For 40 years, SSTL has been at the forefront of space innovation. A defining contribution to European navigation came with GIOVE-A, the pathfinder mission that SSTL designed, built and launched at speed in 2005 to help secure Galileo’s frequency filings—a necessary and fundamental step that enabled the programme to proceed. Building on that foundation, SSTL went on to supply 34 navigation payloads for the Galileo constellation, delivering the “brains” of Europe’s positioning system to orbit.
Andrew Cawthorne, Managing Director of SSTL commented “We are delighted and deeply honoured to receive this award from ESA. It recognises the ingenuity and perseverance of our teams and partners over many years, from the rapid realisation of GIOVE-A through to delivering dozens of Galileo navigation payloads that help millions of us here in Europe navigate every day.”
SSTL also acknowledges the UK Space Agency (UKSA) and the UK Government for their sustained support of European navigation initiatives via ESA programmes. The UK’s commitment to collaborative space missions has helped drive industrial capability, innovation and export opportunities across the UK’s thriving space sector.
Harshbir Sangha, Director of Missions and Capabilities at the UK Space Agency, said “This award is a fantastic recognition of SSTL’s role at the heart of Europe’s satellite navigation success. It is a testament to SSTL’s excellence in supporting the UK’s continued commitment to delivering world-class capabilities such as Position, Navigation and Timing that benefit people across Europe and beyond.”
This award not only celebrates the achievements of the past three decades but also highlights the strength of European collaboration and the UK’s continuing role in delivering world-class satellite navigation for the future.