A leading UK space firm based in Alton has expanded into a second office – and announced plans to create new highly-skilled jobs.

In-Space Missions Limited has moved into a new office building in Omega Business Park, Alton. Guests enjoyed an afternoon tea at the opening.

It is the second building In-Space Missions has acquired since its move to Alton from Bordon.

It is anticipated it will need to recruit a further 150 employees in the coming years.

In-Space Missions has collaborated with Airbus to design two shoebox-size satellites (Prometheus-2) which will be the first satellites to be launched from the UK this summer aboard a Virgin Orbit Launchers One rocket. They will be launched from Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay.

The new building, named Faraday House after Michael Faraday, was opened by Air Vice-Marshall Paul Godfrey of UK Space Command. He said: “In-Space was the first small-to-medium enterprise in the space industry I worked with and watching their journey has been fantastic. I share their excitement being part of the first UK satellite launch, from British soil, with Virgin Orbit this summer.”

In-Space Missions chief executive officer Doug Liddle said: “We are delighted to announce our expansion into another facility in Alton. As we increase in size, it is imperative we can access the best talent in the industry, and Alton’s location is perfect in that regard. This is an exciting next step on our journey.”