International Scots come together to help boost space sector
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A new group has been formed to help Scotland claim a £4 billion share of the global space industry – which the Scottish Government claims could create up to 20,000 jobs in the next seven years.
The Scotland International Space Advisory Committee (SISAC) is made up of global experts from the space industry who are part of the government's GlobalScot programme.
This network of Scots in business around the world have come together to voluntarily provide advice and identify opportunities to help the country make the most of opportunities in the sector.
Business minister Ivan McKee said: “Space brings great opportunity for Scotland in terms of the economic development it delivers, its relevance for the climate change agenda and the power it has to inspire the next generation. That is why the Scottish Government has identified it as a priority in our National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
“The space sector is a key opportunity for the future, and we will continue to build on our strengths. The expertise and insight offered by the members of SISAC will be hugely beneficial to our progress.
“I am grateful to the members of this new committee for volunteering to come together to help Scotland live up to its full potential in growing the space sector.”
The Scottish Government says that Scotland is making huge advances in the space sector, with the first orbital launch from Scottish soil due in 2023.
It cites Space Hub Sutherland which will host launches by owners Orbex, based in Forres, from next year, while SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland will offer a multi-pad, multi-user, launch facility with multiple launch partners.
As well as its launch capabilities, Scotland is also leading the way in small satellite manufacturing, with Glasgow building more satellites than any other place in Europe, the government said. It also points out that Scottish skills and innovation played an important role in the development of the instruments on board the James Webb Space Telescope.
Joanna Peters, chair of the SISAC, said: “It is the intent of the SISAC to help fuel and ignite a national passion toward a space-based economy by capitalising on its strong heritage of exploration, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“Working with the GlobalScot organisation and our network of national and international leaders, we aim to develop strategic recommendations, building upon precise and transparent advocacy, influence, consultation and development.”
