Archives for 2024

Sirius Space Services has signed a contract with Equatorial Launch Australia for a multi-year, multi-launch campaign from the Arnhem Space Centre.

The agreement will see Sirius become a ‘Resident Launcher’ at the spaceport from 2025, taking up residency at their own dedicated Space Launch Complex (SLC) for the extended term of their multi-year contract. Sirius has elected to take up a ‘full service’ solution to be provided by ELA, taking advantage of the full suite of launch and mission support services and facilities available at the remote but ‘cutting edge’ commercial East Arnhem Land spaceport.

The campaign will begin with the development and test flights of SIRIUS 1 in 2026, followed by launches of the larger SIRIUS 13 (800 kg payload capacity) in 2027.

Artist impression of SIRIUS 1 rocket on an Advanced Launch Pad at the Arnhem Space Centre.

The flexibility to access a range of orbits, including medium and low inclination orbits, SSO and equatorial, along with ELA’s full-service offering, were the key reasons behind the decision by Sirius to sign with ELA for launches from the ASC. The deal significantly emphasizes the desirability and market-fit of launching from the Arnhem Space Centre and the industry leading advanced engineering and technology solutions and launch services provided by ELA. Sirius, whose planned launch cadence could scale up over time to 18 launches per year, develops competitive launch solutions designed to meet the growing needs of the commercial space market.

Sirius has selected Space Launch Complex No.3 (SLC3) or ‘Le Mans’ for their home base. The Le Mans SLC will have a dedicated 45m x 26m x 12m high Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) with ISO 8 vertical payload integration clean room with its own full span, 20T gantry crane. Le Mans SLC also has two ASC Advanced Launch Pads (ASCALP) where one will be fully developed with the ability to accommodate Sirius’ three variants of rocket, SIRIUS 1, SIRIUS 13 and, in future, the large 4 booster SIRIUS 15 variant. The other launch pad will be part-developed as a back-up.

The Sirius range. SIRIUS 1, SIRIUS 13 and SIRIUS 15.

Services to be provided by ELA as part of the deal include joint design, manufacturing, integration of a range of essential launch system equipment (under Sirius lead) as well as a comprehensive systems and services for launch and mission operations (under ELA lead). It will cover a very wide scope including: strongback and support/clamping equipment design and integration, propellant, oxidizer and gases provision and delivery to the rockets, launch management, mission control functions, assistance with launch permit applications, logistics to and from Paris to the ASC spaceport, on-site accommodation and detailed support for assembly, integration and test of both engines and rocket systems.

Sirius’ has an innovative approach to rocket engine design which comprises metal additive manufacturing / 3D printing using copper and nickel-chromium superalloys. Its STAR-1 engine is fueled by liquid oxygen and methane – producing 55kN of thrust.

The agreement marks the second ‘Resident Launcher’ contract for ELA; further validating ELA’s innovative business model. Several other contracts and commercial alliance deals are expected to be announced in the near future.

“I’m delighted and excited to announce this contract with Sirius Space Services,” said ELA’s Group CEO, Michael Jones. “Sirius will become the second resident launcher at the Arnhem Space Centre which means they will leverage ELA’s advanced commercial spaceport concept, taking advantage of our comprehensive suite of launch solutions, innovative commercial offering and the best customer service and support to increase efficiency, safety, mission assuredness and commercial benefit to Sirius. It was key for Sirius to have the ability to access unique orbit options to service their clients and we are probably the only place on the planet that could provide access to these orbits, the support level required, and access to the scope of launch services in the timeframe required. We absolutely love working with Sirius who we believe are among the most mature and advanced launch service providers we work with.“

Jones added, “When you combine the list of services and equipment offered with physical attributes of the spaceport including: minimal jet stream and stable upper atmosphere, low maritime and air traffic and all the attendant infrastructure assets in our area such as a sealed B737 capable runway and airport within 15 kms, deepwater port, weather monitoring facilities, hospital and no population within 30 kms, it’s quite compelling. When added to the most important element – the access to more orbital inclinations for Earth Observation, Communication/IOT and Defence applications – the ASC can be almost be considered a ‘designer spaceport. Sirius is bringing innovation into the small launch market by developing a range of agile and affordable and flexible launch solutions. They are an extremely impressive rocket company. The rate of progress during each of our visits to their premises in the past few years has been remarkable and their vision for sustainable and reusable space systems is world leading.”

