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Scotland has taken a
major step in strengthening its international space industry links to
emerge as Europe's largest producer of small satellites and progress
towards achieving launch capability and in doing so boosting its global
reputation.
It follows the signing of a new agreement with the United Arab Emirates
where a letter of Intent between industry group Space Scotland and the
UAE's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) paves the way for
increased business co-operation, trade activity and joint industry
events.
Collectively this provides commercial opportunities for companies in
both countries. It aligns closely with the UAE's rapidly advancing space
programme and its ambitions in lunar exploration, earth observation and
space science.
Scotland's space sector employs more than 7,000 people, generating 381
million pnds stg in annual income and contributing 880m pnds stg to the
economy. More than 240 organisations now operate within Scotland's space
ecosystem.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead recently attended the Space Economy
Summit in Florida to promote Scotland's space industry, to American
investors which has for some time punched above its weight
internationally: "Strengthening our relationship with the UAE creates
major new opportunities for collaboration, skills and investment.
Sustainable Space Tech
He describes the UAE as an increasingly influential space nation with
the agreement between the two countries reflecting the scale of
Scotland's ambition to lead in small satellite production, data-driven
space services and sustainable space technologies.
All exciting and innovative stuff with the global space market projected
to exceed 1.3 trillion pnds stg by 2035: "We are determined to ensure
Scotland captures its share."
The Scottish Government's Trade & Investment Envoy for Space, Daniel
Smith maintains Scotland's space industry is rapidly evolving.
Partnerships like the UAE letter of intent ensure the country's sector
continues to develop in a globally connected manner.
"It provides a practical framework for joint activity and reaffirms our
commitment to working with world-class partners to unlock new
opportunities in space," he adds.
Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of the country's economic development
agency Scottish Enterprise, says working closely with MBRSC opens up
substantial commercial and R&D opportunities in advanced satellite
technologies, sustainability and space security.
"These collaborations will help drive growth of high-value companies
capable of delivering long-term economic benefit for Scotland."
Open for Business
The agreement follows a three-day programme of engagements in the UAE
led by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes last April designed to build
relations with the country's government and position Scotland as an
investment destination.
The visit coincided with the UAE's first Scotland Week, a programme of
business activity developed to showcase the country's innovation and
expertise across science and technology, energy transition and food and
drink.
The current global economic uncertainty makes it imperative to send a
message to the world that Scotland is open for business and to highlight
its remarkable economic strengths.
The economic levers might not be in Scotland's hands but the Scottish
Government can and will stand squarely behind businesses and help open
doors delivering jobs and with them increased investment.
Skilled Jobs & Space Exploration
The UAE agreement follows the opening of a fully-licensed spaceport in
Shetland. SaxaVord is the UK's first licensed vertical launch facility,
located on the island of Unst, and designed for launching small
satellites into orbit.
Operating out of a former military base it offers ideal polar and
sun-synchronous orbits for missions with major companies including
Germany's Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and Scotland's Orbex.
Also creating high-skilled jobs and supporting future space exploration
from the remote but strategically located islands as satellite
deployment occurs for communications, climate monitoring and earth
observation.
Shetland's unique geography and existing infrastructure, previously
involving oil and gas, represents a new era for Scots and UK
spaceflight.
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