Leading Satellite operator SES has confirmed that it will continue to be the headline sponsor of the groundbreaking SES TT Zero Race in 2013, which takes place on Wednesday 5th June at the Isle of Man TT. The company has been involved in the event since 2011, which last year saw the historic first 100mph lap of the course. This year's race is set to deliver greater speeds with leading protagonists Mugen and MotoCzysz set to go head to head once again on the TT Mountain Course.

As part of their sponsorship SES is also supporting an exhibition at the Sayle Gallery in Douglas that will run throughout the TT Races period. Titled 'Space Mountain' and created by artist Rachael Clegg, Space Mountain explores the development of satellites in connection with the development of the TT through a series of quirky, slick and thought-provoking prints.

Each image is accompanied by text explaining its historical significance and the image references include assassinations, smuggled secrets and crime. Starting with the first telegraph in 1837, Space Mountain takes the viewer on a tour of the development of telecommunications via Morse code, Nazi Germany, Soviet spies interspersed with references of TT triumphs.


Rachael Clegg said:

"The stories behind the development of satellites are brilliant and the parallels between TT and satellite history are striking. The first satellite was Sputnik, launched in 1957, which was also the year in which Bob McIntyre broke the 100 mile-an-hour lap record. Both satellites and the TT were developing at a similar pace and - as the exhibition will reveal - with equal drama."

She continued: "Space Mountain has been so much fun in the making. We've used chocolate, farms, railway tracks, retro TVs, 1950s dentist chairs, over-sized trousers and even a rocket.We take satellites and telecommunications for granted but this exhibition brings home how quickly technology has developed. It wasn't that long ago that we were using Scouts on the TT course to relay messages to marshals and the first satellite-transmitted television image was only 51 years ago. Now companies like SES are launching zero-emission satellites into space, which allow us to watch television footage in India, Australia and the Middle East."


SES Satellite Leasing Ltd's MD, Mark Guthrie said:

"SES is really excited to once again be involved with the SES TT Zero at a time when the race is set to deliver some remarkable results. We are also pleased to extend our activity by supporting an exhibition like this. As sponsors of TT Zero we wanted to commission something striking that also drew parallels between the development of satellites, telecommunications and the TT."

Space Mountain is on display at the Sayle Gallery, Douglas from May 25 to June 7 and is free to enter.