Scotland is currently a leader in space technology, with Glasgow leading in satellite manufacture and Edinburgh leading in downstream technologies. Glasgow produces more satellites than any other European city.
Scotland is home to major Space research institutions and companies. Strathclyde, Glasgow, Heriot Watt and Edinburgh Universities are taking part in important space research. Many companies too are working on ensuring satellite launch capability from the north of Scotland. This put Scotland a unique position of having full spacefairing capability in the space of several hundred kilometres. A non-departmental body will ensure that the Scottish Government is well placed to ensure that the public, industry and academia can capitalise on this opportunity.
The Scottish Government currently aims to capture 10% of the UK space market. The creation of a non-departmental body will ensure that this target is met and exceeded by providing:
● R&D Funding (Academia & Industry)
● Public Policy
● Research Fellowships (PhD & PostDoctoral)
● Country of Origin Marketing (Ensuring Scotland is seen as a place of excellence)
● STEM Outreach
● Internship funding (Academia & Industry)
● Events
This petition recognises that many powers within Space are still reserved by the UK Government. A non-departmental body focussed on Space will work in partnership and alongside UK bodies to ensure Scottish space leadership.