We have been delivering small satellite missions for over 30 years - longer than anyone else in the world, giving us the experience to justify our reputation as the world's premier provider of operational and commercial satellite programmes.

Staff, sites & ownership

• SSTL employs ~500 staff.
• 3 sites - Guildford and Bordon in the UK, and Denver in the US.
• In 2009 Airbus bought a 99% shareholding from the University of Surrey, and Surrey Satellites is now an independent company within the Airbus Defence and Space group.

What we do

We specialise in the design and manufacture of small satellites and we develop space missions throughout their life cycle – from design and build through to launch and in-orbit monitoring and maintenance – or any stage of that cycle. 

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

• Satellite platforms and space payloads
• Space mission training
• Ground segment supply and installation
• Spacecraft in-orbit operations
• Constellations management
• Launch services

Our capability

Our customers use our expert knowledge to create space missions for:

• Earth observation and imaging
• Navigation and telecommunications
• Scientific research
• Military/defence purposes
• Technology demonstration 
• Orbital servicing

and our satellites operate in LEO, MEO, GEO and beyond.  

Achievements

Over the years, we've racked up an impressive list of "Firsts" in space engineering and missions.
Browse our list of SSTL Firsts  

Awards