Space blog

DMC captures Burma flood satellite images

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2008-05-08T12:21:59Z

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

Burma cyclone image

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.

DMCii ups Emergency on Call Officers

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2008-04-29T12:51:50Z

Volcano, Ecuador © NASRDA

The Disaster Monitoring Constellation's (DMC) operating company, DMCii, has been training up additional members to support emergency operations. These new Emergency on Call Officers (ECO) will expand the existing team to support the world's earth observing satellite feet in the event of major natural disasters.

Following recent training event, DMCii now provides 3 Emergency on Call Officers to service the International Charter for Space and Major Disasters. When the Charter is activated for a Major International natural disaster, the ECO's use there expertise to select and task different types of satellite appropriate to the disaster. For example, so far In 2008 DMCii ECO staff responded to flooding in Vietnam, Bolivia, USA and the Tungurahua Volcano in Ecuador.

Students Battle for Space Supremacy

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2008-04-29T10:36:05Z

Students from all over Britain have taken part in the BNSC’s “Space Experiment Competition”, the brainchild of SSTL’s very own Dr. Stuart Eves. From a sea of hopeful entrants, the judges have now whittled down the contestants to 6 finalists. The remaining students are from St George’s College Addlestone, Helston Community College, Langton Star Centre, Schome Park Project, Shrewsbury School and UKHAS.

The ambitious experiments will study a variety of space exploration issues, ranging from how to stop Near-Earth space dust damaging space craft to minimising the affect of electrically charged particles on space communication. In the race to outdo each other the students have come up with some really innovative ideas, including proposing ways to measure the resistance of bacteria in space and even measuring the number of meteors entering the atmosphere. So if you’re a budding physicist or engineer or are just interested in space, get yourself to the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) congress in Glasgow where the winning proposal will be announced in October 2008.

50 years of software in space

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2008-04-22T15:55:56Z

The Guildford Branch of the British Computer Society holds its monthly meetings on the University of Surrey campus.

This month's meeting "Fifty Years in Space - a Software Perspective" will review the synergy between space and ICT during the first 50 years of the space age (based on the author's 40+ years involvement in both sectors) and draw some conclusions for the future. Pat Norris MBCS, LogicaCMG and Chairman of the RAeS Space Group will host the lecture.

Here's the summary

Since the launch of Sputnik 50 years ago (October 4th 1957), the space age has helped push the boundaries of Information and communications Technologies (ICT). In the 1960s, the two main space applications were military surveillance and lunar exploration, both of which demanded more computing and communications capability than was available. Space projects still stretch what ICT can deliver, for example in monitoring global climate changes and in missile defence.

Thursday 24th April 2008, at 19:45 for 20:00, in Lecture Theatre E. There's no need to register in advance and University staff and students are welcome to attend, at no cost.

DMC hands disaster charter leadership to Canada

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2008-04-14T12:37:16Z

DMC hands leadership of International Charter: "Space & Major Disasters" to Canadian Space Agency (16th April 2008, Montreal, CANADA)

At the 19th board meeting of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters in Montreal the DMC will hand the leadership of the Charter to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). During the DMC's 6 month period as lead agency (primus inter pares) from October 2007 to April 2008 the Charter has responded to 18 disasters and finalised the integration of the China National Space Administration (CNSA) as a new Charter member.

The DMC is been represented on the Board of the Charter by the British National Space Centre (BNSC) and within the executive secretariat by DMCii. Leadership of the International Charter Board and secretariat rotates among the member agencies every six months.

EADS Astrium agrees to acquire SSTL

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2008-04-07T08:42:48Z

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.

Spanish disaster monitoring on track

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2008-03-06T18:02:50Z

DEIMOS

The Spanish Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) programme was started in August 2006 to provide an enhanced micro-satellite carrying a multi-spectral Earth observation payload under contract from the Spanish company, Deimos Imaging SL for use in commercial and environmental imaging applications. The project also includes a groundstation and data processing applications to be sited in northern Spain.

The design, manufacturing and integration of the spacecraft has been completed and is now into the environmental test phase, thermal vacuum and vibration testing has been successfully completed and SSTL are analysing the results.

The Groundstation and 5.5m Antenna have been integrated in the UK and are in the process of being packed and transported, for installation and commissioning in Spain.

The next major milestone is the Flight Readiness Review in July 2008, to be followed by a launch campaign preparing the spacecraft for a launch in Q4, 2008

Minister discusses Moon at SSTL

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2008-02-28T18:00:04Z

Minister for Science and Innovation, Ian Pearson today visited SSTL’s headquarters in Guildford to discuss the company’s important contribution to the UK space industry. His visit follows the release of the UK Civil Space Strategy on February 14th, which outlines the Government's future direction for the sector for 2008-2012.

Ian Pearson talks to Sir Martin Sweeting

Mr Pearson visited SSTL operations critical to supporting the Government’s space objectives. This included an introduction to SSTL’s DMCii Ltd subsidiary, where he met the team that are currently leading the International Charter: Space and major disasters on behalf of the BNSC. He also met project managers from the European Space Agency (ESA) missions such as the highly successful Galileo satellite, GIOVE-A, and discussed the role of small satellites in providing security and military capabilities.

