Guildford-based Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)(www.sstl.co.uk), which is sending four satellites into orbit this summer, has opened a new space centre.

Attending the event was Surrey Council deputy leader Peter Martin, who said: “The facilities at the new Space Operations Centre are really are out of this world, and I have no doubt they will be the nerve centre for many successful missions.

“Our role is to help SSTL and all the county’s other businesses do what they do best, creating jobs and promoting growth.” The cutting of the ribbon at the opening ceremony was carried out by Michael Boyd, managing director of investment at UK Trade and Investment.

SSTL was founded in 1985 by Sir Martin Sweeting with a £100 loan from the University of Surrey’s vice-chancellor. The company, which now employs 500 people, was bought out from the university in 2009 by Airbus.

It has pioneered the use of small satellites built from low-cost off-the-shelf equipment, and it has a 40% share of the global market for small satellites. Sir Martin and his team have built and launched more than 40 small satellites, ranging in weight from 3.5kg to 660kg, and have over 20 more in production.