Andrew studied Mathematics and Computing at Warwick University before completing an MSc in Astronautics & Space Engineering at Cranfield. His career began at ESA’s ESTEC facility in the Netherlands, where he worked on the Aurora programme – a bold plan for human exploration of the solar system.
It was during this time that Andrew had a fortuitous meeting with Prof. Sir Martin Sweeting, who sat on the Aurora advisory board. That conversation would quietly shape his future. Andrew says: “I still remember that meeting with Martin over 20 years ago – it was one of those chance conversations that ends up changing the direction of your life. When it was time to come home, SSTL was the obvious place.”
Andrew joined SSTL as a Systems Engineer, working on TopSat and NigeriaSat-2. He went on to become Earth Observation Business Line Engineer, then Head of Business – Earth Observation, then Director for EO and Customer Training, and later Business Development and Sales Director.
In December 2024, after more than two decades at SSTL, Andrew was appointed Managing Director – continuing the company’s legacy of home-grown leadership, innovation, and space sector excellence.
As we celebrate 40 years of SSTL, Andrew’s journey reminds us that space is not just about technology – it’s about people, ideas, and the power of being in the right place at the right time, demonstrated by Andrew’s first encounter with Martin Sweeting.