Surrey moves ahead with new Research Chair in Space Engineering

Monday 16 March 2009

The University, in conjunction with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and EADS-Astrium, is investing substantially in its space activities – including an exciting new initiative to create a ‘Space Engineering Innovation Hub’ on the Guildford Campus and associated Research Park based on the combination of academic research and commercial exploitation. The new Chair will be sponsored jointly by the Royal Academy of Engineering and SSTL.

The Surrey Space Centre, together with SSTL, aims to 'change the economics of space' taking advantage of terrestrial commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components where appropriate to achieve rapid-response, low-cost, highly capable small space missions in Earth orbit and interplanetary space. Surrey has already 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 working on an exciting UK-led small satellite mission to the Moon in 2012.

The 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.”

Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, Director of the Surrey Space Centre, commented: “The Royal Academy’s support for this important development of Surrey’s academic research in space engineering is greatly appreciated and, together with the industrial support from SSTL, will enable Surrey to be even more innovative in changing the economics of space."

Dr Matt Perkins, CEO of SSTL, added: “SSTL thrives on innovation and close links with the leading academic institution in space engineering and small satellites is essential for our continued growth and supplying the best value and capability products to our customers."

Robert Barrett of the Royal Academy of Engineering stated: “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."

Media Enquiries

Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk