Space technology and development in Scotland

Despite the main centres for the space industry being situated outside Scotland’s borders, the country makes a significant contribution to space technology. World-class research, development and manufacturing mean that, when it comes to space, Scotland punches well above its weight.

Scottish companies and research organisations have made exceptional strides in space technology and development over the years.

STAR-Dundee developed the ‘’Space Wire standard” for all the major space agencies, which allows different systems on spacecraft to communicate with each other. Scotland is also world leader in space thermal batteries – lightweight, long life and reliable batteries that function under extreme conditions.

A number of factors enable Scotland to continually outperform larger countries in the space industry, including a developed infrastructure and tradition of innovation. Scottish companies specialising in satellite technology can capitalise on the imperative for cost reduction. There is a ground observatory at Dundee University which NASA uses to track spacecraft during missions. Dundee University also has a department specialising in space technology. Dr Gianmarco Radice, an expert in space engineering, leads Glasgow University’s Space mission analysis design department. Scotland has expertise in fuel cell technology and small affordable satellite development.

The space technology sector in Scotland is not standing still, and this dynamic industry continues to innovate and take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. The International space station and cost of space exploration itself create opportunities for collaboration. STAR-Dundee will be required to work with companies around the world which have space divisions, to enable them to develop their own space systems. Potential developments in the US, China and India could create more opportunities if more money were to be spent getting people and objects into space. The increased demand for communication means countries will continue to put satellites into space.

Scotland is a country that offers support for ambitious companies working across various aerospace industries. Growth and innovation is promoted and encouraged, with public/private partnerships, financial assistance and cross-sector collaborations all available in Scotland. Scotland leads the way in the following aerospace industries:

Avionics involves the design and manufacture of high-tech navigation, communication and monitoring electronics for aircraft. Several high-profile, global companies are working in the avionics industry in Scotland.

The aerospace and defense industry in Scotland is changing in response to the new threats posed in the 21st Century. Despite the global market being dominated by a relatively small number of large corporations, six of these companies have important facilities based in Scotland.

Aerospace manufacturing and design in Scotland is shifting its business focus to higher-value specialist manufacturing and value-adding services to meet the needs of the aerospace supply chain.

Scotland’s aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul sector is dominated by the world-class MRO hub around Prestwick International Airport and in the west of Scotland. Scotland's share of the MRO market in 2005 was about 4 per cent of the global total and 12 per cent of the European total.

Aerospace and defense-related R& D includes electronics, optoelectronics, micro-electronics, vision systems, materials, energy sources and distribution and propulsion. Ground-breaking aerospace research and development takes place across Scotland.

Scotland is a world leader in several technologies vital to the global space industry, to which it makes a surprisingly significant contribution. One such example of the space sector in Scotland is a ground observatory at Dundee University, used by NASA to track spacecraft during their missions. Initially pre-programmed vehicles for target practice, unmanned aerial vehicles now fill a wide variety of roles within the military including surveillance, search and rescue, decoy, targeting and communications relay. Over 45 companies are presently active in the aerospace composite materials supply chain in Scotland. The term “composites” covers a multitude of products for use within various aerospace industries in Scotland.

The avionics industry in Scotland refers to the design and manufacture of high-tech electronics for aircraft. These components are used for navigation, communication, monitoring, and displaying information.

The avionics industry in Scotland presents many opportunities for inward investment, with major global players having already chosen to establish operations here.

An established electronics supply chain with the capacity and capability to support the avionics sector exists in Scotland. Avionics companies in Scotland tend to be defense-orientated and concentrated mainly in the east of the country.

Several major companies have a base here, as well as a number of specialist niche firms who complement the avionics industry in Scotland.

With a mature and innovative electronics industry already in place, there are substantial advantages for any avionics company that relocates to Scotland.

1. There is a good skills base in areas such as electronics, software, digital media and gaming (applicable to network centric warfare).
2. World-class research takes place into several electronics technologies. First-rate research, design and manufacturing facilities are available for avionics at several locations across Scotland.
3. There are extensive opportunities for both research projects and commercial collaborations.

A fully formed infrastructure, supportive political administration and significant cost savings are some of the many reasons why your avionics company might consider investing in Scotland. Scots have a reputation for hard work and innovation, and a skilled, reliable workforce can offer particular expertise in areas such as: defensive systems, opto and optoelectronic engineering, laser, radar and remote sensing, photonics, software development, flight control systems, missiles and weapons.

microwave and radio frequency systems.

The UK is one of the leading developers of unmanned aerial vehicle technology, with Scotland playing its part in research, development and manufacturing. Initially pre-programmed vehicles for target practice, UAVs now fill a wide variety of civil and military roles, and Scotland has ambitions to be at the forefront of future developments.