Scottish Government unveils first space envoy in a bid to achieve international space targets

Space sector entrepreneur Daniel Smith has been named the Scottish Government’s first space envoy.

Business minister Richard Lochhead unveiled the appointment at the Space-Comm Expo in Glasgow, where he told delegates Smith's experience will be key for forging “strategic” partnerships and delivering Scotland’s ambitions.

He said: “The creation of the space envoy role is another indication of how quickly the sector is growing and of how importantly the Scottish Government regards its contribution to the economy.

“The Scottish Government has an ambition to capture £4 billion of the global space market and Daniel Smith’s entrepreneurial background will help Scottish businesses forge strategic partnerships and identify new opportunities.

“We are well on our way to becoming a European leader in the sector. The latest available data shows that the number of space-related companies based in Scotland rose by 25 per cent in the space of a year, with the sector’s total income increasing by 65 per cent over the same period - demonstrating the phenomenal scale of opportunity before us.” 

Smith has helped found five space companies since 2017, including global space communications firm AstroAgency which supports 70 private and public space organisations.

He will hold the role until the end of 2026, with the option to continue doing it for a further two years.

The unpaid position is the latest addition to the Scottish Government’s trade and investment envoy network, where former Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander serves as the envoy for higher education.

Smith said:  "It's a pivotal time for Scotland's fast-growing space sector. Our thriving commercial space sector - actively supported by government agencies and academia - is delivering exciting and new business and career opportunities.

“One particular area for future growth is through international partnerships that enable local companies to operate on the global stage while attracting inward investment to enhance Scotland's space sector and to enhance economic growth. 

"I'm excited to help connect Scotland's commercial space players with business opportunities overseas. With leading technology, Scotland has the technical competence, as well as a sustainable strategic vision, to play an expanding role in the global space economy."