WIREDGOV

EU Galileo contract won by consortium involving British satellite manufacturers SSTL

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 07 January 2010

Commenting on the EU Galileo contract announced today, Lord Drayson, Science & Innovation Minister, said:

"This is great news for Surrey-based satellite manufacturer SSTL and the British space industry. The contract for 14 satellites will provide approximately €236m (£212m) of work for SSTL and cement their position as key player in this booming industry."

"The UK is fast becoming a world-wide destination for high-tech, high-skilled advanced manufacturing – and the UK space and satellite industry, with their strong order books for the next five years is a sterling example of this.

"It is these high-tech sectors which are bucking the trend during the recession, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Looking ahead, our space industry is forecast to grow on average by about 5% a year until 2020. This new contract will strengthen its position further."

Notes for Editors

1. The European Union contract for Galileo – the European Global Navigation Satellite System set to compliment GPS - will go to a consortium involving the British manufacturer, SSTL.

2. The total value of this contract is €566m (£510m). This will provide €236m (£212m) of work for satellite manufacturer SSTL which is based in Surrey.

3. For media enquiries, contact Rachel Clarke, BIS press officer, Tel: 18002 020 7215 5945 or email: rachel.clarke@bis.gsi.gov.uk

Department for Business, Innovation & Skills

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.

Contacts:

BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Rachel Clarke
Phone: 18220 020 7215 5945 - text direct phone
Mobile: This is a text direct phone- please dial in fill
Rachel.Clarke@bis.gsi.gov.uk