Surrey Satellite Technology

Changing the economics of space

Planet Ocean are pleased to team with SSTL to promote the use of low cost micro-satellites in oceanographic and environmental applications, primarily associated with oil and gas operations in extreme environments.

SSTL has been sending small satellites into space more successfully and more economically than anyone else in the world for nearly three decades. With over 32 satellites launched thus far, SSTL's motto "changing the economics of space" has become a reality. Planet Ocean's Terry Sloane says "Its normal to associate privately owned and operated satellites with extremely large price tags, but the reality is that small bespoke platforms using COTS technology are certainly affordable and can pay for themselves in very short time scales. Planet Oceans experience in the sector with their background in space based systems, ground stations and software provide an industry sector focus for SSTL".

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) has been sending small satellites into space longer, more successfully and more economically than anyone else in the world.

We have built our reputation as the world’s premier provider of small satellite missions over 28 years. We launched our first satellite in partnership with NASA in 1981. Since then our global business has reached across five continents. We have launched 32 satellites - more than anyone else in the small satellite industry.

We specialise in designing, building and launching small satellites quickly and cost-effectively, making space accessible and affordable.

Changing the economics of space
We first changed the economics of space in the late 1970s when we pioneered ‘commercial off the shelf’ (COTS) satellite technology. This process took standard consumer technology, such as those used in personal computers, and adapted them to the unique environment of space. Until then, satellite equipment was purpose-built for space travel, at huge expense and taking many years, with the result that the technology was obsolete by the time of launch.

Our capability
We can build and launch a satellite for any payload under 1,000 kilograms. Every SSTL customer will be offered a spacecraft solution designed for their needs. In fact, we believe that we are at our best when given the flexibility to advise customers on a complete solution. Whilst we mostly supply both the satellite and payload for our customers, we also undertake to integrate a customer supplied payload within an SSTL-built platform.

Our customers have used our expert knowledge and in-house capabilities to produce satellites for:

Earth observation and imaging
Securing the Galileo satellite navigation frequencies
Scientific research
Military/defence purposes
Technology demonstration (testing an instrument in space)

With the acquisition of SIRA Electro-Optics in 2006, SSTL's in-house optical engineers are producing some of the world’s most sophisticated cameras and visual technology for customers’ satellites.

The complete satellite lifecycle
We can develop satellites throughout their life cycle – from design and build through to launch and in-orbit monitoring and maintenance – or any stage of that cycle. For customers who want to monitor and maintain their own satellites, we set up their ground station and train their in-house team.

We are able to offer our customers such flexibility because we design, build, assemble and test our satellites and almost all their components in-house.