A British-built radar satellite designed to provide “a host of benefits to life on Earth” was launched into space from India last month.

NovaSAR-1, designed and built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) (www.sstl.co.uk) in Guildford, will be able to see through clouds and offer low-cost remote imaging (night and day) to customers that include the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Australia and the Indian Space Research Organisation.

Science Minister Sam Gyimah said: “The data from this satellite, which has been backed by £21 million of Government investment, will help innovative start-ups to develop new apps that could revolutionise the way we live.

The UK is a world leader in Earth Observation technologies, which have an increasing number of applications, including through the UK Space Agency’s International Partnership Programme.

“This programme harnesses the expertise of the British space sector to tackle problems all around the world, from predicting dengue fever outbreaks in Vietnam to improving health-care in Nigeria.

“There is also a significant commercial opportunity, with Earth Observation satellite services estimated to support industries representing a total turnover of more than £235 billion.”

“Since 1981, SSTL has built and launched more than 50 satellites for 20 international customers, as well as providing training and development programmes, consultancy services and mission studies for ESA, NASA, international governments and commercial customers.”