In recent years, Europe has invested billions into its space industry, raising questions about whether Glasgow's satellite sector can maintain its competitive edge. The story of this industry in Glasgow began in 2005 when Craig Clark, a young space engineer, returned to his hometown with aspirations of starting his own company. He founded Clyde Space, specializing in small satellites known as CubeSats.
Glasgow's Satellite Industry
CubeSats are compact, measuring just 10cm on each side, and are significantly cheaper and quicker to develop than traditional satellites. These modular satellites can be equipped with various technologies, making them versatile for applications such as weather forecasting, global positioning, and environmental monitoring. The data they collect is vital for governments, aiding in decision-making and emergency responses.
According to the Scottish Government, Glasgow now leads Europe in the production of small satellites, with the wider space industry generating £335 million in income in 2022-23, marking a 69% increase over five years. The sector employed 2,811 people, an 81% rise during the same period.
The Growth of the Industry
The success of Glasgow's satellite industry was not a result of government planning but rather an organic growth spurred by companies like Clyde Space, which built Scotland's first satellite, UKube-1, in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde. This partnership provided essential skills and research, fostering a new space cluster in the city. Other companies, such as Craft Prospect and Alba Orbital, followed suit, contributing to the burgeoning ecosystem.
