Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • Andrew Cawthorne appointed as Managing Director of SSTL

Space

Andrew Cawthorne appointed as Managing Director of SSTL

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) has today announced that SSTL shareholder Airbus Defence & Space have appointed Andrew Cawthorne in his position as Managing Director, effective immediately.

Image courtesy SSTL

Andrew Cawthorne (above) steps into this role with extensive experience and a proven track record in driving business growth and operational excellence.

Sir Martin Sweeting, Chairman of SSTL, said: “On behalf of the entire team here at SSTL, I am pleased to congratulate Andrew on his well-deserved appointment as Managing Director. His exceptional leadership skills, strategic acumen, and deep understanding of our industry make him the ideal person to guide SSTL through its next phase of innovation and growth. We are confident Andrew will continue to strengthen SSTL’s position as a global leader in satellite technology.”

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Andrew Cawthorne said: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed Managing Director of SSTL, a company renowned for its pioneering achievements in satellite technology and one that I have been proud to have been a part of for over 20 years.

"I am committed to working closely with our talented team to build on SSTL’s proud heritage, deliver outstanding results for our customers and drive forward innovation and sustainability in satellite missions and space exploration.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Above: (left to right) Sir Martin Sweeting, SSTL Executive Chairman, Alain Faure, Head of Space Systems, Airbus, Andrew Cawthorne – SSTL Managing Director and Mikaël Butterbach – SVP HR Airbus Space Systems, at SSTL, Guildford, Surrey.
Courtesy SSTL

Andrew Cawthorne brings over two decades expertise in the space and technology sectors. Joining SSTL in 2004 Andrew initially worked as a Systems Engineer on the TopSat Imaging Project and as Technical Mission Lead for NigeriaSat-2. Andrew has since held several key commercial and leadership positions, most recently as Director of Business Development reporting into Managing Director, Phil Brownnett. When SSTL tragically lost Phil in June 2024 to a sudden illness, Andrew was appointed as Interim Managing Director.

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
UK and Ukraine strengthen civil space cooperation

Space

UK and Ukraine strengthen civil space cooperation

18 March 2026

A landmark agreement between the UK Space Agency and State Space Agency of Ukraine (SSAU) will open a new chapter in civil and commercial space cooperation between the two countries.

Met Office launches MAVIS

Aerospace Security Space

Met Office launches MAVIS

18 March 2026

The Met Office have officially launched the Met Office Aeronautical Visualisation Service (MAVIS) - a next-generation aviation weather platform designed to support a rapidly evolving aviation landscape, from traditional crewed aircraft to emerging spaceport operations.

Viasat

Aerospace Space

Viasat's advanced in-flight connectivity selected by National Airlines

17 March 2026

Viasat today announced that its advanced in-flight connectivity has been selected by charter operator National Airlines to enhance the passenger experience onboard a new fleet of three Airbus A330 aircraft.

ODU joins the UN Global Compact

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ODU joins the UN Global Compact

17 March 2026

Manufacturer of connector systems, ODU, has joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest sustainability and corporate responsibility initiative.

Advertisement
ODU RT
UK–South Africa partnership using AI to make telescopes smarter

Space

UK–South Africa partnership using AI to make telescopes smarter

16 March 2026

AI is set to transform how South Africa’s astronomical observatories operate, as the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Hartree Centre is working with the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), a centre for optical and infrared astronomy, to deliver the ‘Intelligent Observatory’ programme.

Cranfield University unveils wind-powered WANDER-bot

Space

Cranfield University unveils wind-powered WANDER-bot

13 March 2026

Researchers at Cranfield University have created WANDER-bot, a low-cost, 3D-printed robot that is powered by wind energy.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner