Multimedia

DMC imagery taken today by the UK-DMC satellite of Burma (Myanmar) shows the

Rangoon (Yangon) area and flooded southern coastal regions. DMC imagery acquired of the region is being supplied to project managers of the International Charter "Space and Major Disasters" to be processed into information products that determine flood extents. DMCii has also supplied pre-disaster archive imagery to enable comparisons with post-disaster imagery for the production of emergency maps.

You can also find Burma cyclone images on the UNOSAT website.

Hot off the press. The deal promises more investment and the financial backing of the larger parent company, whilst preserving SSTL's unique market position and vision in changing the economics of space.

EADS Astrium, Europe’s leading space company, has entered into an agreement to acquire the innovative University of Surrey spin-out company Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), which specialises in the design and manufacture of small and micro satellites. This landmark deal provides the financial and industrial resources required for SSTL’s expansion and future development. Completion of the acquisition is subject to obtaining the relevant regulatory approval.

“In the UK we are renowned for our design and manufacture of telecommunications satellites, interplanetary spacecraft and satellite services provision. SSTL is one of the great success stories of the UK space industry and will be a substantial complement to what we can offer customers around the world with its expertise in small and micro satellites and their innovative approach to developing new markets for space,”.

Colin Paynter, CEO of Astrium in the UK.

Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, Executive Chairman of SSTL, has been an active ambassador for the UK space industry for many years and considers the acquisition as essential:

“SSTL operates in a highly competitive global market. If we are to continue changing the economics of space and provide the innovative solutions our customers demand we must expand and maintain our R&D investment. This acquisition strengthens SSTL enormously whilst preserving our unique approach to space.”

You can tune in to a podcast with Sir Martin to hear his personal thoughts on the deal by clicking here.

Professor Christopher Snowden, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey commented:

“This is a great move for both the University and SSTL. On completion, this will represent one of the largest cash spin-outs from any UK university. It will also allow the Company to realise its full potential as a rapidly growing and leading supplier of small and micro satellites, whilst the University retains the benefit of close interaction with SSTL and its new partner EADS Astrium. By retaining a small stake in SSTL the University shows its commitment to both the future of the Company and space research itself.”

SSTL is joining EADS Astrium following a decision by the University of Surrey to sell its majority stake of circa 80% in the small satellite manufacturer. SSTL will remain an independent UK company with its individual brand and unique approach to space following the agreement, whilst benefiting from access to the resources of a large corporation including design, manufacturing and test facilities. Astrium will benefit from enhanced links with the University of Surrey to support staff training and development, also leading to greater cooperation and increased research on space technology and systems.

Astrium is one of the world’s leaders for its expertise in space transportation, spacecraft and satellite services including prime contractor for Ariane 5, the Columbus space laboratory and the Automated Transfer Vehicle for the International Space Station, and its leading-edge large and complex geostationary telecommunications satellites, and the Skynet 5 secure communications system for the UK Ministry of Defence. SSTL will complement Astrium’s existing space capabilities that include space transportation, satellites and services.

Under the share purchase agreement, SSTL will be owned by EADS Astrium NV in the Netherlands. Completion of the transaction remains subject to approval by the relevant merger control authorities.

The agreement sees long-term research collaboration between the University of Surrey and EADS Astrium and will further advance the University’s cutting edge space research capacity. The collaboration will also allow Astrium to benefit from staff training and development opportunities afforded by the links with the University. The sale will support the already-strong presence that Guildford and the south-east have in the aeronautical and space industries, creating a centre of expertise for space technology. This will allow for the region to benefit from the Government’s commitment to invest in the UK space industry.

UK press, broadcasters and other invited guests are to attend a press conference on the 28th December at the SSTL with live video coverage of the GIOVE-A satellite launch from Baikonur.

To make arrangments, press and invited guests are asked to contact:

Audrey Nice, SSTL
Tel: (01483) 682 280
E-mail: a.nice@sstl.co.uk

The doors of will be open from 4:30, with the broadcast programme scheduled to start at 5:00. The press conference will take place in the School of Management, building 16 of the University Of Surrey, Guildford.

The University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 7XH

A map of the campus: PDF map of the University Of Surrey campus

British satellite manufacturer, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, discuss the launch of the GIOVE-A micro-satellite, part of the ESA Galileo project from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan scheduled for 28 Dec 2005 in an audio interview.

The interviewees are Martin Unwin, Head of the GPS and GNSS team and Andy Bradford, Project manager for the GIOVE-A satellite.

The Audio is available as an itunes mp3 audio file which will play on an any mp3 player software or hardware.

The interview can be downloaded directly by right clicking the on link below and selecting "Save target as" in Internet Explorer.

Direct link to SSTL GIOVE-A audio interview

This file may be freely distributed providing the origin of the content is identified as Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) www.sstl.co.uk