NEWS10 October 2025
Guildford’s reputation as a centre of space innovation continues to rise, with Surrey Research Park now home to one of the UK’s most active and fast-growing space business communities.
As the world marks World Space Week, the Park is celebrating the achievements of the companies, researchers and entrepreneurs who are advancing space technology from right here in Guildford. From satellite design to propulsion systems, data connectivity and Earth observation, this thriving cluster is helping to shape the UK’s leadership in the global space economy.
Building on decades of space innovation
The story began with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), the pioneering company that redefined what was possible in satellite engineering. A spin-out from the University of Surrey in the 1980s, SSTL proved that satellites could be smaller, faster to build and far more affordable. Its spacecraft now orbit Earth every day, delivering data that supports navigation, climate monitoring and disaster response.
One of SSTL’s latest projects, the Lunar Pathfinder satellite, will soon make the journey from Guildford to the Moon, providing vital communications for future lunar missions and supporting the establishment of the first Moon bases (see video below for more).
A growing ecosystem of space pioneers
SSTL’s success has helped inspire and attract a new generation of companies to the Park, each contributing unique expertise to Surrey’s space cluster.
Stars Edge Ltd is developing next-generation propulsion and platform technologies for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) applications, advancing sustainable and efficient satellite operations.
IsardSAT and Alcis are using satellite data to generate actionable intelligence on land use, climate change and humanitarian challenges.
Eseye and Vicinity Technologies are pioneering non-terrestrial networking systems that enable seamless connectivity between satellites and Earth-based devices.
Myriota is supporting global Internet of Things (IoT) communications with ultra-low-power transmitters that allow sensors in the most remote regions to send data directly to orbit.
In 2024, Ramon.Space expanded into the UK by establishing its European office at Surrey Research Park, bringing advanced space-resilient computing and communications systems to the cluster. Its modular, software-driven technology is designed to operate under harsh space conditions and complements the hardware, data and network expertise already present on site.
Beyond these leaders, other Park-based companies are driving innovation in space-related engineering.
Their work ranges from developing radiation-hardened semiconductors to pioneering next-generation space-based data centres and AI-powered autonomous satellites. Several others at the Park, including Actica Consulting and BAE Systems are also contributing to national defence initiatives, helping the UK ensure sovereign control of its space assets.
IP, support and growing capability
A growing number of support and enabling organisations also enrich our space cluster. Venner Shipley, a leading European intellectual property firm with an office in Guildford, has expanded its expertise in aerospace and space sector IP. The firm supports innovators across Surrey Research Park in protecting their inventions and commercialising new technologies.
Proud roots, future focus
For a town once known for its market heritage, Guildford is now firmly established as a place where the future of space is being built. The discoveries made and technologies developed here are shaping the next era of exploration, while influencing how humanity understands and protects life on Earth.
Looking ahead: collaboration and growth
As we look ahead to 2026, Surrey Research Park is focused on strengthening the space ecosystem within the Surrey Innovation District and beyond. We are already supporting members of our space community as they scale up their operations and welcoming new companies looking to establish their business at the Park. The Park’s Space Enterprise Lab, a free resource for space businesses and researchers, further enhances this support by providing access to advanced collaboration tools and facilities that drive innovation across the UK’s fast-developing space economy.
Space South Central, the UK’s largest regional space industry cluster, plays a key role in connecting the Park’s space community to wider opportunities, collaborations and facilities across the region.
The Surrey Innovation District, with the Park at its heart, will collaborate closely with the Surrey Space Institute as it ramps up, enabling the University to deliver purposeful benefits to local businesses and the wider UK space economy.
Guildford is where space is happening today, home to a thriving community of businesses and academia that is driving the UK’s fast-developing space economy and shaping the future of commercialisation and exploration.