Mr. Jones stated that in addition to contracted rocket companies Innospace and Sirius, inbound enquiry relating to ELA’s services has been ‘hot’ meaning the Space Launch Complexes are filling fast. “We are currently in the final stages of negotiation with three more launchers about our resident launch contracts, so our remaining orbital complexes are filling fast. The feedback we are receiving is that our comprehensive, full-service approach is really resonating with these rocket companies and their payload customers and that is why we’ve developed our new tagline: ‘You build the rockets… we’ll take care of the rest’,” said Jones.

In addition to its seven dedicated ‘Resident Launcher’ Space Launch Complexes, ELA has expanded its offering to include common use, multi-user launch pads for ad hoc or ‘one-off’ launches as well as a suborbital multi-user launch pad facility.

“This contract demonstrates the potential for the ASC to deliver on our goal of being the pre-eminent commercial launch site globally. With the combination of our launch pad design/technology, launch inclination options, respected geopolitical reputation, infrastructure, logistics and engineering support solutions, we know we offer a highly competitive and attractive spaceport solution,” said Jones.

François Maroquene-Froissart, Co-founder & CTO of Sirius Space Services, said, “Our decision to select ELA was driven by their advanced commercial spaceport concept, which includes state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative commercial offerings, and exceptional customer service and support. ELA’s commitment to safety, operational excellence, and service aligns with our mission to deliver agile and competitive launch solutions to our global clientele.”

Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT) has selected Calian Group Ltd. (TSX:CGY), an Ottawa-based company with deep experience in delivering advanced technology solutions for the space, defence, and terrestrial sectors, to design, develop, deliver and deploy the Element Management System (EMS) within the Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network as well as to provide lifecycle maintenance and support for the system.

The EMS will be instrumental in connecting and maintaining operations for various components within the Telesat Lightspeed network, identifying and addressing issues to ensure optimal performance. With the EMS, Telesat will be able to manage the configuration and capabilities of Telesat Lightspeed Landing Stations, User Terminals, and the satellite onboard processors as needed. In addition, Telesat will leverage the EMS to collect and share Telesat Lightspeed system data with the company’s Operations Support Systems and Network Operations Centers to gain full visibility into the state of the entire constellation.

The Telesat Lightspeed constellation is a network of advanced LEO satellites and integrated terrestrial infrastructure that will offer high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to remote locations across Canada and worldwide. The Telesat Lightspeed network will support multi-Gbps data rates for government, aeronautical, maritime and enterprise customers, including industries such as oil and gas that operate in locations without access to fibre. Telesat Lightspeed will also help to bridge the digital divide, by expanding the reach of telecom networks in unserved and underserved areas.

Calian’s EMS technology will play a crucial role in in the network operations for Telesat Lightspeed, the largest space program in Canada’s history. In addition to helping to bridge the digital divide, the Telesat Lightspeed network is creating and sustaining thousands of high-quality Canadian jobs and puts Canada at the forefront of the burgeoning New Space Economy.   

“We are excited to support the Telesat Lightspeed LEO network with essential software and services for this cutting-edge satellite constellation,” said Valérie Travain-Milone, President, Advanced Technologies, Calian. “By enabling high-speed connectivity in remote and underserved areas, Telesat Lightspeed will empower industries and communities across Canada and beyond. We’re proud to contribute to this transformative project, ensuring reliable, affordable internet access on land, at sea and in the air.”  

“The EMS is a critical component of the orchestration of system segments in this advanced, enterprise-class network,” said Aneesh Dalvi, Vice President for Telesat Lightspeed Systems Development. “We conducted a thorough search to find an innovative partner that could meet our requirements and Calian demonstrated the technological knowledge and expertise to deliver this capability; selecting them is a significant milestone as we push toward the launch of the Telesat Lightspeed network.”  

Rocket Lab’s 53^rd Electron mission is scheduled for lift-off on September 19 NZST (September 18 UTC).

