The Space Science and Technology Department (SSTD) at the CLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) carries out an exciting range of space research and technology development. With significant involvement in over 50 space missions in recent years, SSTD is in the forefront of UK space research. The Star Tiger project will be carried out at SSTD with the support of approximately 30 engineers and scientists from RAL. Here can be seen the Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) instrument for the Envisat satellite being prepared for testing in a thermal vacuum tank at RAL.