Forres Enterprise Park-based satellite launcher Orbex represented at Space for Everyone event in Aberdeen
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THOUSANDS of people interested in the burgeoning UK space industry spoke to representatives of a Forres company during an event in Aberdeen.
Forres Enterprise Park-based satellite launcher, Orbex, had a stall at ‘Space for Everyone’ at the Queens Links in Aberdeen, to provide insight into rocket-building and spaceflight, activities, educational resources, and information about their operations.
Orbex CEO, Martin Coates, confirmed his team handed out 1250 activity books to children and adults but “spoke to a lot more people than that”.
He said: “We can’t say exactly how many conversations we had, but it was probably a couple of thousand. Space for Everyone went fantastically well. It was great to meet so many people who are so enthused about space, rockets and spaceports. I hope that we inspired young minds to further explore space - and to explore a career in the space industry.” Space for Everyone is a nationwide tour showcasing the UK’s space sector and career opportunities. Orbex took part to address growing interest in the industry among locals, particularly the younger generation. They showcased theirs Prime rocket, launch platform and test site in Kinloss, as well as their Sutherland Spaceport.
Aberdeen Science Centre shared space-related items including a small satellite, a piece of the Moon and 4D space cards with images of the solar system, rockets and rovers, plus local satellite photos for people to match to different locations. The ASC team also showed visitors how to design their own paper rocket, use a gyro wheel and infrared camera.
Orbex discussed the variety of job opportunities they have available in Forres including as design, structural and software engineers, lawyers, commercial and funding managers.
Mr Coates said: “There are a lot of technical and commercial roles available right now.
“The UK Space Agency also had cards on display of many different jobs that exist now or will likely exist in the future.”
He added: “We’re working hard on getting ready for our first launch. This includes completing the spaceport construction at Sutherland and finalising testing of the rocket itself.”
Find out more about 240 different careers via https://spaceperson.co.uk/careers/
