Scotland’s space sector is ‘punching above its weight’, says report
There are now 132 space companies with a Scottish presence, compared with 104 in 2016, and 83 of these are headquartered in Scotland.
The Scottish sector supports 7,542 jobs, a rise of 600 from two years earlier, and an annual income of £140 million, an increase of £9m from 2016. The agency last year announced more than £30m of funding to support a spaceport in Sutherland to build on the country’s reputation for manufacturing satellites.
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Hide AdChief executive Graham Turnock said: “Companies such as AAC Clyde Space and Spire have helped Glasgow in particular to become a hub of space activity and expertise.
“The proposed spaceport could create 400 jobs across Scotland and contribute to further growth of the UK’s world-leading space sector.”
Chris Larmour, chief executive of Moray-headquartered Orbex, said: “Scotland’s space industry is a modern success story, through a combination of private enterprise and government support. In our view, this will only continue as more talent and industry is attracted to the region.”
Scotland could also benefit from a £2m UK government fund to help horizontal launch sites such as Glasgow Prestwick grow their sub-orbital flight, satellite launch and spaceplane ambitions.