime contractor."

The relationship between SSTL and the University of Surrey is a mutually beneficial arrangement, with close collaboration on research maintaining a pool of ideas and intellectual stimulation suited to a company built firmly on competitive innovation. Sir Martin expanded upon this point, "...Whilst the Company has grown dramatically, we recognise the benefits of working closely with the University of Surrey in both research and training - a recent example being the combined academic and technical training of 25 Nigerians to secure the future of Nigeria's space programme."

SSTL have enjoyed a season of awards - just last month Sir Martin received the Royal Institute of Navigation's gold medal presented by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh for an outstanding contribution to navigation, made by SSTL’s GIOVE-A Galileo test satellite successfully launched for ESA last December.