Mission Name: Kinéis Killed the RadIOT Star

Customer: Kinéis – space-based IoT connectivity everywhere, all the time (kineis.com)

Satellite Payload: Five satellites to build out the Kinéis IoT constellation

Launch Site: Launch Complex 1, Pad A, New Zealand

Target Launch Time:

• NZDT |11:00 am, September 19
• UTC | 11:00 pm, September 18
• EST | 07:00 pm, September 18
• PST | 04:00 pm, September 18

Full Mission Details: www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-mission

Watch Live: A live webcast will be available approximately 20 minutes prior lift-off on launch day YouTube.   

Follow @RocketLab on X for real-time updates on launch day!

OneWeb Technologies, Inc. recently announced the commercial availability of the firm’s Astra solution that is designed to ensure seamless LEO SATCOM connectivity and operational performance when GPS/global navigation satellite signals (GNSS) are unavailable or compromised.

Astra is the first packaged solution consisting of a software-defined outdoor receiver with access to A-PNT broadcast service to enhance connectivity resilience available in the market. The Astra receiver processes PNT signals from GNSS and other alternate sources and frequency bands.

This advanced capability enables continuous connectivity and situational awareness even in very harsh spectrum-contested campaigns by adversaries. In fitting with the military’s Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency (PACE) communications plan considerations, Astra establishes options for resilient communications capabilities and ensures the continuity and success of critical missions.

Astra’s key features include:

• Pairs with a non-GNSS A-PNT broadcast services, such as Iridium
• Identifies the best source of PNT, and produces an output signal compatible with the standard GPS L1 interface
• Maintains robust PNT resilience in GNSS-challenged environments globally

“Astra is a game-changer for defense users operating in difficult environments,” said Kevin Steen, President and CEO of Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies.” Astra A-PNT ensures that mission-critical operations can continue seamlessly — enhancing both connectivity and situational performance — by providing a reliable alternative to traditional GPS/GNSS.”

Airbus has been selected by MDA Space Ltd. (TSX:MDA) to supply solar arrays for MDA AURORA, the software-defined satellite product line enabling constellations to extend communication networks to every corner of the world.

Airbus will supply more than 200 Sparkwing solar arrays that will be built on a designated line at Airbus’ high-capacity production facility in Leiden, the Netherlands. The solar array is the largest Sparkwing to date, consisting of two wings with five panels each and providing a photovoltaic area of well over 30 sqm. 

The MDA AURORA^TM supply chain will help support product deliveries for anchor customer Telesat’s LEO satellite constellation Lightspeed, an innovative, advanced global network that will bring enterprise-class connectivity to customers worldwide.

Designed to meet the changing technical and business requirements of the satellite industry, the software-defined MDA AURORA^TM software-defined satellite product line provides operators with unparalleled flexibility and functionality, dramatically enhancing constellation performance at reduced cost and time to market. 

Sparkwing is the world’s first commercially available, off-the-shelf, solar array for smallsats. It was originally optimized for LEO missions that require power levels between 100W and 2000W. It offers customers a choice of more than 30 different panel dimensions, configurable into deployable wings with one, two or three panels per wing, with single actuation need (due to only one hold-down per wing). In the meantime, its application range has grown to cover also higher power demands and more and larger panels per wing for missions to LEO and beyond.

Next to power generation, the solar array product provides a high stiffness, minimal integration effort (made for integration by the customer) and benign demands on the spacecraft sidewall tolerances. Sparkwing is a product developed by Airbus in the Netherlands, with the support of the Netherlands Space Office and ESA.

“We are delighted to be selected as the supplier of solar arrays to partner with MDA Space for Telesat Lightspeed. Our industrialized Sparkwing solar array product not only meets the demands of this ground-breaking constellation project, but is also tailored to ensure optimal performance in space. The Sparkwing solar arrays are designed for series production, ideally suited for constellations, and we will accordingly contribute to a project enabling space connectivity,” said Rob Postma, Managing Director of Airbus in the Netherlands.

T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) successfully sent and received – for the first time in the U.S. – a wireless emergency alert (WEA) via satellite — this breakthrough opens up the 500,000 square miles of lightly populated, mountainous and/or uninhabitable land across the country to critical, life-saving emergency alerts. 

