Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) has appointed Luis Gomes Business Unit Director of Earth Observation (EO) and Science. He is now responsible for the strategic direction at SSTL in these markets, delivering current projects and further developing the company’s reputation for business innovation.
Dr Matt Perkins, CEO at SSTL, commented ‘I am delighted that Luis has accepted this senior position within SSTL. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding SSTL’s unique approach to Space missions. His appointment strengthens our leadership team at a time of significant growth’.
Gomes has extensive technical knowledge and practical experience of designing, planning and managing EO programmes. In his previous role as Head of Business for Earth Observation he was responsible for the development of the recently launched NovaSAR-S low cost radar mission, and the 1m resolution SSTL-300S1 platform that will provide daily high resolution imaging in the forthcoming DMC3 constellation.
Gomes joined SSTL in 1997 as a Mission Analysis Engineer specialising in thermal design. Having completed an MSc at the University of Surrey in 2001 with research in Spacecraft Charging, he became a project manager and oversaw the build and commissioning of the high resolution Beijing-1 satellite launched in 2005. He led the negotiations and project for the NigeriaSat-2 programme before taking over the management of the Earth Observation business line.
Besides his interest in SAR and Earth Observation, Gomes is an avid astronomer with particular interest in planetary astrophysics and robotic interstellar probes. He is a keen naval enthusiast and enjoys reading about naval history and maritime geopolitics.
About SSTL
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is the world's leading small satellite company, delivering operational space missions for a range of applications including Earth observation, science and communications. The Company designs, manufactures and operates high performance satellites and ground systems for a fraction of the price normally associated with space missions, with over 400 staff working on turnkey satellite platforms, space-proven satellite subsystems and optical instruments.
Since 1981 SSTL has built and launched 36 satellites – as well as providing training and development programmes, consultancy services, and mission studies for ESA, NASA , international governments and commercial customers, with its innovative approach that is changing the economics of space.
Based in Guildford, UK, SSTL is owned by EADS Astrium NV.
www.sstl.co.uk