Boost to Scotland’s space tech sector

Celestia UK, specialists in the advancement of state-of-the-art antenna systems used for tracking satellites, has announced that Heriot-Watt University’s Research Park will be its permanent base in Scotland. Establishing the business at the Research Park will enable the company to embark on its next development phase, which includes setting up new lab and assembly facilities, as well as establishing a larger base to deliver cutting-edge innovation in satellite-on-the-move user terminals and gateway systems. Following a £2.5 million R&D award from Scottish Enterprise earlier this year to develop a new electronic scanning antenna, Celestia UK will create 18 new jobs in Scotland, recruiting engineers across several different disciplines. The Research Park is recognised internationally as a centre for high calibre science and engineering research. In its new facilities, Celestia UK will also design and produce a flat panel satellite antenna for aircraft, pioneering a next generation satellite link for enhanced in-flight connectivity. Scotland has a strong and growing reputation in the space industry with companies in the sector increasing from 104 to 132 between 2016 and 2019. 18% of jobs in the UK space sector are now based in Scotland, according to the UK Space Agency. José Alonso, Chairman of Celestia UK’s parent company, Celestia Technologies Group, said: “We moved to GRID at Heriot-Watt University in January 2020, having chosen Scotland because of its burgeoning space sector, which is characterised by a high level of skill, R&D and investment. “To fuel our growth, we’re able to build a team from a wealth of talent on the doorstep at Heriot-Watt and other universities, as well as from professionals within the Scottish space industry who value the location, facilities and beautiful environment of the Research Park.” Paul Devlin, Head of Commercialisation at Heriot-Watt University, commented: “We’ve been delighted to welcome Celestia UK to the University and help in the company’s expansion. With Heriot-Watt’s expertise in delivering commercial, strategic and innovation support, we look forward to future collaborations and helping companies grow into exciting, profitable, world-class businesses.