25th January 2012

ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain and Rt. Hon. David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the inauguration of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd’s (SSTL) new state-of-the-art Kepler technical facility at an event attended by guests from the UK and European space sectors.

UK space sector 'on the up' 
BBC News online

	SSTL CEO Dr Matt Perkins, ESA DG Jean-Jacques Dordain, Rt.Hon David Willetts, SSTL Exec Chairman Sir Martin Sweeting	Rt.Hon David Willetts, UK Minister for Universities and Science, speaking at the inauguration of SSTL's technical facility
	Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, speaking to the attendees before unveiling a commemorative plaque	M. Dordain pulls the curtains on the plaque
	The Kepler Building is declared open	Dr Matt Perkins, Rt.Hon. David Willetts, Sir Martin Sweeting and M.Jean-Jacques Dordain mark the occasion with a handshake
	Rt.Hon. David Willetts and M.Dordain	The commemorative plaque which will now be proudly displayed outside SSTL's technical facility

Jean-Jacques Dordain commented: “SSTL continues to demonstrate agility and innovation, two factors that are essential for competitiveness and growth. This new building will become the birthplace of many satellites and a cornerstone to an industry that the UK and Europe could be proud of.” David Willetts said: “The continued success of SSTL is a clear sign that our space industry is thriving. This impressive, high-tech new facility is already manufacturing some of the most advanced satellites in the world, boosting growth and helping the UK stay ahead of the game in space technology.”

The European Space Agency (ESA) Director General and the Minister were accompanied by Sir Martin Sweeting and SSTL’s CEO Dr. Matt Perkins for a tour of the purpose-built facility in Guildford, Surrey where 14 Galileo programme satellite payloads and several SSTL spacecraft are currently under construction.

Sir Martin Sweeting showing M. Dordain earth images taken by SSTL's satellites		Franco Ongaro, ESA, Sir Martin Sweeting, Dr. Matt Perkins and M. Dordain inside SSTL's AIT hall with TechDemoSat-1, currently under assembly and test for launch Q4 2012