
Glasgow: Satellite City
In recent years, Glasgow has become Europe's leading producer of small satellites. Technology journalist Shiona McCallum explores this little-known manufacturing success story.
With little fanfare, Glasgow has transformed itself into Europe's largest producer of small satellites.
The city - historically a global shipbuilding hub - is now a centre of expertise for designing and building modular spacecraft that orbit the Earth, and supply services to customers around the world.
This growth places Glasgow at the heart of a wider space industry cluster. Nearby businesses are developing rockets, satellite components and data services, while launch sites are being built elsewhere in Scotland, in hopes of creating an end-to-end space sector.
Despite this success, some of the sector's leading figures say Glasgow's position is no longer secure, as governments across Europe increase their investment in space.
They warn that, without stronger backing, this success story of UK high-tech manufacturing could lose its competitive edge.
Presenter: Shiona McCallum
Producer: Katie Revell
Executive producer: Carys Wall
Mix: Joel Cox
With thanks to Patrick Wallace
A Bespoken Media Scotland production for BBC Radio 4.
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- Next Wednesday15:30BBC Radio 4