Amy Aviation is on a tour of the UK, visiting places well-known for their connection with UK aeronautics!
Today she’s in Stevenage – home to Airbus Defence and Space – and as aviation companies go, they don’t get much bigger!
Airbus makes a massive variety of aircraft, using the very latest and newest technology and materials to create the most efficient craft possible.
In fact, in Stevenage they’re aiming just about as high as you can get…
Space! Scientists and engineers research, design and build things like satellites – machines which go into Earth’s orbit.
They undertake a wide range of jobs – from providing navigation and communication links, to taking measurements of the Earth and undertaking scientific research.
They also support satellite communications services with the UK armed forces, including mobile voice, video, internet and broadcast communications.
It’s in Stevenage where Airbus scientists are helping design and test the navigation systems for the ExoMars Rover that will be sent to Mars in 2018. They’ve even mocked up the surface of Mars in a warehouse to test the Rover.
I bet you didn’t know all this space age technology was so close to home!
You can watch the animated series of Amy’s Aviation on YouTube or download the audio series on your phone or tablet so you can listen whenever you like – at home or in the car!