Scotland’s Space Sector is reaching new heights
A great gathering of the Scottish space clan, both present and future, touches down in the capital for two days of intergalactic mingling and space science conversation.
Future Scottish space talent will welcome the arrival of the National Student Space Conference (NSSC) on Scottish soil for the first time this March. The timing for this is no coincidence, with the space sector in Scotland continuing to rocket to even greater success in 2019 and beyond.
On 2 & 3 March, we will be offering our world-famous warm Scottish welcome to the crew of the National Student Space Conference. For two days, they will bring space enthusiasts together, for what will prove to be an astonishing assembly of the best space minds in the UK, right here in Edinburgh.
Scotland is currently a space exploration and innovation global hotspot. In recognition of this, the NSSC is holding the first conference in its 31-year history in Scotland. One part careers fair, to two parts networking event and knowledge-sharing platform, the Conference is for any students interested in working in the space industry.
Hosted, this year, by the Physics and Astronomy Society at the University of Edinburgh, and with Scottish space company Skyora in attendance, the event helps to nurture the next space industry leaders and is a chance for students to explore the sector close-up, and hear from key space academics and leading professionals.
Dr Ciara McGrath, Research Associate, Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering, Strathclyde University and part of the Scottish space community said:
“It’s brilliant to see the NSSC come to Scotland where the space sector is thriving! I hope the students take inspiration from the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that’s driving the fast-growing Scottish space industry.”
The landing of the NSSC in Scotland is just one example of Scotland’s thriving space sector. A recent report of the size and health of the UK space industry showed that the number of space companies choosing to have their headquarters in Scotland has risen by 24%.
On top of that, nearly a fifth of all jobs in the UK space sector are now based in Scotland. Add to this, the news that Sutherland, in the Scottish Highlands, will be the base for Europe’s first spaceport and this proves the Scottish space industry is in another galaxy.
Scotland is already a world-renowned small satellite manufacturer, with Glasgow’s own Clyde Space leading the way. Now, with the arrival of the spaceport, Scotland will be making and launching satellites into space.
Meanwhile in a galaxy far, far away – well, America to be precise – Scotland’s space success story continues. Scotsman, David Mackay, is the chief pilot with Virgin Galactic and recently became the first Scottish-born person in space. On 22 February he piloted Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity high above California’s Mojave Desert and into space.
David took the ship to a faster speed and higher altitude than ever before and became the 569th person in space – and first Scotsman. After a safe landing back on solid ground, David and his crew were rather appropriately welcomed back to earth by a kilted piper. Getting into the full swing of it all, David even greeted the waiting crowd with a little dance to celebrate his achievement.
In the perfect twist of fate, David actually comes from Sutherland – the future home to the new spaceport. It’s almost like his future was written in the stars. It seems like both he and Scotland are made of the right stuff when it comes to space.
All in all, Scotland is playing a blinding space game and long may it continue. Scotland’s definitely the place for space adventures - to infinity and beyond!
Find out more about the space sector in Scotland on SDI.co.uk.