Former Virgin Galactic president, UKSA, and ESA to headline at Space-Comm Expo

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 startups.

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 one-to-one 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.