Aerospace and Defense Review

Former Virgin Galactic President, Uksa and Esa to Headline at Space-Comm Expo Scotland 2024

Space-Comm Expo Scotland has unveiled a world class lineup of keynote speakers from across government, aerospace, defence and academia for the inaugural event taking place at the SEC Glasgow September 11-12. The biggest space industry event ever held in Scotland will be hosted by Executive Chair of Space-Comm Expo, Will Whitehorn, former President of Virgin Galactic, Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University and Chair of Seraphim Space Investment Trust, along with speakers from UK Space Agency (UKSA) and European Space Agency (ESA).

The Expo shines a spotlight on space as one of Scotland’s most dynamic growth industries. Scotland is home to over 150 space companies and 80 aerospace companies and supports nearly one fifth of all UK space sector jobs. Scotland builds more small satellites than anywhere else in the world after California. The interest in Space-Comm Expo has been heightened by Scotland's plans for vertical launch before the end of 2024 year and ambitions to become Europe's leading space nation. Registration is free to attend, with over 100 exhibitors and 3,000 attendees including government, clusters, academia and commercial primes, SMEs and start-ups.

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Industry experts and thought leaders from all over the world will gather together in Glasgow to discuss the major opportunities and challenges at a pivotal point in the new commercial space age. Speakers include Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, David Parker, European Space Agency's Space Exploration Director, Dr Hina Khan, Executive Director, Space Scotland and Professor Malcolm Macdonald, Chair of Applied Space Technology at the University of Strathclyde. Opening the event will be the Lord Provost of Glasgow City Council, Jacqueline McLaren.

The speaker programme includes discussions on spaceports, launch capabilities, satellite manufacturing, downstream data, AI, cyber security, space law, investment, skills development and space sustainability.

Executive Chair of Space-Comm Expo, Will Whitehorn said: “What we are seeing today is an absolute explosion of innovation. We have reached a point where humanity is now totally reliant on the space industry. In Scotland the sector is thriving and one of the fastest growing in Europe. Scotland is famous for world-class downstream capabilities and technology for deep space missions. Glasgow is a world leader in satellite construction. Scotland is home to the world’s newest spaceport in the Shetland Isles and is at the forefront of UK and European launch ambitions.”

International Trade Specialist at Scottish Enterprise, Kevin Scullion explains hopes are high for the event: “We expect Space-Comm Expo to lead to further collaboration between Scottish, UK and international partners and we are looking forward to discussing trade opportunities and welcoming trade delegations.”

As one of the world's leading international space industry events, Space-Comm Expo Scotland is providing a two day programme of world-class content across plenary sessions and separate Keynote and Downstream theatres. The award winning format organised by Hub Exhibitions includes exhibitors, product demonstrations, speakers, panel sessions and 1-2-1 networking opportunities.

Highlights of confirmed list of speakers, correct as of 8 July 2024:

Will Whitehorn, Executive Chair Space-Comm Expo & Chair Seraphim Space Investment Trust

Dr Paul Bate Chief Executive Officer, UK Space Agency (UKSA)

David Parker, Space Exploration Director, European Space Agency (ESA)

Dr Hina Khan, Executive Director, Space Scotland

Professor Malcolm Macdonald, Chair of Applied Space Technology, University of

Strathclyde

Craig Brown, Investment Director, UK Space Agency (UKSA)

Elliott Stott-Briggs, Workforce Director, PwC

Kevin Scullion, International Trade Specialist, Space & Technology, Scottish Development International

Nicola Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, FinTech Scotland

Joanna Hart, Director, Space Partnership

Debra Carr, Innovation Partner Scotland, Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA)

John Bone, Chief Commercial Officer, Orbex

Nicolas Peter, President, International Space University

Andy Campbell, CEO & Founder, Scottish Space Network

Andrew Fournet, Business Development Space, Defence and Intelligence, CGI

Emma Cuddy, Chief Engineer Space, Civil Aviation Authority

Space-Comm Expo Scotland is supported by the UK Space Agency, UKSpace, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Government, Space Scotland, South Scotland Enterprise, FinTech Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Space-Comm Expo Scotland takes place 11-12 September 2024 at the SEC in Glasgow. Register for free to attend: space-comm-scotland.co.uk. For information on exhibiting email: spacecomm@hubexhibitions.co.uk.

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