At 5:13 p.m., PT, on Thursday, September 5th, T-Mobile initiated a test alert for a hypothetical evacuation notice.  The alert was sent 217 miles into space where it was received by one of the more than 175 Starlink direct-to-smartphone satellites currently in LEO that effectively function as cell towers in space. The alert was then broadcast to a geographic area impacted by the hypothetical evacuation notice and received by a T-Mobile smartphone.

In total, it took emergency operators just seconds to queue up an emergency message and deliver that message via Starlink satellites to users on the ground.

The life-saving benefits of satellite-enabled WEAs are immense. Take the 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California as an example. The fire, which ultimately burned more than 150,000 acres, forced the evacuation of 52,000 people, destroyed 19,000 structures including most of the city of Paradise and, most devastatingly, took 86 lives, erupted in the rural Sierra Nevada mountains.

Those who lived, worked or played off the cellular network grid – relatively common in lightly populated areas with significant elevation changes – had no access to emergency alerts due to lack of wireless service coverage. The fire also took out a reported 17 cell towers on the first day of the fire and 66 total during the first two weeks of the blaze making communications – with first responders or loved ones – nearly impossible for many.

T-Mobile and Starlink, with more than 175 direct-to-smartphone satellites currently in low-earth orbit, are currently testing satellite-to-smartphone service. Additional SpaceX launches are scheduled over the coming months to add more satellites to the current constellation, further blanketing the country with wireless coverage. As that happens, T-Mobile intends to beta test the service before launching it commercially.

“This is one of those days, as the CEO of a wireless company, that makes me pause for a moment and reflect on how technology advancements and the work we’re doing is truly impacting life and death situations,” said Mike Sievert, CEO, T-Mobile.

Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT) has completed funding agreements with the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec for their highly advanced Telesat Lightspeed LEO broadband satellite constellation.

With this milestone completed, Telesat now has all financing sources in place to fund the global Telesat Lightspeed network, including the satellites, launch vehicles to deploy them, an integrated terrestrial network of landing stations and points of presence throughout the world, and the business and operational support systems for the network. All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

As previously disclosed, the Government of Canada loan is for $2.14 billion and will carry a floating interest rate that is 4.75% above the Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average (CORRA) with a 15-year maturity. Interest is payable in-kind during the Telesat Lightspeed construction period, followed by a 10-year sculpted amortization. Furthermore, the Government of Canada is receiving warrants for 10% of the common shares of Telesat LEO based upon an equity valuation for Telesat LEO of US$3 billion. The Government of Quebec loan is for $400 million and has terms that largely mirror the Government of Canada loan but with warrants for 1.87%, in proportion to the smaller loan amount. The borrower under each loan, Telesat LEO Inc. (Telesat LEO), is a subsidiary of Telesat.

The Telesat Lightspeed network is expected to play a critical role in bridging the digital divide by expanding the reach of internet and 5G networks in unserved and underserved communities in Canada and throughout the world, with affordable, high-speed broadband connectivity. In addition, the Telesat Lightspeed network is expected to help governments – including the Government of Canada – modernize their satellite communications technology and make meaningful contributions to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) modernization to bolster defence for Canada and its allies.

Telesat has increased its Canadian workforce by approximately 33% in the last 12 months and expects 2024 capital expenditures for the program to be in the range of $1 billion to $1.4 billion. Telesat plans to launch the first Telesat Lightspeed satellites in mid-2026. Since Telesat’s announcement of MDA Space as its prime satellite manufacturer in August 2023, MDA has selected and onboarded over 90 percent of the suppliers for the Telesat Lightspeed program.

“We are pleased to conclude these funding arrangements with the governments of Canada and Quebec as we make strong progress on the build-out of the revolutionary Telesat Lightspeed constellation, the largest space program in Canada’s history,” said Dan Goldberg, President and CEO of Telesat. “Telesat Lightspeed will help bridge the digital divide in Canada and throughout the world, create and sustain thousands of high-quality jobs in Canada, deliver billions of dollars of investment in the Canadian economy, spur domestic innovation and exports, and ensure that Canada and Quebec are at the forefront of the rapidly growing New Space Economy.

