Exploration

• Remote Sensing
• Telecomms and Navigation
• Technology Demonstration
• Science
• Exploration
  • Concept Studies
  • Exploratory Missions
• Constellations

SSTL is designing satellites for science missions beyond earth orbit: to the moon, inner planets, near Earth objects (NEOs), Mars and Venus.

Studies for ESA, NASA and our own technology demonstration programmes, have shown that many of the cost-effective engineering solutions that we have employed successfully in LEO and MEO can be translated effectively to these more-demanding environments. SSTL has already developed a number of early-phase mission concepts which tackle the challenges of radiation, navigation, propulsion and telecommunications.

SSTL aims to lower the cost of entry for exploratory scientific and technology demonstration missions previously the preserve of the most expensive and time consuming missions. Reduced costs bring more frequent opportunities and enable bolder plans, such as the routine monitoring from space of NEOs that may threaten to collide with Earth.