Hundreds of jobs are set to be created as part of a £84 million investment in a space engineering hub in South Ayrshire.
US satellite firm Mangata Networks have selected Prestwick as the location for its state-of-the-art satellite hub.
The facility - which is said to play a key role in establishing a global space cluster at Prestwick - will see research and development activities, satellite manufacturing, space systems and core network operations.
It will be built at the Prestwick International Aerospace Park, as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal, with construction to be begin in early 2023 and manufacturing and operations teams set to move in from late 2024.
Up to 575 ‘highly skilled’ and ‘highly paid’ new jobs will be created as part of the development.
These positions include technical engineering roles in product development, designing and manufacturing satellites, and operating the system end-to-end.
Initially, up to 50 employees will operate from temporary accommodation at the University of the West of Scotland Ayr Campus.
Mangata’s new facility will produce and test more than 24 medium class satellites every three months.
The facility is capable of qualifying, integrating and testing satellites up to 1500kg in size for the space and launch environments.
An operations centre will be established to manage the satellite systems and global network.
Deputy First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, said the Mangata deal is a “huge boost for the region and for Scotland as a whole.”
He said: “As well as the substantial, high-skilled job opportunities, this will open up new pathways for the satellite manufacturing supply chain and help position Scotland as a leading centre for space and manufacturing innovation – while supporting the aims of our space strategy.”
Martin Dowey, leader of South Ayrshire Council, said the council are “delighted Mangata have chosen to locate in Prestwick” and look forward to working with them and seeing the many benefits they’ll bring to the area.
He said: “The global satellite market is booming, and we aim to be right at the centre of that with a vibrant and thriving space sector.
“This will create high value jobs and exciting future careers for our young people, particularly in STEM-related opportunities, but also in wider support roles.
“The council has now secured approval for a significant investment programme to deliver commercial workspace at Prestwick.
“This comprehensive and bold approach gives companies like Mangata the confidence that we can build Prestwick as a global space cluster.
“We are already anticipating the first satellite launches from Prestwick Spaceport from spring 2024 and through our highly ambitious space programme are set to become Europe’s premier space hub.”
Brian Holz, chief executive Officer of Mangata Networks, added: “We are very grateful to be able to locate Mangata’s core product development, satellite manufacturing, and network operations teams in a state-of-the-art facility in Prestwick.
“We will be using this facility to bring our satellite connectivity and intelligent Edge compute solutions to enterprises globally.
“This factory will be a key enabler, allowing us to scale and deliver cost-effective space technology into markets that really need it.”
Funding for the development has come from Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government, the UK Government and South Ayrshire Council.
Scottish Enterprise contributed £54.5 million while £29.2m was awarded through the Ayrshire Growth Deal, with funding repaid over the next 15 years.
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