The award follows a strategic introduction by Space South Central and will see EECL take responsibility for a full suite of qualification services. These include thermal‑vacuum cycling, vibration and mechanical testing, electromagnetic compatibility assessments, and end‑to‑end payload validation. The company will also design and supply automated ground support systems to streamline integration and testing processes.
The next‑generation payload incorporates a more complex, software‑defined digital processing system. EECL’s automation‑focused approach is expected to support faster and more consistent test cycles, particularly for high‑throughput satellite constellations, helping integrators reduce validation times and improve operational efficiency.
Dr Ben Kieniewicz, Founder and CEO of EECL, said the contract marks a significant milestone for the business. “These contracts are a reflection of our technical experience and capabilities in the field of space engineering,” he said. “The contracts allow significant growth for EECL and facilitate the expansion of our team and scaling of our manufacturing operations to meet increasing demand.”
He added that the project will help develop early‑career talent, “The project also gives our graduate engineers the opportunity to participate in ESA reviews and mission‑critical hardware development, strengthening early‑career talent within the Space South Central region.”
Antonia Yendell, Head of Space Ecosystem Development at the UK Space Agency, congratulated the company. “This partnership is one of many that demonstrates the powerful role space clusters play within the UK’s vibrant and connected space ecosystem; fostering innovation, strengthening the UK’s space supply chains, and driving economic growth.”
Louise Butt, Director of Space South Central, said the contract demonstrates the value of coordinated regional support. “The award of these contracts demonstrates the tangible impact of strategic collaboration. Our International Partnership Manager played a key role in connecting EECL, a trusted regional leader in RF design and space‑flight hardware, with international programmes,” she said. “By brokering this relationship, we’ve secured inward investment and strengthened the regional supply chain, creating opportunities for growth and collaboration that benefit the entire UK space sector.”
She added that the partnership highlights the region’s capability to develop complex satellite communications and strengthens the UK’s competitive position in the global space industry.