ROCKET firm Skyrora is blasting off to greater heights thanks to a new base in the capital.
The move to the Princes Street office comes shortly after space tech developer Skyrora initiated the first in a series of sub-orbital test launches at the Kildermorie Estate in Ross-shire.
READ MORE: Scottish space firm Skyrora reaches for the sky
Skyrora has signed a five-year lease on the new premises in the city centre and is on track with research and tests that will allow it to take satellites of up to 350 kilograms into orbit.
Scotland is frequently praised for its influence within the European space sector, with Glasgow building more satellites than any other European city. More than 7000 jobs have been created through the space sector, which is worth around £130 million to the Scottish economy.
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Daniel Smith, director of business development at Skyrora, said: “Edinburgh is a positive tech-hub that is drawing some of the best STEM talent in the UK. From here we can easily reach several top universities, the thriving satellite tech firms in Glasgow as well as potential future launch sites in the north of the country – and of course the rest of the world from the airport.
“Our new premises will also allow us to continue growing a multi-talented team, which will yield some amazing opportunities and include some of the UK’s first true rocket apprenticeships and graduate placements.”
Skyrora is moving from its current Edinburgh base at St. Colme Street and has now committed to remaining in Scotland for the foreseeable future.
The long-term commitment to the Scottish capital has been taken by the council as a direct sign that Scotland has become a main attraction to growing tech firms.
City of Edinburgh council leader Adam McVey said: “It is fantastic for the capital to have a business like Skyrora opt to commit its headquarters here. As the only UK-headquartered launch provider competing to send rockets into orbit from a forthcoming UK spaceport, it is a truly exciting enterprise that will draw in lots of interest in the coming years.
“This is yet another great business providing opportunities for skilled graduates and apprentices in crucial science and tech subjects. I wish them all the best for their office move and their continued success.”
Skyrora’s rocket is on target to be the first privately owned rocket to reach space from UK soil.
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