The Scottish government has made a US$18.1 million investment in satellite technology for the maritime and aviation industries.
According to a statement from Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s national economic development agency, the funding will be made to Spire Global, experts in the manufacture and testing of data-collecting nanosatellites.
It will involve the construction of a new 40,000 square foot premises and more than tripling Spire Global’s workforce.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, said: “Our space sector is already punching above its weight, with almost one fifth of all UK jobs in this industry based north of the border and Scotland producing more small satellites than any other country in Europe.
“This investment will help Spire Global develop its infrastructure and technologies, which in turn will create dozens of high-tech and highly skilled jobs and training opportunities in Scotland’s space sector.
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“Only five years ago I announced Spire Global was creating 50 jobs by opening its office in Scotland – to see the rapid expansion of this innovative company shows the strength of our workforce and pool of talent coming from our world class universities.
“Spire Global’s expansion sends a strong message that even in these uncertain times, Scotland remains open for business and has the potential to be Europe’s leading space nation.”
Satellite technology is a vital and exciting innovation in the maritime industry as it can potentially enable greater vessel tracking and data collecting and sharing throughout the supply chain.
This is particularly important for regions such as the Northern Sea Route, a potentially revolutionary shipping passage.
