Scotland is at the forefront of the modern space race

Scotland’s history in aerospace, engineering and innovation means it has all the components to be a leading nation in European space efforts. It is geographically well-positioned for launch, and the country – or more specifically, Glasgow – already produces the most small satellites in Europe. Scotland stands on the verge of something great: transforming curiosity into capability and imagination into innovation. In a world increasingly defined by what happens in orbit, Scotland is poised to become one of Europe's most strategic launchpads, not just for rockets, but for economic growth, national defence and global influence.

We have the opportunity not only to build space-related technologies but also to command the means to deploy them. This brings unparalleled economic and talent benefits. Universities are conducting world-class space research, apprenticeships are training the next generation of rocket technicians and data engineers, and startups are pioneering innovative propulsion systems, smarter launch technologies and fostering greater collaboration with the government. All this, alongside the advent of industrial AI, new material science and manufacturing capabilities, means that Scotland can harness these technologies alongside its engineering heritage and offer the global space sector something quite unique.

“Only the most strategic and forward-looking nations will capture the economic and scientific rewards of this new space age,” said Baroness Ashton in the House of Lords UK Engagement with Space Committee's recent Space Economy report, and this sentiment certainly rings true. Scotland has all the makings of cultivating an industrial renaissance, and every launch from Scottish soil will represent thousands of jobs. New generations of space companies are applying AI in engineering to help them scale their capabilities and enhance their engineering talent. This will inspire and enable young people from every background to study science, pursue engineering, and start their own companies.

Sovereign launch capability - the ability to send our own satellites into orbit from our own soil - must no longer be an aspiration. In today’s geopolitical climate, it has become essential. Europe’s security and industrial competitiveness depend on it. For too long we have relied on others to carry our most critical technologies into space, but this dependence has become a vulnerability.

Scotland is leading the way in developing spaceports from SaxaVord in Shetland to Sutherland on the north coast, but for a thriving launch sector in Europe, we will require many more locations to launch from. Europe needs multiple, geographically diverse launch sites because, without this freedom of choice, the continent will not be able to meet the launch cadence needed.

With more launch sites and greater access to space, Europe can bolster its defence capabilities and better protect civilians, the military and critical national infrastructure. Both warfare and peacetime depend on intelligence, reconnaissance, situational awareness and communications, and the ability to launch satellites (without depending on political goodwill) is key to improved national security. Defence and space are intrinsically linked, and we’d all do well to remember that.

Scotland’s spaceports are gateways to sovereignty, security and opportunity. If accessibility is matched with demand, Scotland can play a leading role in the next chapter of European space. We can lead in small-satellite innovation and sustainable launch and rocket manufacturing to create a thriving industry that provides skilled jobs for young people for years to come.

Volodymyr Levykin, CEO and Founder, Skyrora