The inaugural Space-Comm Expo Scotland, held at SEC Glasgow on September 11-12, 2024, marked a significant milestone for Scotland’s thriving space sector. The event showcased Scotland’s advanced satellite manufacturing capabilities, data analysis expertise, and rapidly growing launch market, attracting considerable interest and investment from the global space community. With over 3,000 attendees, the expo exceeded expectations and highlighted Scotland’s position as a leader in the UK’s global space ambitions. The event featured more than 80 exhibitors and 120 world-class speakers, creating a vibrant atmosphere of innovation and collaboration.
Scotland’s Space Industry Growth
Scotland’s space industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. The latest Size and Health of the UK Space Industry report revealed that 228 space organisations in Scotland generated a combined income of £298 million in 2021/22, nearly doubling the £157 million reported in 2018/19. This growth reflects the sector’s increasing importance to Scotland’s economy and its potential for future expansion. The expo showcased several recent investments in Scotland’s space industry, including £5 million for a suborbital rocket test at SaxaVord Spaceport, £3.5 million for a project led by Spire Global to improve weather forecasting technology, and £1.9 million for Smiths Interconnect to enhance its space qualification laboratory in Dundee.
The UK Space Agency has played a crucial role in supporting Scotland’s space sector. Since 2018, 15% of available funding from national space programmes has been allocated to organisations based in Scotland. This support has been instrumental in fostering innovation and growth within the industry. UK Space Agency Chief Executive Dr. Paul Bate hosted an industry roundtable at the event, exploring the future of the Scottish space ecosystem. Dr. Bate emphasized the importance of collaboration across governments, industry, and academia to drive the sector forward.
Innovations and Collaborations
The Space-Comm Expo 2024 highlighted the innovative projects and collaborations that are driving Scotland’s space industry. The event featured more than 80 exhibitors and 120 world-class speakers, creating a vibrant atmosphere of innovation and collaboration. Scotland’s advanced satellite manufacturing capabilities, data analysis expertise, and rapidly growing launch market were on full display, attracting considerable interest and investment from the global space community. The expo also showcased several recent investments in Scotland’s space industry, including £5 million for a suborbital rocket test at SaxaVord Spaceport, £3.5 million for a project led by Spire Global to improve weather forecasting technology, and £1.9 million for Smiths Interconnect to enhance its space qualification laboratory in Dundee.
The UK Space Agency has played a crucial role in supporting Scotland’s space sector. Since 2018, 15% of available funding from national space programmes has been allocated to organisations based in Scotland. This support has been instrumental in fostering innovation and growth within the industry. UK Space Agency Chief Executive Dr. Paul Bate hosted an industry roundtable at the event, exploring the future of the Scottish space ecosystem. Dr. Bate emphasized the importance of collaboration across governments, industry, and academia to drive the sector forward.
Future Prospects
The future prospects for Scotland’s space industry are incredibly promising. The latest Size and Health of the UK Space Industry report revealed that 228 space organisations in Scotland generated a combined income of £298 million in 2021/22, nearly doubling the £157 million reported in 2018/19. This growth reflects the sector’s increasing importance to Scotland’s economy and its potential for future expansion. The expo showcased several recent investments in Scotland’s space industry, including £5 million for a suborbital rocket test at SaxaVord Spaceport, £3.5 million for a project led by Spire Global to improve weather forecasting technology, and £1.9 million for Smiths Interconnect to enhance its space qualification laboratory in Dundee.
The UK Space Agency has played a crucial role in supporting Scotland’s space sector. Since 2018, 15% of available funding from national space programmes has been allocated to organisations based in Scotland. This support has been instrumental in fostering innovation and growth within the industry. UK Space Agency Chief Executive Dr. Paul Bate hosted an industry roundtable at the event, exploring the future of the Scottish space ecosystem. Dr. Bate emphasized the importance of collaboration across governments, industry, and academia to drive the sector forward.