Speaking at SSTL, Minister for Science and Innovation, Ian Pearson, said:

"The UK Civil Space Strategy outlined the Government's commitment to the UK space industry and measures to ensure UK businesses increase their share of the growing international sector. As I've seen today some of the most innovative work in this area is being carried out right here in Surrey."

The highlight of Mr Pearson’s visit was the presentation of plans that will secure the UK’s closer involvement in international initiatives on the future shape of space exploration to the Moon, Mars and beyond. SSTL will take the lead on landmark missions to prove new technologies that will provide low cost infrastructure for future lunar missions. These could include the provision of communications from the Moon back to Earth. This British-supplied infrastructure could also be used to relay communications back from interplanetary missions, for example Mars to Earth.

Sir Martin Sweeting, SSTL Group Executive Chairman, commented,

“SSTL is pioneering innovative low cost technologies that maintain and develop the UK’s market share in the global space sector. In particular, SSTL’s MoonLite and MoonRaker missions with NASA are of great importance to the British government’s space strategy going forward.”

In time, a constellation of satellites could also be built up to provide valuable services such as GPS in the same way as the Earth. This satellite infrastructure will provide essential services to the international missions on the Moon’s surface such as Rovers, Landers and smaller space experiments that are planned by nations such as Russia, China, India and the US over the coming years.

Ecuador volcano eruption caught by DMC satellite NigeriaSat-1

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2008-01-31T12:31:48Z

DMC International Imaging was on regular 24/7 duty as the Emergency On-Call Officer (ECO) for the International Charter; Space & Major Disasters from 21st to 28th January 2008. Gary Crowley, DMCii Operations Manager, coordinated the scheduling of images from DMC satellites as well as Envisat, Radarsat, ALOS, SPOT-5, IRS (Pan & LISS-3), Ikonos and QuickBird, for the Charter response to two disaster activation calls.

DMC image of the erupting Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador, showing the long plume of ash blackening the area (vegetation is false red) Image; NigeriaSat-1 25th Jan 2008 © NASRDA

Last Tuesday (22nd January) DMCii monitored a volcanic eruption in Ecuador. The images below are by kind permission of NASRDA.

Zoom of the volcano crater belching ash. Image; Nigeriasat-1 © NASRDA 2008

Just last Friday (25th January) the International Charter was activated to image flooding in Bolivia.

Classroom scientists shoot for space

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2008-01-17T16:49:00Z

Competition is hotting up as young students throughout the UK start work on their bid for the BNSC funded Space Experiment competition. The basic idea is to create an experiment that fits into a 10cm X 10 cm X 10 cm box. The student that wins will get expert help from SSTL and an astronomical £100,000 to support their efforts. If that sounds good, here's the best bit

The winning experiment will be flown on-board a real SSTL satellite in space.

Baffled? Cautious? Visit the Space Experiment website and get some ideas flowing.

Initial proposals are due in by the end of February so if you haven't entered already - get your skates on! If you are a parent or teacher and you know students that have a passion for science and technology - get your teenage students involved.

For those of you who missed our Space Experiment blog, here's some more details... and hopefully inspiration.

Why encourage more students to study science and engineering?

There has been a worrying decline in the number of students studying mathematics, science, engineering and technology subjects. The proof is evidenced by a 30% decrease in physics, a 25% decrease in mathematics, and a 19% decrease in chemistry entries at A level between 1991 and 2003. These are some of the most practical and strategically important subjects and could lead to skills gaps in industry, the risks to Britain’s economic success and a threat to Britain’s’ international reputation as a leader in science research. Source: Lord May, President of the Royal Society testimony to the Parliamentary Scientific Committee in May 2004.

School children find science and mathematics dull and difficult and do not see its relevance in their lives. Source; SET for Success Report for Sir Gareth Roberts Review for HM Treasury.

Why space and not something more ...practical?

Britain has a thriving space industry adds £7 billion to the British economy each year and supports 70,000 jobs, not just in the space research institutes and higher profiles but also in the vital high tech engineering companies that supply parts and technologies for use in space.

Space is one of the highest skilled workforces in the Britain and the technologies developed for satellites and missions to other planets can benefit the whole engineering sector, both in terms of available skills and also the creation of new technologies. Some of these technologies are "space-enabled". For example, Britain leads the world in global mobile satellite communications, earth observation, space enabled creative industries and in planetary science.

Space is key to sustainable development and can be used to map sea temperature changes, provide communications in the case of disaster relief and open up new opportunities in healthcare and new energy sources.

Second Galileo satellite on track

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2008-01-03T11:00:19Z

SSTL’s second Galileo contract, GIOVE-A2, has progressed through a successful Critical Design Review (CDR). The small satellite is a follow-on mission to the successful GIOVE-A mission launched two years ago.

The two-day CDR meeting, attended by ESA representatives at SSTL’s headquarters in Guildford, reviewed the design changes between GIOVE-A and GIOVE-A2. The next stage in the project will progress towards manufacture.

