Wed, 02 Jul 2025 When SSTL was founded in the mid-80s, Sarah Hart was a primary school pupil in Durban, proudly wearing her prefect badge and already showing the early signs of someone with an eye for detail and a steady hand on the tiller. Now, nearly 40 years later, she’s joined us as our Financial Accounting Manager – bringing with her a rich and varied career in finance across sectors as diverse as tourism, defence, and software. Here’s Sarah, in her own words:
 
"Back in 1985, I was at primary school in Durban, South Africa. No internet, no mobile phones, and certainly no thought of working in the space industry one day! I remember wearing my prefect badge with pride.. I’ve always been someone who enjoys taking responsibility and keeping things in order.
 
After school, I went straight into the world of finance, starting as an accountancy clerk with a local firm of Chartered Accountants in Durban. I later completed my BCompt Honours degree with the University of South Africa. It was all distance learning by post back then, which meant writing assignments by hand and posting them off with fingers crossed that they arrived safely!
 
I moved to the UK in 1998 and have worked in finance ever since,  across leisure, healthcare, tourism, software, defence, and recruitment. I joined SSTL in February this year, and I’m finding the satellite industry absolutely fascinating. It still amazes me that space is only an hour’s ride away by rocket, yet it remains such a place of mystery and wonder."
 
We’re delighted to have Sarah on board, a sharp financial mind, a calm presence in the team, and another proud member of SSTL’s international brigade. Welcome to space, Sarah. We’re glad you’ve joined the journey.