Access to Expertise

Space Innovation

Cutting-edge space and satellite research at the University of Edinburgh is catapulting Edinburgh to the forefront as the Space Data Capital of Europe

We’re on a mission

With a mission to help establish the city of Edinburgh as the Space Data Capital of Europe by 2030, the University of Edinburgh’s cutting-edge space and satellite research spans a range of activities.

Engineers are exploring the management of fire risk in space and developing rocket fuel pods; chemists are developing clean-burn rocket fuels; and astronomers are tracking the skies for space debris.

Our research teams are developing deep-space probes while others write literature about space. Our GeoScientists are training the next generation scientists within SENSE, the UK's Centre for Doctoral Training in Earth Observation. Our students, at the forefront of innovation, are even developing their own satellite missions.

To establish Edinburgh as the Space Data Capital of Europe, our dedicated Space Innovation Hub is pulling together a team of key space academics and dedicated Business Development colleagues to unite and accelerate space activity for the university. This work is championed by Space Task Force, which is co-chaired by Kristina Tamane and Iain Woodhouse, DDI Space and Satellites Chancellor's Fellows and Business Development Executives as well as consultants.

 

How We’re Translating Research into Social and Economic Impact

  • Hosting large volumes of satellite and other geo-spatial data on the new Edinburgh International Data Facility to enable new research and large-scale analysis. 
  • Supporting the strategic expansion of Space and Satellite-related research across the University, focussing on our key research strengths, and leveraging our new data infrastructure.
  • Creating partnerships with companies, NGOs and governments to help them adopt this University-derived research and technologies into their operations, which supports the development of new products and services.
  • Creating an ecosystem to allow entrepreneurial staff and students to start-up and spin-out
  • Enhancing the provision of sector-specific training, from degree programmes, through to Continued Professional Development courses to enable    a new generation of highly skilled individuals to develop the sector.

 

Space Research Strategy

Our new Space Research Strategy will articulate an ambitious coherent strategy for Space and Satellites research uniting the University.

If you are interested in contributing to this strategy or simply want to take part in the conversation, please contact Professor Iain Woodhouse.

To find out what is happening for the University of Edinburgh in space-related activities, we encourage you to subscribe to our mailing list. 

 

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Space Related Podcasts!

Broadcaster Kim McAllister and space expert Dr Murray Collins return for their third series - and this time they're starting on the International Space Station. Literally.

Great British Lift Off

 

Listen to Dr Murray Collins and journalist Kim McAllister reveal why Edinburgh is on course to become the Space Data Capital of Europe.

Edinburgh: Space Data Capital Podcasts

 

Scotland's Secret Space Race, a follow-on podcast series, after the highly successful Edinburgh: Space Data Capital, takes you into government departments, research labs, launch sites and even into orbit. Check it out below! 

Scotland's Secret Space Race

 

Practical Space Data analysis tutorials 

If you wanted to try your skills in analysing space data, one of the easiest ways to access it is via the Sentinel Hub EO Browser here.

For free tutorial and lessons check out: