THE space sector is among those in which Scotland’s centuries-old reputation for invention and innovation remains as evident as ever.
Glasgow-based Clyde Space has revealed it is targeting a “world first” in satellite technology, which chief executive Craig Clark believes will create a new wave of space applications.
The company that designed and built Scotland’s first satellite has formed a partnership with quantum technology pioneer Teledyne e2v, focusing on the creation of ultra-sensitive cold atoms in space, within a free-flying satellite.
Applications for instruments based on this technology include more accurate monitoring of changes in polar ice mass, ocean currents and sea level.
Clyde Space and Teledyne e2v have linked up on the Cold Atom Space Payload (CASPA) mission, the world’s first free-flying, on-orbit demonstration for cold
atom-based science
missions. This is aimed at paving the way for cold atom instruments to be used in space.
Scotland punches well above its weight in the UK space sector. It has been estimated that Scotland accounts for around 7,000 or 18 per cent of total job numbers in the space sector in the UK. The annual contribution of the space sector to the Scottish economy has been put at about £130 million.
SNP MSP Paul Wheelhouse noted in March that more than 120 companies were active in Scotland’s space sector.
The sector is a fine example of one that has harnessed the academic prowess of Scotland’s universities.
Clyde Space had a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Strathclyde relating to the UKube-1 satellite, the first to be designed and built in Scotland.
Scotland’s success in the space sector demonstrates what can be done when
high-flying entrepreneurs and our universities put their heads together to develop and commercialise cutting-edge technology.
Such harnessing of Scotland’s talent and academic prowess will become increasingly important across a raft of sectors in an ever-more competitive global landscape. Innovation helps drive up productivity, and creates well-paid jobs.
Success also breeds success by attracting international investment from players wishing to be part of what is going on in particular locations.
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