Minister says space industry ‘a force for good’ ahead of Germany trip
Innovation Minister Richard Lochhead will be promoting the Scottish space sector.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A minister has said Scotland’s space industry is a “force for good” ahead of his visit to Germany for a tech expo.
Innovation Minister Richard Lochhead will be promoting the Scottish space sector alongside a delegation of 23 different organisations.
He will attend Bremen’s Space Tech Expo Europe, considered the continent’s leading space industry trade fair, during the three-day visit.
As well as companies involved in manufacturing satellites and rockets, Scotland hosts two sites which aim to become commercial spaceports.
Glasgow is the biggest manufacturer of small satellites outside the US and by publishing the first ever space sustainability road map we have set out how the sector can help achieve climate change targets
Mr Lochhead said: “Scotland’s innovative scientists and engineers lead the way across the space industry; from designing, manufacturing and launching satellites to finding novel uses for the data generated which benefit our people and economy.
“The knowledge produced has never been more important – from tackling deforestation to predicting farms at risk of losing productivity – and we want to collaborate with international partners in this shared and urgent task of addressing climate change.
“Scotland was amongst the first to recognise the need for ethical practices in seizing new opportunities from the increasingly clear window on to our world supplied by satellites.
“Glasgow is the biggest manufacturer of small satellites outside the US and by publishing the first ever space sustainability road map we have set out how the sector can help achieve climate change targets.”
He added: “I am committed to promoting space as a force for good, in climate monitoring and minimising the environmental impact of manufacturing, launching and disposing of small satellites.”