Despite the main centres for the space industry being situated outside Scotland’s borders, the country makes a significant contribution to space technology. World-class research, development and manufacturing mean that, when it comes to space, Scotland punches well above its weight.
The space industry in Scotland
Scottish companies and research organisations have made exceptional strides in space technology and development over the years.
STAR-Dundee developed the ”Space Wire standard” for all the major space agencies, which allows different systems on spacecraft to communicate with each other. Scotland is also world leader in space thermal batteries – lightweight, long life and reliable batteries that function under extreme conditions.
Space and Scotland – continuing excellence
A number of factors enable Scotland to continually outperform larger countries in the space industry, including a developed infrastructure and tradition of innovation.
- Scottish companies specialising in satellite technology can capitalise on the imperative for cost reduction.
- There is a ground observatory at Dundee University which NASA uses to track spacecraft during missions.
- Dundee University also has a department specialising in space technology.
- Dr Gianmarco Radice, an expert in space engineering, leads Glasgow University’s Space mission analysis and design department.
- Scotland has expertise in fuel cell technology and small affordable satellite development.
Space – opportunities in Scotland
The space technology sector in Scotland is not standing still, and this dynamic industry continues to innovate and take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.
- The International space station and cost of space exploration itself create opportunities for collaboration.
- STAR-Dundee will be required to work with companies around the world which have space divisions, to enable them to develop their own space systems.
- Potential developments in the US, China and India could create more opportunities if more money were to be spent getting people and objects into space.
- The increased demand for communication means countries will continue to put satellites into space.
- Glasgow University is looking for collaborators as it attempts to win the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE.
Download the Space in Scotland flyer (PDF, 326kb)
Contact us for more information about how we can help space technology companies in Scotland and businesses involved in other aerospace industries in Scotland