SMALL SATELLITE PIONEERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT SPACE-COMM EXPO SCOTLAND

22nd August 2024

The Scottish space sector is thriving and in recent years has emerged as a dynamic player in the global space industry with small satellites pioneering a new space revolution. Small satellites are certain to take centre stage at Space-Comm Expo Scotland, the biggest space industry event ever held in Scotland, at SEC Glasgow on 11-12 September.

Scotland designs and builds more small satellites than any other country in Europe. With a unique combination of technological innovation, strategic investment, academic and research facilities, and government support, Scotland is positioning itself at the forefront of a new rapidly growing global space economy. Scotland’s small satellite industry is not just a local success story, it is a critical component of the UK’s ambitions to capture 10% of the global space market by 2030 estimated at $500 billion. On average over 2,800 satellites are predicted to launch annually and 90% will be small satellites.

Over 3,000 delegates, 70 exhibitors and 50 speakers are expected to attend the inaugural Space-Comm Expo Scotland attracting global leaders and industry experts from across government, defence, business and academia. Keynote speakers include the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, UK and Scottish Government Ministers and Space Scotland. Registration is free to attend via: https://space-comm-scotland.co.uk/

Small satellites, often referred to as smallsats, are revolutionising the space industry with Glasgow based companies including AAC Clyde Space, Spire Global and Alba Orbital pioneers in launching numerous satellites for commercial, telecommunications, climate monitoring, earth observation and scientific applications. Unlike traditional satellites which can be the size of a car or bigger, and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, smallsats are compact, affordable and can be produced at a fraction of the cost.

The demand for smallsats has exploded in recent years driven by cost and versatility for launching space missions with the ‘New Space’ movement characterised by the entry of private companies, startups, small businesses and academic institutions manufacturing and launching smallsats. Around 26,000 smallsats are expected to be launched between 2023-2032 according to Euroconsult valued at $110 billion driven by mega constellations with SpaceX’s Starlink, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and China SatNet GuoWang. Scotland with its rich heritage in engineering excellence and entrepreneurial ecosystem is not just participating, it is helping to lead this new space revolution.

AAC Clyde Space CCO, Peter Anderson said: “AAC Clyde Space are thrilled to welcome the global space community to Scotland for the upcoming Space-Comm Expo. As a key hub in the UK’s space industry, and Glasgow a centre of small satellite manufacturing, we’re eager to showcase our innovations and collaborate on shaping the future of the space industry.”

Space-Comm Expo Scotland is free to anyone with an interest in space, science, technology and business keen to learn more about UK ambitions and opportunities. The award winning format organised by Hub Exhibitions includes exhibitors, product demonstrations, speakers, panel sessions and 1-2-1 networking business opportunities. The busy two day programme will showcase and debate a wide range of topics including satellite manufacturing, spaceports, launch capabilities, downstream data, AI, cyber security, space law, investment, skills development and space sustainability.

Space-Comm Expo Scotland is supported by the UK Space Agency, UKSpace, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Government, Space Scotland, South Scotland Enterprise, FinTech Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and attracts international delegates and visitors from all across Europe and the global space community.

For more information on exhibiting email: spacecomm@hubexhibitions.co.uk

Back to content