A commitment to invest over £80m in a UK Space Centre of Excellence in Ayrshire, was made by both UK and Scottish Governments, in partnership with South Ayrshire Council, as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal signing yesterday.

Edinburgh, UK -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/23/2020 -- The funding package will develop and support a wide range of new, cutting-edge aerospace and space activities around Glasgow Prestwick Airport, including a satellite launch site and a range of other advanced technology initiatives beyond space launch.

This significant investment forms part of an even larger £250m package that was announced via the Ayrshire Growth Deal Head of Terms agreement 18 months ago. This saw the Scotland Office pledge to invest £103 million in the region over the next 15 years, alongside £103 million from the Scottish Government over 10 years, augmented with further investment from the three local authority areas of East, North and South Ayrshire. This will help drive economic development across the region, create new employment opportunities and encourage further inward investment.

Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, referred to the announcement as, "a landmark moment for Ayrshire", adding that the Deal would have a "profound positive impact on the region for generations to come".

The signing of a deal of this size reinforces Ayrshire's position as a leading UK aerospace hub. The region already employs over 3,500 people in global companies such as Spirit AeroSystems; BAE Systems; GE Aviation; Collins Aerospace; Woodward and National Air Traffic Services (NATS), accounting for more than half of the aerospace industry's workforce in Scotland. The financial boost aims to add another 4,000 jobs by 2035, helping Ayrshire capitalise on the exciting opportunities offered by the fast-growing commercial space sector.

Ian Annett, Deputy CEO, UK Space Agency said, "The deal will deliver another boost to the UK's growing space sector by funding a range of new, cutting-edge aerospace activities around Glasgow Prestwick Airport, including development of the spaceport site".

"This will not only create highly-skilled jobs across the region, but also further the UK's reputation as Europe's leading new space destination and bring us one step closer to small satellite launches taking place in the UK."

£80m of the Growth Deal investment will be used specifically to help realise Ayrshire's vision of creating a leading cluster, for both space, and wider aerospace supply chain activity. Detailed plans are already in place for a spaceport development that would provide the capability to launch small satellites from within Europe for the first time, utilising modified aircraft that would begin their journeys from Glasgow Prestwick Airport. These aircraft will carry out rocket launches at high altitude and provide access to the orbits required to observe Earth's changing climate from above. The technique, known as 'horizontal' or 'air' launch, would make use of the existing infrastructure and coastal location at Prestwick, and the capability to launch satellites could make the UK a 'one stop shop' for commercial space companies.

Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation Ivan McKee said: "The signing of the Ayrshire Growth Deal marks another major milestone in our journey toward the delivery of a world-leading commercial space sector. This is an exciting time for the emerging space sector globally, and Scotland is at the very forefront of it. In particular, the sector will play a critical role in the global fight against climate change with satellites used to measure essential climate variables".

"In Scotland we already produce more small satellites anywhere outside of California and the provision of horizontal launch capability at Prestwick will further complement the launch offering across the country. This deal represents a major opportunity to inspire the next generation of space scientists and engineers as well as to deliver a major economic boost for Ayrshire."

The innovative space activity, enabled by the ambitious Aerospace and Space Programme element of the Ayrshire Growth Deal, is expected to provide a host of opportunities beyond launch, too. The additional interconnected projects which are being planned include a technical innovation centre to support UK business and academia, a national flight test centre with training facilities for skills development, and an educational outreach and visitor centre. The deal also provides for various commercial building developments and improvements to the region's transport infrastructure — improving quality of life for local residents and providing an opportunity for Ayrshire to profit from the rapid growth of the space sector.

John Innes, Chair of the Scottish Space Leadership Council described the announcement as "An exciting development that will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of new space applications, and keeps pace with the high-speed developments characteristic of the industrial space sector."

While Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Peter Henderson said, "The signing of the Ayrshire Growth Deal marks a huge moment in our plans for enhancing Prestwick's already established aerospace reputation.

"I very much look forward to seeing vibrant, on-site, space activity that goes beyond launch facilities."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/multi-million-pound-funding-package-pledged-uk-space-centre-1317505.htm

A strategic marketing firm working exclusively across the international space sector has been awarded a development grant from the UK Space Agency to establish a space hub on behalf of the Scottish Space Leadership Council (SSLC).

Edinburgh, UK -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/23/2020 -- International space start-up AstroAgency will use the financial support to advance the SSLC into a formalised entity, with the ultimate aim of connecting and promoting Scotland's fast-growing space ecosystem nationally and internationally.

Established by industry experts, the space intelligence and marketing firm has grown to 12 staff in its first year, securing a long list of high profile and established global space clients and new entrants looking to transition into the sector.

UK Science Minister Amanda Solloway explained, "This funding will arm local leaders up and down the UK with the tools they need to put their local areas at the front of the commercial space race, while refuelling the tank of the UK economy". UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart added, "Today's funding announcement is another example of how the UK Government is securing the UK's position as a global leader in the space sector. The investment in Scottish projects will contribute to regional economic growth and support the development of the space industry across the country."

