IT is a decision that further proves Scotland’s stellar space science status.
A galaxy of some of the brightest lights in astronautics, satellite technology and more are to descend on Edinburgh as the city hosts the National Student Space Conference (NSSC) for the first time.
Backed by bodies including the UK Space Agency (UKSA), the event has never landed in Scotland before.
Organisers say the move is related to Scotland’s growing reputation as a major player in the space sector.
The number of space companies headquartered here has grown by 25% since 2016, with almost one fifth of all jobs in the UK space sector now based here.
And the country’s institutions are leading international research projects, such as the €4 million Stardust Reloaded initiative headed by Professor Massimiliano Vasile of Strathclyde University in Glasgow.
That city now builds more satellites than any other in Europe.
Meanwhile, Scotland is also set to host the UK’s first spaceport.
Last year the A’Mhoine peninsula in Sutherland was named the preferred site for a facility which could deliver vertical rocket and satellite launches from the early 2020s.
All this and more will be on the agenda at the two-day March conference, which will pull in around 300 delegates.
Edinburgh-based Skyrora, which is finalising preparations for its rocket engine testing programme, will be amongst key participants.
According to UKSEDS, the conference location is “perfectly aligned for discussions about the future of space launches in the UK”.
Lewis Lappin, local conference coordinator and past president of the Edinburgh University Physics and Astronomy Society, said: “I am really excited to be bringing the National Student Space Conference to Edinburgh.
“With a booming industry and plenty of world class research right on our door steps, it is an amazing time to be interested in the space industry. I hope this event will help inspire and educate fellow students about the careers opportunities in the space sector.”
As well as a focus on launch capabilities, the conference will include talks on topics such as planetary science, gravitational waves, and dark matter from leading academics in Scotland and industry professionals including Professor Malcolm MacDonald, director of the Scottish Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications (SoXSA) at Strathclyde University.
Professor Danielle George, a UK lead for the $1.4 billion ALMA project – the most expensive ground-based telescope in the world – will also address delegates.
Other speakers include leading cosmologist Professor Catherine Heymans of Edinburgh University.
Backed by UKSA, it is sponsored by international space systems and technology firm Leonardo, which also produces weapons, and Airbus, the biggest space company in Europe.
Other supporters include Raytheon, another weapons firm which plays a leading role in space technology, the Royal Astronomical and Aeronautical Societies and the France-based International Space University.
The first day of the conference will explore the scope of the Westminster Government’s plans to achieve a launch into orbit from 2020 and the way UK-based enterprises are “fuelling this initiative”.
Claire Barcham, commercial space director at UKSA, said: “The National Student Space Conference is set to be a fantastic event for young people again this year and the UK Space Agency is delighted to be playing a part in inspiring the next generation into the space industry.”
Dr Ciara McGrath, research associate at Scottish Centres of Excellence in Satellite Applications host Strathclyde University, said: “It’s brilliant to see the NSSC come to Scotland where the space sector is thriving.
“I hope the students take inspiration from the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that’s driving the fast-growing Scottish space industry.”
Announced in July, the Sutherland facility plan would see American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin establish the launch operations, backed by grants worth £23.5m from UKSA.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is to add £9.8m but no planning application has yet been lodged.
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