Surrey Moves Ahead With New Research Chair in Space Engineering

GUILDFORD, England - The University of Surrey, world-renown as a pioneer of small satellites
in Britain, has announced a prestigious new Research Chair in Space
Engineering within the Surrey Space Centre.

The University, in conjunction with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd
(SSTL) and EADS-Astrium, is investing substantially in its space activities -
including an exciting new initiative to create a ‘Space Engineering
Innovation Hub’ on the Guildford Campus and associated Research Park based on
the combination of academic research and commercial exploitation. The new
Chair will be sponsored jointly by the Royal Academy of Engineering and SSTL.

The Surrey Space Centre, together with SSTL, aims to ‘change the
economics of space’ taking advantage of terrestrial commercial-off-the-shelf
(COTS) components where appropriate to achieve rapid-response, low-cost,
highly capable small space missions in Earth orbit and interplanetary space.
Surrey has already built and launched 32 small satellites and has eight more
under construction carrying Earth Observation, navigation, communications and
space science payloads. The Surrey Space Centre and SSTL are working on an
exciting UK-led small satellite mission to the Moon in 2012.

The UK Space Minister, Lord Drayson, commented: “Surrey is a shining
example of innovation in the UK space sector, leading the world in pioneering
new and more affordable approaches to space and its applications. I applaud
the imagination and commitment of the Academy and SSTL in their investment in
the future of Britain in space.”

Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, Director of the Surrey Space Centre,
commented: “The Royal Academy’s support for this important development of
Surrey’s academic research in space engineering is greatly appreciated and,
together with the industrial support from SSTL, will enable Surrey to be even
more innovative in changing the economics of space.”

Dr Matt Perkins, CEO of SSTL, added: “SSTL thrives on innovation and
close links with the leading academic institution in space engineering and
small satellites is essential for our continued growth and supplying the best
value and capability products to our customers.”

Robert Barrett of the Royal Academy of Engineering stated: “The Academy
strongly supports the effective combination of academia and industry through
our prestigious Research Chairs Scheme - this new professorship at the Surrey
Space Centre is an example of the Academy’s commitment to linking industry
with academia.”

Notes to Editors

University of Surrey

The University of Surrey is one of the UK’s leading professional,
scientific and technological universities with a world class research profile
and a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Ground-breaking
research at the University is bringing direct benefit to all spheres of life
- helping industry to maintain its competitive edge and creating improvements
in the areas of health, medicine, space science, the environment,
communications, defence and social policy. Programmes in science and
technology have gained widespread recognition and it also boasts flourishing
programmes in dance and music, social sciences, management and languages and
law. In addition to the campus on 150 hectares just outside Guildford,
Surrey, the University also owns and runs the Surrey Research Park, which
provides facilities for 140 companies employing 2,700 staff.

The Sunday Times names Surrey as ‘The University for Jobs’ which
underlines the university’s growing reputation for providing high quality,
relevant degrees.

The Royal Academy of Engineering

Founded in 1976, The Royal Academy of Engineering promotes the
engineering and technological welfare of the country. Our fellowship -
comprising the UK’s most eminent engineers - provides the leadership and
expertise for our activities, which focus on the relationships between
engineering, technology, and the quality of life. As a national academy, we
provide independent and impartial advice to Government; work to secure the
next generation of engineers; and provide a voice for Britain’s engineering
community.

For more information please contact: Jane Sutton at The Royal Academy of
Engineering, Tel: +44(0)20-7766-0636, E-mail: jane.sutton@raeng.org.uk

Media enquiries: Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey,
Tel: +44(0)1483-689191 or E-mail: p.la@surrey.ac.uk

Source: University of Surrey and The Royal Academy of Engineering

For more information please contact: Jane Sutton at The Royal Academy of Engineering, Tel: +44(0)20-7766-0636, E-mail: jane.sutton at raeng.org.uk; Media enquiries: Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44(0)1483-689191 or E-mail: p.la at surrey.ac.uk