The SSLC was formed in 2016 as a voluntary, cross-sectoral representative organisation in response to the need for greater connection and collaboration within the Scottish and wider UK space community.

The Council has evolved a reputation for being an ambitious, results-driven organisation and now aims to formally act as a conduit for growth and gateway to a flourishing space sector.

Scottish Trade, Investment & Innovation Minister, Ivan McKee, said: "The SSLC, with strong support from the Scottish Government and its agencies, already plays an important role in the development of our growing space sector, most recently bringing together the developing spaceports across the UK to form the Spaceports Alliance. This funding will further enhance its work and support our ambitions for Scotland to become Europe's leading space nation.

"I welcome the UK Space Agency's recognition of the importance of a unified industry voice from Scotland and for my part, I will champion the views of our sector at all levels of government. The Scottish Government's aim is for Scotland to secure a £4 billion slice of the global space market by 2030, an ambitious but realistic target, and I look forward to continuing our close collaboration in order to further develop the sector and promote opportunities for our businesses."

AstroAgency founder and space entrepreneur, Daniel Smith, stated: "We look forward to outlining a strategy that ensures the SSLC remains at the forefront of industry developments.

"AstroAgency's strategic space marketing focus means that we don't simply raise awareness in space activity, but identify partnership and investment opportunities, provide regular market intelligence and connect partners directly into the NewSpace ecosystem.

"Our experienced international space team understands the opportunities that this innovative industry can deliver across every sector imaginable, not to mention the important role it has to play in boosting local economies and protecting our environment."

Chair of the Scottish Space Leadership Council John Innes commented, "The SSLC, working together with the AstroAgency team, look forward to establishing a formalised Scottish hub suited to connecting and promoting the country's vibrant space sector", while Linda Hannah, Interim CEO of Scottish Enterprise added, "The companies, organisations and support structures within the sector are on the same mission to create a thriving, world-leading and innovative hub that will drive an ambitious growth plan to create the jobs and tech solutions of the future too" adding that the award was "great news for the space sector".

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/astroagency-and-scottish-space-leadership-council-secure-space-agency-funding-1317396.htm

Orlando, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/20/2020 -- Two specialist space-sector firms from opposite sides of the globe have signed a Teaming Agreement and are officially kicking off a collaborative relationship focusing on business development for the space industry.

Tokyo-based Space BD and Florida's TerraMetric share a common vision of "making space an accessible market to any industry or company" and are committed to achieving results from launch to low Earth orbit, with a further focus on lunar and deep space exploration.

Technical skills, legislative knowledge, funding and time management are all critical factors in successfully accomplishing any space mission. However, guidance on how to effectively bring these factors together and thrive in the competitive global 'NewSpace' market is equally important — especially for those who are new to the space sector. Space BD and TerraMetric not only offer this guidance, but also work alongside key partners to achieve their goals, sharing every step on the path to success.

This Teaming Agreement reinforces the capabilities of both organizations, allowing them to push forward together. Space BD's experience and market connections in Asia-Pacific and their partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), strengthens TerraMetric's reach into the Eastern hemisphere, while TerraMetric's expertise and network throughout North America as well as other regions, will provide Space BD with increased global coverage.

The mutual extension of capabilities for both companies will offer clients more choice from a wider range of options. Today, TerraMetric and Space BD already collaborate to provide in-orbit demonstration service using stable condition on the external platform of International Space Station through their respective existing partnerships. As on orbiting testimony to the achievements of international cooperation, the International Space Station is a fitting first step for this new international partnership.

TerraMetric is a global space business development firm with proven expertise up and down the integrated space exploration value chain, helping small- to medium-sized NewSpace businesses worldwide break into new markets and achieve their vision. TerraMetric works in concert with clients to provide market intelligence, secure large contracts, and connect with partners and customers.

"We at TerraMetric are delighted to announce our teaming agreement with Space BD," commented TerraMetric CEO and Founder Clint Graumann. "Space BD and TerraMetric have a common business culture driven by a shared passion for space. With Space BD's upstream focus and TerraMetric's detailed knowledge of downstream applications, together we can offer customers greater choice from a wide-reaching, comprehensive range of space business connections and expertise."

Space BD is the leading satellite launch and ISS utilization service provider based in Japan, and is expanding its services to support component import and export, test facilities installation, capacity building program, and strategic research project from business development perspective.

"We are pleased to start our partnership with TerraMetric," said Space BD Co-Founder and CEO Masa Nagasaki. "Since our initial discussion, we have been sharing common values and vision to expand space industry through providing optimum solution to everyone who wants to utilise space. We look forward to accelerating commercialization of Low Earth Orbit as well as development of deep space exploration including lunar missions with TerraMetric as US-Japan strategic private partnership."

By combining their expertise and using space as enabler for various industries, TerraMetric and Space BD will work together to accelerate space business development and make space a sustainably growing industry.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/international-teaming-agreement-signed-accelerate-commercial-space-growth-1317515.htm