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.