“Our government is focused on Canadians and today’s announcement with Telesat and MDA is our commitment in action. Designed, manufactured, and operated in Canada – the Telesat Lightspeed satellite network will be the largest in Canadian history – creating thousands of jobs, growing our economy, and getting high-speed internet to Canadians. We’re putting Canada at the forefront of opportunity, with a fair chance for everyone to succeed,” said the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada.

“This is good news for our economy, not only are we consolidating 650 existing jobs, but we are creating nearly 1000 paying jobs in a cutting-edge sector. It is also a strategic project for Quebec. With the Telesat and MDA project, the message we are sending today is that Quebec continues to stand out. The future of aerospace is happening in Quebec!” said François Legault, Premier of Quebec.

 “Today, we are cementing Canada’s position as a global leader in the new space economy. This investment will create high-skilled jobs, support innovation, and secure Canada’s telecommunications systems. This agreement with Telesat Lightspeed, the largest space program ever conceived and built in Canada, will have a significant impact on the growing network of Canadian suppliers and talent, offering critical support to the sector as it continues to flourish,” said the Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

About Telesat
Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT) is one of the largest and most innovative global satellite operators. Telesat works collaboratively with its customers to deliver critical connectivity solutions that tackle the world’s most complex communications challenges, providing powerful advantages that improve their operations and drive profitable growth. Continuously innovating to meet the connectivity demands of the future, Telesat Lightspeed, the company’s state-of-the-art Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, has been optimized to meet the rigorous requirements of telecom, government, maritime and aeronautical customers. Telesat Lightspeed will redefine global satellite connectivity with ubiquitous, affordable, high-capacity links with fiber-like speeds.

Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) has been awarded a follow on contract from NASA Stennis for additional ASTRA (Autonomous Satellite Technology for Resilient Applications) support aboard LizzieSat^TM-1.

A key component of the additional objectives is collecting onboard data for critical systems. This capability enables ASTRA’s Primary Operations Control Center (POCC) to manage the Electrical Power System (EPS) through Sidus’ Mission Control Center (MCC). As a result, the satellite’s battery voltage can be continuously monitored and optimized, ensuring that the payload operates normally even in less-than-ideal solar conditions. The ability to dynamically manage power by activating or deactivating specific equipment based on battery charge levels and mission needs represents a crucial advancement in operational flexibility and efficiency.

Carol Craig, CEO of Sidus Space, said, “With the successful completion of ASTRA’s primary mission objective in early July, we now look forward to the opportunity to provide further support for this historical NASA Stennis mission.  We anticipate the execution of the additional requirements to be mutually beneficial by optimizing satellite performance and ensuring operational continuity under varied and even adverse conditions. This contract with NASA exemplifies our dedication to advancing space technology through innovation and rigorous execution.”

About Sidus Space
Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) is a multi-faceted Space Infrastructure-as-a-Service satellite company focused on mission-critical hardware manufacturing; multi-disciplinary engineering services; satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations; and in-orbit support. The Company is in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where it operates from a 35,000-square-foot manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing facility focused on vertically integrated Space-as-a-Service solutions including end-to-end satellite support. Sidus Space has a mission of Bringing Space Down to Earth and a vision of enabling space flight heritage status for new technologies while delivering data and predictive analytics to domestic and global customers.  More than just a “Satellite-as-a-Service” provider, Sidus Space products and services are offered through its several business units: Space-as-a-Service, Space-Based Data Solutions, AI/ML Products and Services, Mission Planning and Management Operations, 3D Printing and Products and Services, Satellite Manufacturing and Payload Integration. and Space and Defense Hardware Manufacturing. Sidus Space is ISO 9001:2015, AS9100 Rev. D certified, and ITAR registered.

ICEYE US has been selected by NASA to provide synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for its Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program through a five year fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity (IDIQ), multiple-award contract.

Since 2020, NASA’s CSDA program has been identifying, evaluating, and acquiring data from commercial sources, including ICEYE satellites, to support the scientific research, analysis, and application objectives of NASA’s Earth Science Division.

Since 2020, NASA’s CSDA program has been identifying, evaluating, and acquiring data from commercial sources, including ICEYE satellites, to support the scientific research, analysis, and application objectives of NASA’s Earth Science Division.

NASA has long proven the value of adding commercial remote sensing data to its existing capabilities as a critical tool for capturing changes across the Earth’s surface. With the increasing impact of climate change, these tools are more critical than ever.

