An industry-led body representing Scotland’s fast-growing space sector has appointed Natasha Nicholson as chief executive.
Dr Nicholson returns to not-for-profit Space Scotland after playing a key role during its formative phase as cluster manager.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Scotland’s space ambitions, with Europe’s first ever commercial launch into orbit expected to take place from Shetland in the months ahead, growing international engagement and a surge in commercial activity across research, manufacturing and satellite data analysis.
Scotland now hosts more than 180 space organisations and leads Europe in the manufacture of small satellites, with firms like Spire Global, AAC Clyde Space and Alba Orbital operating from Glasgow.
Dr Nicholson holds a PhD in astrobiology and has held roles including Cross-Cluster Liaison Manager for the Science and Technology Facilities Council at Harwell Campus, Chief Scientific Officer for the Arctic research station and CEO for a space-related research and development business.
She will now lead the next phase of development for Space Scotland, bringing focus to the delivery of the national strategy and responsiveness to the needs of Scotland’s commercial space community.
Dr Nicholson’s appointment comes ahead of the return of Space-Comm Scotland, the country’s dedicated space industry exhibition, which takes place in Glasgow this December following a successful launch event last year.
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