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Space Scotland
Overview
Space Scotland provides a collective voice for the Scottish Industrial Space Sector and produces and implements Strategy and Action Plans in line with Scottish and UK Space Strategies.
Moving from creation to sustainment and growth of the sector, comprises Industry representatives from Satellite Manufacturers, Downstream Exploitation Companies, Spaceport Operators, Launch Platform and Service Providers and Traditional Payload/Avionics Suppliers, Academia, Catapults and Facilities.
Space Scotland is an industry-led initiative that originated in late 2016, and was formalised in 2021 as a not-for-profit company to actively support Scotland’s ‘end-to-end’ space ecosystem and value chain.
It’s mission is to build a community that actively represents and enables Scotland’s space industry to surpass its potential, becoming a truly world-class environment for businesses and a global champion for an inclusive and sustainable approach to space operations. It has three aims:
- To form a community of Scottish Businesses with an involvement in Industrial/Commercial Space to establish the conditions to increase business opportunities, efficiencies, effectiveness and economic impact through collaboration, partnering and mutual support.
- To raise the profile of Scotland as the home of Agile Space and to become a leading global destination to access space and space services, including locating or establishing businesses in a supportive environment.
- To work collectively and with partners such as the investment community, academia and Government to enable such an environment.
See Space Scotland’s strategy document here.
See the Space Sustainability: A Roadmap for Scotland: here.
Key Contacts
Christina MacLeod
Prof. Andrew Mount
Facilities & Assets
Due to the nature of the engagement of Space Scotland with the industry and academic communities, there are a large number of facilities that are accessible across the country. These exist within academic institutions, research facilities and commercial entities. The Space Scotland Infrastructure Working Group is working to determine the range of facilities and accessibility of these for the sector. A selection of some of the facilities are listed below.
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Higgs Centre for Innovation
Higgs Centre for Innovation is a cutting-edge facility that supports start-ups and SMEs in the fields of data-intensive science and advanced technology. Located at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre in Edinburgh, the centre offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, expertise, and mentorship to help businesses thrive.
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National Manufacturing Institute Scotland
National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is a centre of excellence for advanced manufacturing research and innovation. It aims to transform the manufacturing sector in Scotland by offering cutting-edge facilities, expertise, and training to help businesses develop and adopt new technologies.
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National Robotarium
The National Robotarium, based at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, is a leading research facility dedicated to robotics and autonomous systems. It fosters collaboration between academia and industry, developing innovative solutions in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and underwater exploration.
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The Bayes Centre
The Bayes Centre, situated at the University of Edinburgh, is a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration in data science and artificial intelligence. It brings together researchers, industry partners, and students to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems and promote data-driven innovation.
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University of Strathclyde, The Technology and Innovation Centre
University of Strathclyde, Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow is a world-class research facility that fosters collaborations between academia, industry, and the public sector. It focuses on areas such as advanced engineering, energy, health, and future cities.
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Space Enterprise Lab (SEL) Edinburgh and Space Enterprise Lab (SEL) Glasgow
Space Enterprise Lab (SEL) Edinburgh and Space Enterprise Lab (SEL) Glasgow, are part of the SEL network of local places for space innovation that are digitally inclusive. The SELs bring communities together, both locally and nationally. They include free access to resources and technology, virtual demonstrations and expertise.
Partners & Academic Institutions
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Astro Agency
Astro Agency is a space-focused consultancy and marketing firm that helps businesses and organizations in the space sector with strategic planning, market research, and communication services to grow and succeed in the global space market.
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Royal Observatory Edinburgh
Royal Observatory Edinburgh encompasses both the UK Astronomy Technology Centre and the Higgs Centre for Innovation. It is a leading centre for astronomy research, technology development, and innovation, providing state-of-the-art facilities and expertise to support the growth of the space sector in Scotland.
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Scottish Space Academic Forum (SSAF)
The Scottish Space Academic Forum is a collaborative network of Scottish universities and research institutions focusing on space-related research and education. It aims to promote Scotland’s space sector and support the development of space-related skills and expertise. This includes institutions such as the University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University, and the University of Stirling.
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Scottish Government Space Group (SGSG)
The Scottish Government Space Group (SGSG) works collectively to provide support to the Scottish space sector, through ensuring alignment with and access to existing funded initiatives across manufacturing, data, skills, innovation and economic development.
Technical Focus
(Where 0 is no focus/experience and 3 is established experience and flagship focus)
Market Focus
(Where 0 is no focus/experience and 3 is established experience and flagship focus)
Keep In Touch
- Website: www.scottishspace.org
- General Email: admin@spacescotland.org
- LinkedIn: http://bitly.ws/EjEb
- Twitter: twitter.com/ScottishSpaceLC
- YouTube: http://bitly.ws/EjE7
