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Satellite company Celestia touches down in Scotland

27 Feb 2020 • 2 minute read

Scotland’s growing space sector attracts international company specialising in the development of advanced antenna systems.

Satellite above the Earth

Developing satellite technology 

Celestia Technologies Group's project in Scotland will develop satellite antenna for use with aircraft Wi-Fi applications.

The company, a UK subsidiary of Celestia Technology Group BV (CTGBV) which has its HQ in Holland, will initially be based at Heriot-Watt University while it identifies permanent premises in Scotland.

The project, which is being supported by a £2.5 million Research and Development award from Scottish Enterprise, will create 18 new jobs.

José Alonso, Chairman of Celestia Technologies Group with, Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture in the Scottish Parliament

José Alonso, Chairman of Celestia Technologies Group with, Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture in the Scottish Parliament

Scotland’s growing space sector played a key role in the company's decision. Scotland has some of the highest space-related activity in Europe and it’s estimated the sector could be worth £4 billion to the Scottish economy by 2030. The industry is made up of over 130 organisations, with 7,600 employees at the cutting edge of their specialisms coupled with strong relationships with researchers in Scottish universities and research pools.

The company will use the R&D grant to develop a satellite antenna for aircraft to link with a communication satellite for the growing in-flight broadband sector. The innovative design will offer improved communications and connectivity performance for a new generation of low and medium orbit satellites.

The R&D award was announced during a visit to Celestia Technologies Group at Heriot-Watt University by Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture Fiona Hyslop.

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