Glasgow's Space Tech Jouney
Take a look through a timeline of notable moments in Glasgow's space tech journey
2005
Clyde Space is founded in Glasgow by Craig Clark, focusing on CubeSat subsystems.
2013
The satellite UKube‑1, designed and built by Clyde Space, launches Scotland’s first satellite.
2014
UKube‑1 completes primary mission. Glasgow satellite manufacturing ramps up.
2015
February – Spire Global opens its Glasgow operations leveraging Clyde Space facilities.
December – Spire establishes its own cleanroom and satellite manufacturing site
2016
Clyde Space expands its Glasgow cleanroom and welcomes Scotland’s First Minister.
Throughout the year, production rate climbs to ~6 satellites/month.
2017
Skyrora is founded in Glasgow to develop small-satellite launch vehicles.
2018
August – Skyrora conducts Scotland’s first private commercial rocket launch (Skylark Nano).
Spire scales up within Skypark Glasgow, growing workforce and facility space.
2019
Clyde Space merges with ÅAC Microtec to form AAC Clyde Space; Glasgow remains the manufacturing hub.
2020
Alba Orbital (founded 2012) announces first satellites, with a focus on PocketQubes.
Craft Prospect wins ESA contract for quantum-tech satellite systems.
2021
Glasgow continues to be recognised as Europe’s top city for satellite manufacture; AAC Clyde Space receives Royal visit.
2022
Skyrora expands engine testing and production facilities in Cumbernauld (near Glasgow).
Alba Orbital continues to scale its PocketQube integration and rideshare activity with clusters 3 and 4 launched on SpaceX's Falcon 9.
2024
Spire further expands its Skypark test/production site.
2025
Skyrora recieves UK's first launch licence for a commercial vehicle marking a major step toward domestic end-to-end launch capability.
