Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) announced today that General Atomics (GA) has acquired the assets of SSTL’s subsidiary in the US (SST-US) as well as taking over its on-going projects. Under the agreement, SST-US staff have been integrated into General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Group (GA-EMS). GA-EMS will have access to SSTL’s world class designs, allowing the two companies to explore more effectively possible future opportunities in the US governmental and commercial markets.
The decision to close SSTL’s US operation came after a detailed review of SSTL’s strategy and organisation led by SSTL’s Managing Director, Sarah Parker, which concluded that SST-US could not achieve the necessary critical mass to be autonomous without a strong US partner. From its base in the UK, SSTL’s new focus in the US will be on pursuing contracts and collaborations with US partners, and actively seeking commercial customers for small satellite mission solutions.
SSTL is pleased that the agreement with GA secures the employment of SST-US employees and believes that it offers the best opportunity to build on the latent potential for SSTL’s small satellite solutions in the US.
SSTL would like to thank its dedicated staff in the US who worked tirelessly over the past nine years to build SST-US and wish them a very successful future with GA-EMS.
Notes to editor:
There are no accompanying images issued with this press release.
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is the world's leading small satellite company, delivering operational space missions for a range of applications including Earth observation, science, communications, navigation, in-orbit servicing and beyond Earth infrastructure. The Company designs, manufactures and operates high performance satellites and ground systems for a fraction of the price normally associated with space missions, with 500 staff working on turnkey satellite platforms, space-proven satellite subsystems and optical instruments.
Since 1981, SSTL has built and launched 50 satellites for 20 international customers – as well as providing training and development programmes, consultancy services, and mission studies for ESA, NASA , international governments and commercial customers, with an innovative approach that is changing the economics of space.
Headquartered in Guildford, UK, SSTL is part of the Airbus Group.
www.sstl.co.uk