Unlike traditional Earth observation satellites, SAR satellites can collect data in daylight, at night, through cloud cover, and under other challenging atmospheric conditions.  Importantly for science, radar sensors provide millimeter accuracy in their measurement of features on Earth’s surface, allowing detailed investigation for scientific study.  Unique to ICEYE’s constellation capabilities is the ability to produce both wide area datasets, such as glacial regions or deserts, or targeted areas, like forests or coastlines, with a high revisit rate that optimizes scientific value and supports breakthrough scientific research applications.

“NASA’s Earth Science objectives are invaluable for exploring and protecting our planet.  We remain grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting NASA’s mission with our data,” said Eric Jensen, CEO of ICEYE US. “NASA researchers, collaborating scientists and academic partners will enjoy expanded access to a reliable, accurate radar data stream from the world’s largest commercial SAR constellation.  We look forward to enabling the scientific discoveries that lie ahead.”

About ICEYE
ICEYE delivers unparalleled persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth, faster and more accurately than ever before. Owning the world’s largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, ICEYE provides objective, near real-time insights, ensuring that customers have unmatched access to actionable data, day or night, even in challenging environmental conditions. As a trusted partner to governments and commercial industries, ICEYE delivers intelligence in sectors such as insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring, and finance, enabling decision-making that contributes to community resilience and sustainable development. ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK, and the US. We have more than 700 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation (EO).

Celestia has signed an Expression of Interest (EOI) with Uzma for a mutual collaboration between the two commercial partners on the development of advanced space satellite solutions for the South East Asia region.

The signing follows the successful first Space Trade Mission to Malaysia organized by Scottish Development International in partnership with organizations that included the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (Malaysian Investment Development Authority), and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) earlier this year as well as closer dialogue between Scottish and Malaysian space industry players, leading to the identification of several key development projects for the Malaysian space industry.

These include new satellite communications and ground segment infrastructure for MicroGEO satellites with investment in leading-edge technologies. Celestia brings extensive experience in developing and deploying innovative solutions, such as its Ka-band, multi-beam, phased array SATCOM gateway, a new generation of gateway ground terminal with no moving parts for increased reliability and less downtime, minimal footprint requirements and the ability to be connected to multiple multi-orbit satellites providing full 2.5 GHz instantaneous bandwidth in Ka-band.

The partnership between Celestia and Uzma represents a significant step forwards for both companies as they seek to bring cutting-edge satellite communications technology to the South East Asia market.

“We are delighted that Uzma, one of Malaysia’s leading space businesses is interested in partnering with our company and harnessing our capabilities, experience and solutions,” said Dr. Malachy Devlin, CEO of Celestia UK. “We are leaders in advanced SATCOM technologies such as phased array antennas which will be an important part of the infrastructure in which Malaysia is investing, and we bring extensive expertise in the ground segment to support their ambitions.  We have already demonstrated our solutions with other commercial partners, and we look forward to becoming Uzma’s trusted partner in this exciting venture.”

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Celestia UK, with the help of Scottish Development International, marked by the signing of an Expression of Interest (EOI),” said Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan Mohamed, CEO of Uzma. “Scotland has established itself as a hub of space innovation, with the necessary infrastructure, policies and capabilities to drive the growth of the space industry. We look forward to collaborating and contributing to this dynamic ecosystem.”

“We’ve been working hard to support Scotland’s drive to become a leading space nation, so it’s great to see companies like Celestia choosing Scotland as a location for its R&D activities,” said Jan Robertson, Director of Global Trade at Scottish Development International. “Scotland’s space industry has the potential to be worth more than £4 billion to the country’s economy by 2030 and we’ve thrown our weight behind that goal by identifying space as a priority under our new missions-based approach. Building partnerships and fostering international collaboration is of critical importance to the space sector’s growth. This EOI is an exciting milestone in Scotland’s space journey, bringing together key players from Scotland and Malaysia to develop and deepen relationships with our Malaysian partners and cement a genuine desire to get deals over the line. It’s particularly fitting that it’s all coming together at Scotland’s first ever Space-Comm. We look forward to continuing to work with Celestia as it grows and scales.“