Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • SSTL appoints Phil Brownnett as Managing Director

Space

SSTL appoints Phil Brownnett as Managing Director

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) has announced the appointment of Phil Brownnett as Managing Director, succeeding Sarah Parker who is stepping down from the role to pursue new challenges.


Courtesy SSTL
 

Phil Brownnett (above), who is currently Managing Director of Geo Intelligence (UK), Airbus Defence and Space, will take up his new position on 1st February 2020, after a period of handover during January.

Sir Martin Sweeting, SSTL’s Executive Chairman said “I wish to thank Sarah for her significant contribution to the development of SSTL over many years and we wish her well in her future roles.  Phil brings industry expertise, leadership and business vision to the role and I am delighted to welcome him to SSTL.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Phil Brownnett graduated as a Land Surveyor, initially working in Africa and Middle East in the Oil Exploration and engineering & construction business.  After returning to UK he was deployed on many large national infrastructure projects including Second Severn Crossing and Channel Tunnel Rail Link.  He is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS).

Phil joined the Intelligence division of Airbus Defence and Space in September 2003 as a senior manager and in October 2012, he was appointed the Managing Director of the Intelligence (UK) division of Airbus Defence and Space with responsibilities for reshaping and developing the UK Earth Observation business in line with changing markets and technologies.  Under his leadership, the business has evolved and achieved stability, growth and profitability.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Commenting on his new appointment Phil said “I am honoured and privileged to be appointed the Managing Director of SSTL, an emblematic company that has been successfully delivering innovation in the small sat market for over 30 years. The market is undergoing transformational change and we need to retain our agile working environment that encourages creativity and innovation, whilst focussing on the areas where we have a competitive advantage.  SSTL pioneered the small sat revolution and now we need to retain our position by adapting and ‘Doing Space Differently’.”
 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
UK Space Agency offers new internship programme

Space

UK Space Agency offers new internship programme

12 February 2026

The UK Space Agency is launching Skills for Space, a new internship programme offering 50 paid placements across the UK space sector to give young people hands-on experience and industry exposure.

Orbex set to appoint administrators

Space

Orbex set to appoint administrators

11 February 2026

The UK home-grown orbital launch services company and space rocket manufacturer, Orbex, is in the process of appointing administrators after fundraising, merger and acquisition opportunities all concluded unsuccessfully.

UK Government introduces ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK Government introduces ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms

9 February 2026

Young people will be given a quicker route into high-quality jobs on major projects as the UK Government slashes red tape to fast-track the process.

UK Space Agency launches studies on manufacturing advanced materials in orbit

Space

UK Space Agency launches studies on manufacturing advanced materials in orbit

9 February 2026

The UK Space Agency has awarded contracts to three UK companies to investigate producing advanced materials in Low Earth Orbit, where the conditions – including microgravity, natural vacuum and extreme temperatures – can create products that are difficult, expensive, or impossible to manufacture on Earth.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Two-thirds of parents back apprenticeships as first choice after school

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Two-thirds of parents back apprenticeships as first choice after school

9 February 2026

To coincide with the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9th – 15th February), one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers, BAE Systems, has analysed Censuswide’s survey of the latest attitudes of young people and parents.

UK Space Agency investment helps launch electric propulsion lab

Space

UK Space Agency investment helps launch electric propulsion lab

6 February 2026

A new laboratory that will help UK companies develop and test the engines powering the next generation of satellites has opened at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner