Celestia UK, specialists in advanced antenna systems for tracking satellites, announced that Heriot-Watt University’s Research Park will be its permanent base in Scotland, after a successful five month residency at the University’s Global Research Innovation and Discovery (GRID) facility. The largest science park in Scotland’s capital, Research Park will enable the company’s next development phase, which includes setting up lab and assembly facilities to expand the company’s capabilities.
Following a £2.5 million R&D award from Scottish Enterprise earlier this year to develop an electronic-scanning antenna, Celestia UK will create 18 jobs in Scotland, recruiting engineers across several different disciplines. In its new facilities, Celestia UK will also design and produce a flat panel satellite antenna for aircraft, pioneering a next-generation satellite link for enhanced in-flight connectivity.
Scotland is growing in the space industry, expanding the number of companies in the sector from 104 to 132 between 2016 and 2019. Scotland now provides 18% of jobs in the UK space sector, according to the UK Space Agency. According to José Alonso, Chairman of Celestia UK’s parent company, Celestia Technologies Group, “We moved to GRID at Heriot-Watt University in January 2020, having chosen Scotland because of its burgeoning space sector.”
“With GRID’s support, we have been able to build a visible presence in the Research Park, alongside other internationally-renowned companies that have been successfully operating here for a while. To fuel our growth, we’re able to build a team from a wealth of talent on the doorstep at Heriot-Watt and other universities, as well as from professionals within the Scottish space industry who value the location, facilities and beautiful environment of the Research Park.”
The Research Park provides the flexibility for Celestia UK to establish lab facilities as well as offices, and to grow as the business develops. It offers the opportunity to connect with other companies with similar facilities and expertise. Additionally, the National Robotarium, a world-class R&D facility in robotics and autonomous systems, will open on Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus next year.
Paul Devlin, Head of Commercialisation at Heriot-Watt University, added, “We’ve been delighted to welcome Celestia UK to the University and help in the company’s expansion. With Heriot-Watt’s expertise in delivering commercial, strategic and innovation support, we look forward to future collaborations and helping companies grow into exciting, profitable, world-class businesses. Tenants undertake research and development across a range of sectors, from petroleum engineering, biotechnology, and business, to information and communication technology, driving businesses towards the point of manufacture.”
For more information please visit www.celestia-uk.com
