Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) believes the UK space technology sector will be more globally competitive following this week’s decision to create an ESA space centre in Oxfordshire.
According to the Guildford-based satellite developer, investment in the space technology sector brings definite economic as well as technology benefits.
“Previous investment in space by the UK government resulted in a ten fold return on investment,” 
said SSTL, which has an international reputation as a supplier of small satellites.
“We greatly appreciate the vision shown by the UK in taking such a strong position in these difficult financial times,” said Sir Martin Sweeting, chairman of SSTL.
This week it was announced that the UK will get a new European Space 
Agency research centre as a result of an agreement signed at the ESA Ministerial Council in The Hague.
As part of the initiative the UK government will support both the programme for Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and the technology development programme ARTES, will ensure a much stronger position for UK industry within the global market.
“The GMES programme is critical in helping the world combat the threat of climate change and the UK is in the best position to provide the rapid, affordable solutions required,” said Sweeting.
The belief is that Europe’s flagship Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programme provides the UK with an opportunity to take a major scientific and industrial role in monitoring the planet.
SSTL are also developing a more affordable communications satellite with the help of the British National Space Centre (BNSC) and ESA through the ARTES programme.
“The company is only too aware of growing competition from overseas which is weighing against the UK in lost business opportunities. Exports account for more than 90% of SSTL’s business, which turned over more than £30 million for the UK last year, and the ARTES support will enable the UK to provide a competitive product in a communications satellite market worth around $5billion,” said Paul Brooks, director of business development at SSTL.
SSTL employs 300 staff working on LEO, MEO, GEO and interplanetary missions, turnkey satellite platforms and space-proven satellite subsystems and optical systems.