Guildford MP Visits Local Satellite Firm During 40th Anniversary Year

Published on: 27 Jul, 2025
Updated on: 27 Jul, 2025

Guildford MP Zöe Franklin visited Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), one of the town’s leading scientific and technological institutions, as part of the company’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

The visit provided an opportunity for the MP to learn more about the company’s current satellite projects and its ongoing contributions to both the local economy and the UK’s space industry.

Based on the Surrey Research Park, SSTL has grown from a University of Surrey spinout into a global leader in small satellite development, with a reputation for innovation, affordability, and advanced engineering.

Founded in 1985 by Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, the company has launched over 70 satellite missions and played a pioneering role in making space more accessible through cost-effective satellite design. Today, it remains a significant employer in Guildford, attracting skilled engineers, researchers, and technicians to the region.

The MP addresses SSTL’s weekly “family meeting”.

During her visit, Franklin joined SSTL’s weekly staff-wide “Family Meeting,” where she addressed employees and spoke about her journey into politics, her work as Guildford’s MP, and the importance of supporting high-tech industries locally.

She emphasised the vital role companies like SSTL play in driving innovation, creating high-skilled jobs, and maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in science and technology.

Following the meeting, the MP toured the company’s “cleanroom” facilities, where she observed several of the satellite missions currently under development.

She was guided by SSTL’s managing director, Andrew Cawthorne, and founder Prof Sir Martin Sweeting, who highlighted the range of platforms the team is working on – including Earth observation satellites, communications platforms, and space science missions.

In the “cleanroom”.

The visit also provided an opportunity to celebrate SSTL’s strong links with the local community. Beyond its contributions to the space industry, the company says it collaborates closely with the University of Surrey and local schools to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

SSTL regularly hosts outreach events, offers work experience placements and supports student-led space initiatives.

As it marks four decades of innovation, the company, firmly-rooted in Guildford, says it remains focused on the future – including upcoming satellite launches later this year and an evolving role in international space collaboration. Its anniversary comes at a time of renewed national focus on the UK space sector.