ESA awarded the follow-on contract to SSTL in March 2007. The project covers initial activities leading to the construction of a further spacecraft for the Galileo satellite navigation system, based on SSTL’s proven GIOVE-A technology.

Sir Martin receives French award

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2007-12-20T14:48:58Z

Each year the French Academy of Air and Space awards its Grand Prize in recognition of a “person or a team, European or international, who stands out because of a high-quality scientific, technical or cultural action concerning aerospace, by contributing to or helping spread new knowledge.” The Academy has awarded this year’s Silver medal to SSTL founder and Group Executive Chariman Sir Martin Sweeting.

The Grand Prize award ceremony was held on November 23, 2007 during the Academy’s annual assembly in the “Salle des Illustres” at the Place du Capitole, Toulouse.

Mr Jean Broquet, former Technical Director of EADS Astrium, France, received the award on behalf of Martin during the open session of Air and Space Academy on Friday Nov 23rd at Toulouse. The presentation of Martin's achievements and successes was made by Gérard Brachet former head of CNES and currently Vice President of the Academy. He gave a general view of Martin's activities and of his pioneer role and he pointed out, in particular, the major role of SSTL for securing the frequency slots allocated to Galileo, with GIOVE-A.

Jean Broquet had the opportunity to say few words including a reference to Martin's colleagues of both SSTL and Surrey Space Centre (SSC) for their contribution to the SSTL missions.

Fly your experiment in space!

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2007-12-13T14:36:20Z

BNSC and SSTL are offering UK schools the chance to fly an experiment on one of the small satellites built by SSTL. Any UK students, either individuals or teams, aged between 14 and 18 can enter their experimental package. Speaking about the Space Experiment on the BBC news website today Brainchild Dr Stuart Eves (SSTL) :

Satellites affect everyone on the planet. They deliver telephone communications and TV programmes across the globe, enable the safe navigation of ships and aircraft and provide the timing signals that are used to coordinate the national power grid and mobile phone calls.

The BNSC's Dr Ian Gibson also commented in the BBC report, expressing the essence of the Space Experiment.

This hands-on competition should be fun as well as educational

To hear more you can also tune in to the Today Programme on Radio 4. Use the "Listen Again" function for this morning (Thursday 13th December) and search around 6:55 am.

SSTL small satellite

The winning experiment can weigh up to 1kg and will have a development budget of up to £100,000. The deadline for receiving initial proposals is 28th February 2008, so get your skates on!

BNSC and SSTL hope that the competition will stimulate interest in Space, with many entrants. Out of the hopefuls, six finalists will be announced at the UK Space Conference at Charterhouse in March 2008 and invited to submit more detailed proposals for consideration.

The winners will be announced at the IAF Congress in Glasgow in October 2008 and the winning experiment will be integrated onto an SSTL mission due to fly in the 2010 timeframe.

The experiment could aim to measure some aspect of the space environment, investigate some aspect of the Earth, or test a new satellite technology in Low Earth Orbit What to include in an initial proposal (of up to 5 pages):

The purpose of the experiment you would like to fly.
What data you would expect to collect.
How you would use the data collected.
How your experiment would advance space science or technology.

For full details visit the Space Experiment website: www.spaceexperiment.info

Galileo opened to competitive bids

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2007-12-10T17:09:22Z

GIOVE-A under construction

Peter de Selding has reported today that Galileo has been opened up for competitive bids.

"European governments agreed to allow competitive biddings for the future Galileo satellite navigation constellation, clearing the way for Europe's two most successful small-satellite builders to make a joint bid against Europe's two biggest space-hardware builders." He went on to say "OHB Systems AG of Germany and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) of Britain are free to bid on contracts to build Galileo spacecraft without having to prove they can construct the entire 26-satellite constellation."

The news is welcomed by SSTL and OHB who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) indicating their willingness to bid together for such contracts.

Team TopSat earns RAeS award

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — 2007-12-04T16:55:46Z

Last week at the Royal Aeronautical Society awards ceremony , the team responsible for the successful TopSat Earth observation mission, was awarded the Society's Silver Medal.

"Team TopSat" collect RAeS award

TopSat was developed for the MOD and BNSC by QinetiQ, SSTL, RAL and Infoterra and has been collecting tactical 3m imagery of the Earth for more than two years, setting a new world record for "resolution per mass of satellite". The engineering model is now on display in the Science Museum.

The award was accepted on behalf of the TopSat team by Dr Stuart Eves, the godfather of the programme, and Jenny Harding, SSTL's Projects Director who managed the programme.

This is the fourth Royal Aeronautical Society award won by SSTL staff this year. The team responsible for GIOVE-A received the Team Silver Award as well as the Geoffrey Pardoe Space Award, whilst Dr Mike Cutter was awarded the Society's Bronze Award for the design and manufacture of the CHRIS optical imaging system.

TopSat launched was launched in 2005. The small satellite's primary mission objective was to demonstrate that a microsatellite could deliver responsive high-resolution imagery directly from a satellite to ground terminals within the same footprint. Having fulfilled its original objectives, the satellite is now available for commercial service under the TopSat Consortium: QinetiQ (who own the satellite), SSTL, RAL and Infoterra, all original partners in the mission.