Celebrating Scotland’s thriving space sector: all you need to know about Space-Comm Expo Scotland
Scotland’s space sector is booming, making it the fastest-growing in Europe – and a major player on the world stage.
In fact, the industry north of the border has a huge part to play in the UK’s space ambitions: around a fifth of the UK’s space sector employment is based in Scotland, with aims to capture a 10% share of the global space market by 2030.
It’s all thanks to a unique combination of government and institutional support, innovation hubs focused on space tech, and leading universities in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen providing access to cutting-edge research and skilled graduates.
“The space industry in Scotland already punches above its weight in terms of UK careers, supported by world-class universities and research. Events like Space-Comm Expo help us get the word out to new audiences, that the space industry is full of opportunities and open for all,” says Daniel Smith, founding director of Space Scotland, which plays a vital role as the voice of the sector.
You can find out more when Space-Comm Expo Scotland takes place in SEC Glasgow from 11-12 September – plus it’s free to attend.
Why businesses are making Scotland their home
The UK’s spaceport programme has proposed five out of its seven launch sites in Scotland; all are gathering pace, vying to be the first to launch the UK’s first vertical rocket. And it’s good news for the economy as plans for facilities like SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland – the frontrunner in the vertical launch race – will create some 140 jobs in Unst and inject at least £4.9m into the economy.
But while spaceports and launches make headlines, there’s a whole other side to the space industry that’s less high-profile.
So much of our daily lives is dependent on satellite signals – and Scotland builds more small satellites than anywhere in Europe. Enter the satellite manufacturers that are helping to run our modern world, ensuring everything from our telephone calls to GPS and television signals operate smoothly.
Data analysis firms in Scotland are also at the forefront of harnessing satellite data for other applications like environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning.
Companies like Spire Global, which operates one of the world’s largest constellations of nanosatellites, have centred their European operations in Glasgow, Scotland. The company specialises in gathering unique data from small satellites in a low-earth orbit; Spire collects this data, pulls it down via a network of ground stations, then sells the data as a service.
"Most people aren’t aware of how frequently they use data from satellites or how insights from space underpin multiple business sectors," adds Space Scotland's Daniel Smith.
“Scotland’s space sector is growing fast. With more than 150 space companies making up an end-to-end ecosystem that covers satellite manufacture, launch and the analysis of information from space-based sensors, it supports our economy, environment and wider society.”
Be part of Scotland’s space journey
This dynamic environment, coupled with substantial growth potential, makes it an attractive destination for businesses looking to enter or expand in the space sector with major opportunities for growth in manufacture, space access and satellite data processing.
"As an ecosystem builder in the sector, I’ve witnessed this remarkable growth, propelled by innovation and entrepreneurship," says Dr Andy Campbell, founder of the Scottish Space Network, which champions Scotland’s space sector from classrooms to companies, “spotlighting pioneering achievements, promoting opportunities, attracting talent and inviting investment.”
Or, as they put it, turning small steps into giant leaps.
“Space technologies can transform many adjacent sectors from farming to fintech, logistics to leisure. With strong governmental support and clear leadership in sustainability, there has never been a better time to be part of Scotland’s space journey.
“The Space-Comm Expo is an ideal opportunity for businesses to engage with this transformational sector, explore cutting-edge advancements and develop new commercial avenues.”
Showcasing Scotland’s end-to-end space capabilities
Space-Comm Expo Scotland will feature exhibitors, product demonstrations, speakers, panel sessions and 1-2-1 networking opportunities.
Kevin Scullion, international trade specialist at Scottish Enterprise, explains that hopes are high for the show.
“We expect the event to lead to further collaboration between Scottish, UK and international partners and are looking forward to discussing trade opportunities with delegations from Malaysia, Germany, and Denmark among others,” he says, adding that Scottish Enterprise has worked with the organiser to make sure the event fully showcases Scotland’s end-to-end space capabilities.
“It’s also the perfect platform to explore cross-sectoral opportunities such as the use of satellite data in pursuit of net zero goals.”
How to get involved
Space-Comm Expo Scotland promises to be the largest space industry event in Scotland, welcoming 2,000+ visitors and 75+ exhibitors to the SEC Glasgow on 11-12 September.
The event supported by UK Space Agency and Scottish Enterprise will showcase spaceports, launch providers, satellite manufacturers, earth observation and new technologies including AI and robotics.
If you are interested in exhibiting or exploring opportunities in the space industry contact: https://space-comm-scotland.co.uk/contact/
Or if you’re keen to network with industry leaders, form new collaborations and hear from international experts and policymakers, you can register for your free tickets here.
Discover more about the global space industry and Scotland’s ambitions at space-comm-expo.com.