SCOTLAND’S space sector has published a new “roadmap”, believed to be the first of its kind, in an effort to improve sustainability in the industry.
Developed in collaboration with Space Scotland’s Environmental Task Force (SSETF), space strategy firm AstroAgency and Optimat, the roadmap sets out the steps needed to improve the sustainability of Scottish space missions.
The report addresses the environmental impacts of building, fuelling, and launching satellites, as well as the importance of promoting satellite data for environmental monitoring. It includes expert interviews, in-depth study into sustainability and consultation with the space industry.
READ MORE: Protesters blast Tears for Fears' Mad World as Liz Truss makes first speech as Prime Minister
Kristina Tamane, co-chairwoman of SSETF said it was “a truly historic document”, adding: “I am positive it will lead to an environmentally conscious space sector development, led by Scotland.”
Business Minister Ivan McKee said the Scottish Government has set the target to become Europe’s leading space nation and create 20,000 jobs by 2030. But he said the country recognises the role of space in the global fight against climate change, adding: “The Scottish space sector shares this collective responsibility and is already innovating through the use of greener fuels, lightweight materials, smart design and reusability.
“The Scottish Space Sustainability Roadmap is the next step in helping the sector reach net zero by 2045 and in setting an example for other nations. These are exactly the kind of actions necessary to help boost productivity, create sustainable jobs and position Scotland in the vanguard of responsible users of space across every part of the industry.”
Included in the roadmap is funders Scottish Enterprise’s innovation challenge. Alongside partners from the Scottish Government and The Data Lab, the company has launched a £300,000 challenge to use space data to fund solutions for Scotland’s net-zero transition.
The fund closes for applications on September 26, and successful applications will secure funding of £20,000 to £30,000.
Successful applications will secure funding of between £20,000 and £30,000 with the fund closing for applications on 26 September 2022.
Jane Martin, managing director of innovation and investment at Scottish Enterprise, said: “It’s almost a year since Glasgow hosted COP26, where world leaders gathered to address climate change and the global action needed.
“This roadmap represents another historic moment in our journey towards net zero and is further proof of Scotland’s commitment to take positive environmental action.”
The Scottish Space Sustainability Roadmap will be presented at the 73rd International Astronautical Congress at the Paris Convention Centre in the French capital later this month (September 18-22).
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here