By David Nicholson, Business Development Manager, CeeD
In November 2024, I was delighted to be invited to attend the Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen, Germany, as a guest of InvestFife and to be part of the Fife Council Economic Development Team’s Learning Journey.
This Expo is the leading showcase for space manufacturing and testing services, components, and systems engineering for spacecraft, launchers, and satellite programs. It is recognised as the main event in the space industry calendar.
During the four-day event, I learned so much about what is happening in the space sector and the opportunities for Scotland's manufacturing sector, and I wanted to share some of my findings with you through this blog.
Scotland is at the forefront of launch capabilities in the UK – with five locations across the UK developing plans:
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SAXAVORD SPACEPORT – SHETLAND
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SUTHERLAND SPACEPORT
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SPACEPORT 1 – OUTER HEBRIDES
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SPACEPORT MACHRIHANISH - ARGYLL
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PRESTWICK SPACEPORT
Glasgow is the leading centre for small satellite design and production in Europe.
Scotland is considered the right place for launch due to:
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Options for both horizontal and vertical launch
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Easily reach low earth orbits using vertical launch
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Wide open areas, and proximity to the coast reduces risk
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Superior and direct access to polar and sun synchronous orbits
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Shorter trajectories
Two companies are designing innovative ground station technologies - Celestia UK and Sofant Technologies - and Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh Universities have strengths in antenna design and Strathclyde University is strong in signal processing.
Scotland has a diverse supply chain for space manufacturing, including specialists in software and services.
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Space Scotland – industry-led group seeking to develop the space sector in Scotland
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Scottish Government Space Group – coordinating action across the public sector in support of the space opportunity
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Scottish Space Academic Forum – bringing together academics with space interests from across Scotland.
Scotland's Space Strategy was launched in October 2021. By 2030, the aim is to help deliver:
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An annual contribution to the Scottish economy of more than £4bn.
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An increase in the workforce by five times the current level.
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A globally recognised strategic location and European leader for commercial space developments.
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A range of managed launch and orbital services, supporting the highest launch cadence in Europe.
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An increased and diverse workforce with improved participation that is fully reflective of Scottish society and ensures space is open for all.