Wed, 12 Mar 2025 This year SSTL celebrates 40 years and an amazing journey, and so does our very own Steve Eckersley. In 1985 – the year SSTL was formed - a young Steve stood on Wembley's field before a huge roaring crowd of almost 100k fans, representing Leigh Schoolboys Under-11’s at Rugby League in a curtain raiser ahead of the Rugby League Challenge Cup final. Fast forward to today and Steve is still making an impact – though this time shaping the future of our satellite missions as Head of Mission Concepts.

After earning his BSc in Physics and Space Science and MSc in Spacecraft Technology and Satellite Communications from UCL, Steve began his career at Airbus, where he worked for many years, mainly as a Mission Systems Engineer on future Space Science and Earth Observation missions but also as a Payload Interface Engineer on the ESA LISA Pathfinder and Solar Orbiter Missions, before eventually bringing his expertise to SSTL’s Mission Concepts team in 2015.

"I’ve spent over 27 years in the space industry, all of it within the Airbus Group, from my early days in engineering to leading mission concepts at SSTL," Steve reflects. "It’s been an incredible ride, and I've had the privilege of working alongside brilliant minds dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space. The space industry has transformed dramatically since 1998, but the sense of wonder and commitment to innovation has remained constant throughout."

Join us in recognising Steve’s incredible journey and his contribution to SSTL’s mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space!