Space-Comm Expo Scotland Saw Hundreds of Representatives From Across the Globe Head to Glasgow to Explore the Future of Space

The appetite to find out more for those leading the way in space in the UK was evident at the recent Scottish Space-Comm Expo, where it was standing room only for each panel discussion.

That was certainly the case for the Strategic Pathways for Developing Advanced Launch Capabilities, where Lockheed’s Grant Lewis joined with Dr Mick O’Connor CEng CDirt of Fire Arrow, space entrepreneur Craig Clark MBE, CAA Chief Engineer Space Emma Cuddy and John Bone Commercial Officer at Orbex to lead the discussion.

Under a variety of topics – from eco system and collaboration through to regulation and sustainability – the panel navigated a range of pertinent subjects, each given their own unique perspective.

For Grant the key to future success is making sure that we see sustained “Government investment in infrastructure and capability” which will “help kickstart and maintain the launch pipeline.”

“The US is the world’s largest launch nation and while there are a few commercial, private spaceports the large majority are Government funded and operated. What we definitely need is to see the UK Government support the industry more and look to act as a Commercial Customer which in turn will enhance the readiness and capabilities we have in the UK,” he said.

Regulation was also one of the main subjects of the discussion, where the panel were in agreement for the need of a “strong, regulatory environment” which needs to be “both flexible and agile.”

“If the regulations are really clunky it doesn’t attract people to want to launch and operate from the UK,” said Grant.

“One of the keys is to make it easy for people to do business here and that will attract more companies to the UK. We have already seen the CAA, as the Spaceflight Regulator, take positive steps in this area.”

The needs for sustainability was also highlighted, with projects such as Orbex’s green rocket, Prime – which uses bio propane – currently a hot topic.

Lockheed Martin’s “smart satellites” are another example of this.

“The fact that we have the ability in our SmartSat technology to reprogramme and repurpose satellites rather than just leave them up in space once their original mission has been completed is extremely important,” said Grant.

“Everyone knows about the problem with space junk and we have to find ways to get rid of it safely. Everyone has a role to play in being a responsible custodian of space assets.”

One of the topics closest to Grant’s heart was around skills and STEM – because of his personal journey which led him from studying multi-media technology at university to becoming the first UK employee on Lockheed Martin’s UK Launch programme.

“We need to tap into the people who may not have considered space as a career,” he said.

“The excellent line up of speakers and subject areas helped the delegates to understand more about accessing supply chain opportunities in the defence and space sectors.”