ASTA Technology (
www.asta-technology.co.uk) — a European Space Agency (ESA) school that trains technicians to build electronic components vital to the success of space missions — has been acquired by the University of Portsmouth.
ASTA is one of just seven schools world-wide accredited by ESA to train space operators in how to assemble, maintain and repair mission-critical space electronics.
A new team appointed to run the school, which has been based at the university since 2008, includes operations director Misha Filip, lead instructor Brett Smith and previous owner (and instructor) Bill Strachan.
Professor Djamel Ait-Boudaoud, dean of the Faculty of Technology, said: “The addition of ASTA Technology to the list of the university’s subsidiaries is a clear indication of our ambition to enhance our business innovation activities, in order to expand our contribution to the success of the city’s knowledge base and economy.
“This acquisition extends the university’s capabilities in a sector that is very important to the UK and European economies. It will also increase the university’s portfolio of continuing professional development activities — a key strategic ambition for us — and give students the opportunity to acquire additional skills to enhance their employment prospects.”
Dr Tommaso Ghidini, ESA’s head of materials technology, said: “We welcome the acquisition of ASTA Technology by the University of Portsmouth and look forward to continuing this valuable collaboration for many years to come, serving to maintain Europe’s excellence in space manufacturing.”