Space Scotland appoints Dr Natasha Nicholson as CEO

Image courtesy Space Scotland

Dr Nicholson returns to not-for-profit Space Scotland after playing a key role during its formative phase as Cluster Manager. She brings a strong track record of delivery and stakeholder engagement, alongside scientific expertise and deep understanding of Scotland’s space ecosystem.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Scotland’s space ambitions, with Europe’s first ever commercial launch into orbit expected to take place from Shetland in the months ahead, growing international engagement and a surge in commercial activity across research, manufacturing and satellite data analysis. Scotland now hosts more than 180 space organisations and leads Europe in the manufacture of small satellites, with firms like Spire Global, AAC Clyde Space and Alba Orbital operating from Glasgow.

Dr Nicholson holds a PhD in astrobiology and has held roles including Cross-Cluster Liaison Manager for the Science and Technology Facilities Council at Harwell Campus, Chief Scientific Officer for the Arctic research station and CEO for a space-related research and development business. She will now lead the next phase of development for Space Scotland, bringing focus to the delivery of the national strategy and responsiveness to the needs of Scotland’s commercial space community.

“It is a privilege to return to Space Scotland with the opportunity to make a greater impact,” said Dr Nicholson, “Scotland’s space community is still growing rapidly and has a vital role in the UK’s broader space economy. I look forward to working with stakeholders to ensure we remain focused, inclusive and impactful, delivering tangible results that clearly benefit the sector with economic growth, environmental responsibility and opening new markets across disciplines.”

Space Scotland Chair and Board Director Peter Young added: “Scotland’s space industry offers major opportunities across sustainability, launch, data and advanced manufacturing, while also enabling innovation in sectors like life sciences, AI and fintech. Natasha is the right person to help us harness that potential. Her scientific knowledge, delivery focus and strong network made her an outstanding choice and I look forward to working closely with her at this important time.”

The organisation will now place renewed emphasis on empowering its working groups, which focus on skills, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, international engagement and inclusion. These volunteer-led groups keep Space Scotland connected to the community it represents and are central to its mission to address challenges, leverage opportunities and support the needs of the industry.

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “Dr Nicholson’s expertise and deep understanding of the sector will be invaluable as we work together to capitalise on the opportunities ahead. Scotland’s thriving space ecosystem is of fundamental importance to the UK’s space ambitions and Space Scotland is a key delivery partner for the UK Space Agency.  
 
“With the first launches approaching from SaxaVord, increasing commercial opportunities in satellite manufacturing and data, and leading roles for universities in space science missions, there has never been a more important time for strong leadership to champion the space community.”

With support from Scottish Enterprise, the UK Space Agency and private sponsors including Intel and Burges Salmon, Space Scotland has become a trusted voice in UK and international space circles. In 2022, its Environmental Task Force published the world’s first national space sustainability roadmap, commissioned by Scottish Enterprise and delivered by AstroAgency and Optimat. The roadmap attracted international engagement from the European Space Agency, the United Nations and others, reinforcing Scotland’s leadership in sustainable space activity.

Dr Nicholson’s appointment comes ahead of the return of Space-Comm Scotland, the country’s dedicated space industry exhibition, which takes place in Glasgow this December following a successful launch event last year.

With clusters now active in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, the Highlands and Islands, the South of Scotland and the recently formed West of Scotland space cluster, Scotland’s space sector is well positioned to support the wider UK space proposition and drive global collaboration.