Q: What sort of new products and areas are you looking at now?
A: We have been steadily growing our portfolio from CCDs to include new CMOS and IR designs that provide the latest technological advances for our customers. We have also advanced our electronics and systems capability and see this as a real growth area for us at the moment. It's an exciting time for the team, working with new partners and customers to develop the most innovative and effective solutions.
Q: Tell us about your customers?
A: They are based all over the world. As the commercial space industry has grown, we find ourselves working not only with the space agencies but also with a range of commercial customers with different requirements and objectives.
Q: Now that you are operating across a wider customer base, has that changed the way in which Teledyne Space Imaging works?
A: Yes, it has, in some ways. We have to make sure that we are offering the right products for our entire range of customers, including technology, testing and qualification levels. We regularly review market data to ensure we are keeping up with current customer demands but also to ensure that each new product development has a clear business case to make sure we are investing our resources in the right places. Many customers have unique requirements to differentiate from their competitors, so we aim to approach each stage of new product development in the most efficient, yet innovative way. This ensures that we can deliver the best products and solutions in the most cost-effective way for our customers, whichever sector they come from.
Q: Reliability is one reason why you keep winning business, isn't it? People know that when they buy from Teledyne Space Imaging, the products are, more than likely, going to exceed the stated mission lifespan because they are so reliable.
A: Our track record for space is zero failures. People can trust in the quality of what we deliver and come back to us time and time again because they know we have high quality, reliability and rigor built into our processes.
Q: How big is your team?
A: Around 25 people, which includes our project/bid managers, project management office, product/product development managers and our chief engineer for product development. Across the projects team, we represent a single point of contact for our customers for everything related to project delivery as well as driving through our internal R&D and leading the bid process. On the product side, the team make sure that what we are developing aligns with the market and our customers' needs.
Q: What are some of the bigger projects that you are working on at the moment?
A: There are many exciting new projects on the horizon. We are working on a number of strategic developments with ESA, UKSA and our industry partners. One of our most recent projects is for the UK-led TRUTHS mission to form a space-based metrology laboratory for climate change forecasting. Following on from the study phase, we are contracted to supply the hyperspectral sensor, and for the full design, manufacture and TRL raising activities of the associated front-end electronics. Our technologies fly in over 95% of Europe's earth observation missions, delivering the data required to monitor and protect the health of our planet. We are also working on major space science projects that will better our understanding of the universe.
Q: Have you always worked in the space sector?
A: I have worked in the aerospace and defence sector for over 23 years across a few companies mainly leading delivery of complex technical projects and developments. It's a hugely exciting time for the space industry and being a part of that growth with Teledyne Space Imaging, our customers and partners is very rewarding. Developing a new product from concept to launch obviously takes a long time. However, when you see the new developments coming together over the life of the project and can appreciate the technology and science involved to make it happen, it's pretty amazing! There is a lot of pride and excitement across the team when it's finally time for launch – it really helps everyone remember why we do what we do.
Q: What would your advice be for anyone considering a career in the space industry?
A: There's a huge number of opportunities in the space sector. Although it may feel specialist there are many routes into the industry and you shouldn't be put off. There are many roles that enable you to play your part in delivery of the end-product. Yes, we have many scientific and technical experts in the team, but there is also a huge team around them without whom we would not be able to deliver all of our projects.
We have work experience and summer placements available. Our award-winning apprentice scheme sees participants rotate through different parts of the business to get a real feel for what we do. They get involved in both the technical side and other business functions. In fact, a new apprentice has very recently joined us to work on the marketing side of the business.
Q: How are you working on growing the business and its product offerings? Is it all about expanding your customer base?
A: Customer growth is certainly very important to us and we are also working with the wider Teledyne network to expand our capabilities and product offerings for all our customers. We work flexibly with our customers and increasingly, rather than typical subcontracts, we are forming more partnerships that are intended to last well into the future. This allows us to offer customers more in terms of longer-term collaboration with Teledyne. It's an exciting and ambitious time for the business!
