Glasgow has carved out a niche for itself as a leader in Europe's small satellite industry. The city produces more small satellites than any other European location. But as other nations pour money into their space sectors, Glasgow faces stiff competition.
The city's journey to becoming a satellite powerhouse began with Craig Clark. He founded Clyde Space in 2005, focusing on CubeSats, which are smaller and more affordable satellites. This vision paid off. Other companies, like Craft Prospect and Alba Orbital, followed suit. Even the American satellite company Spire set up its European base in Glasgow in 2015, drawn by the city's burgeoning satellite scene.
The space industry here has grown naturally, driven by partnerships with institutions like the University of Strathclyde. The university plays a major role, with more than 100 people involved in space-related projects, and it has made space technology a strategic priority. This collaboration has fostered a thriving environment, with the local space sector bringing in £335 million in income for 2022-23 and providing jobs for 2,811 people.
Yet, Glasgow's position faces challenges. Other European countries, particularly Germany and Finland, are investing heavily in their space industries. Germany is planning a €35 billion investment in military space tech. Meanwhile, Finland's ICEYE, known for its radar satellites, has secured over €1 billion in funding. Such moves could shift the balance in Europe's space industry.
Experts like Will Lecky from know.space warn about the gap in public space funding between the UK and countries like France and Germany. This disparity poses a threat to Glasgow's standing. In the global space market, investment tends to align with significant government spending, potentially putting the UK at a disadvantage.
Additionally, the geopolitical climate, shaped by events like the war in Ukraine, has influenced the importance of satellite capabilities. Governments are major customers in the space sector, seeking reliable satellite communications and preferring to have these technologies developed within their own borders.
Gabriele Piazza, an economist at the London School of Economics, points out that government procurement of advanced technology can heavily influence where companies choose to invest and where expertise is cultivated. Companies with strong domestic clients have a lasting edge, which could affect Glasgow's future in the industry.
Glasgow's space sector has grown impressively, but changes like Clyde Space's acquisition by Swedish firm AAC Microtec and Alba Orbital's shift to the US highlight the industry's fluidity. These shifts underscore the competitive landscape in satellite production.
