Precision training for
space-grade electronics
ASTA Technology delivers ESA and IPC certification courses for engineers and technicians working to the highest standards in aerospace, defence, and high-reliability industries.
- 1UK ESA provider
- 12+Courses available
- 30+Years of expertise
- UoPUniversity of Portsmouth
Two standards, one laboratory
Every course leads to an internationally recognised certificate. Which standard you need depends on the hardware you build.
From enquiry to certified
Browse & select
Find your course, its prerequisites and upcoming dates.
Register online
Tell us about yourself, your employer and your experience.
Instant vet check
See straight away whether you meet the entry requirements.
Confirm & pay
Pick your cohort date and pay through the University.
See us in action
A specialist laboratory at the University of Portsmouth, equipped for space-grade electronics training to ECSS standards.
Precision soldering training in the ASTA laboratory 
PCB inspection under magnification 
Wiring harness and connector assembly practice
Ready to achieve your ESA certification?
Apply online in minutes. Our team at the University of Portsmouth is on hand for any questions before you register.
Space-grade training at the University of Portsmouth
ASTA Technology UK Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Portsmouth, is the UK's only ESA-approved provider of electronics assembly training. We have trained engineers and technicians from across the aerospace, defence and high-reliability supply chain for more than 30 years.
See us in action
Our specialist laboratory at the University of Portsmouth is equipped with all tools and materials required for space-grade electronics training to ECSS standards.
Who we train
Delegates come from the UK's leading aerospace and defence organisations, including:
Airbus
BAE Systems
MBDA
Thales
QinetiQ
Lockheed
Safran
Industry-recognised standards
ASTA holds multiple accreditations spanning ESA certification, IPC membership, and JOSCAR defence supply chain registration.
Ready to achieve your ESA certification?
Apply online in minutes. Our team at the University of Portsmouth is on hand for any questions before you register.
ESA & IPC programmes
All courses are delivered at the University of Portsmouth. Each participant receives a globally recognised certification upon successful completion.
Not sure which course you need? Answer two or three questions and we'll suggest one.
Loading courses…
From enquiry to certified
Our streamlined online application includes instant eligibility checking — so you know where you stand immediately, without waiting days for a response.
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Browse & select
Explore the course catalogue. Each page details duration, prerequisites, learning outcomes, and upcoming dates.
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Register online
Complete the online application with your personal details, employer information, and relevant experience background.
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Instant vet check
Our automated system checks your application against course criteria and gives an immediate eligibility result.
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Confirm & pay
Select your preferred cohort date and complete payment securely through the University of Portsmouth payment gateway.
Know your eligibility before you apply
Our automated eligibility check reviews your declared experience and certifications against each course's entry requirements — giving you an instant result rather than waiting days for a response.
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Instant result
Pass, referred for review, or not yet eligible — you'll know the moment you submit your application.
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Clear guidance if not eligible
If you don't meet the criteria, we'll tell you exactly why and suggest the right course to take first.
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Borderline cases reviewed by staff
Complex applications are flagged for personal review by the ASTA team within 2 working days.
Contact Us
Have a question about our courses, accreditation, or registration process? Reach out to the ASTA team at the University of Portsmouth.
Contact details
Email:
asta@port.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 23 9284 3513
Address:
Room A2.13, Anglesea Building
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, PO1 3DJ
England
Office hours:
Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00
Send a message
Directions & Parking
ASTA Technology is based at the University of Portsmouth. Find us at the Anglesea Building, Room A2.13.
Address
Anglesea Building
University of Portsmouth
Anglesea Road
Portsmouth, PO1 3DJ
By car
The Anglesea Building is within the Portsmouth city centre. Follow signs for the University of Portsmouth campus. Limited on-street parking is available. The nearest public car park is the Portland Street car park (PO1 3AH), a 5-minute walk from the building.
By train
Portsmouth & Southsea station is a 10-minute walk from the Anglesea Building. From the station, exit onto Commercial Road, continue onto Edinburgh Road, and turn onto Anglesea Road. The building entrance is clearly marked.
By bus
Local bus services stop on Edinburgh Road and Park Road, both within a 5-minute walk of the Anglesea Building. First Bus and Stagecoach operate regular services to the university quarter.
Important: Please contact ASTA prior to your visit for building access arrangements and any visitor parking permits that may be required.
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions govern the provision of ESA and IPC certification training courses by ASTA Technology UK Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Portsmouth.
1. Course booking & confirmation
Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of a completed registration form and payment (or valid purchase order). A confirmation email will be sent to the delegate and the person responsible for payment confirming the booking, course dates, location, and any preparatory requirements. ASTA reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses due to insufficient numbers or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, delegates will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
2. Payment terms
Payment is due within 30 days of invoice date unless otherwise agreed. All prices are inclusive of UK VAT at the prevailing rate where applicable. Payment may be made by bank transfer, credit card, or cheque payable to the University of Portsmouth. Course fees include all tuition, course materials, standard documentation, certification fees, and light refreshments. Accommodation and travel are not included.
3. Cancellation & transfer policy
Cancellations received more than 28 days before the course start date will receive a full refund less an administrative fee of £50. Cancellations received 14–28 days before the start date will incur a 50% charge. Cancellations received less than 14 days before the start date will be charged in full. Transfers to alternative dates are permitted free of charge up to 14 days before the start date, subject to availability. Substitutions of delegates may be made at any time without charge.
4. Delegate responsibilities
Delegates must meet the published prerequisites for their chosen course, including minimum experience levels and relevant certifications where specified. It is the delegate's and their employer's responsibility to ensure these requirements are met before booking. ASTA reserves the right to refuse or remove any delegate who does not meet the prerequisites, with full course fees remaining payable. Delegates must meet ESA's visual acuity requirements (N4 standard) for practical examinations.
5. Certification
ESA certificates are issued in accordance with ESA STR-258 and are valid for two years from the date of successful completion. Certificates remain the property of ESA and are subject to ESA's terms and conditions. IPC certifications are issued in accordance with IPC policies and procedures. Re-certification must be completed before the expiry date to maintain continuous certification status.
6. Liability
ASTA Technology UK Ltd and the University of Portsmouth accept no liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from attendance at training courses except where caused by the negligence of ASTA or its employees. Delegates attend courses at their own risk. ASTA recommends that delegates maintain appropriate insurance cover. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ASTA's total liability shall not exceed the course fees paid.
7. Data protection
Personal data provided by delegates and their employers will be processed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Data is collected for the purposes of course administration, certification, and quality monitoring. Your data will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes. Please refer to our full Privacy Notice for further details.
8. Intellectual property
All course materials, including but not limited to training manuals, presentation slides, standards extracts, and practical exercise documentation, are the intellectual property of ASTA Technology UK Ltd, ESA, or IPC as applicable. Materials may not be reproduced, distributed, or used for any purpose other than personal reference without prior written consent.
9. Governing law
These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
EMPS Workshops
Electronics Materials & Processes for Space (EMPS) Workshops promote the development and awareness of materials and manufacturing processes utilised for Spacecraft Applications and enable industrialists, technicians and students to network together, and with members of the space community.
About EMPS
EMPS Workshops are a University of Portsmouth initiative which started in 2010. The Workshops are normally held once per year, and typically at the site of an ESA-Approved Skills Training School or at ESA-ESTEC.
The events will be publicised on the EMPS website and access will be made available for Registration and the downloading of the Workshop Agenda. The site links to past EMPS presentations.
It is assumed that all presenters at these Workshops will permit their papers to be made available to interested persons visiting the website.
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