Arizona-headquartered Mangata Networks will construct a satellite manufacturing base in Ayrshire, Scotland.
The new facility at the Prestwick International Aerospace Park will also home research and development and a satellite operations hub, which will create up to 575 jobs.
“We will be using this facility to bring our satellite connectivity and intelligent Edge compute solutions to enterprises globally. Today, our customer base has already committed to over 1.5 Tbps pre-launch, nearing full capacity of our initial 32 satellites,” said Brian Holz, CEO, Mangata Networks.
Mangata Networks has been lent £83.7m towards the site from the Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Government, UK Government and South Ayrshire Council to be repaid in the next 15 years.
Founded in 2020, Mangata Networks will have the capability to make and test satellites up to 1500kg and around 24 “medium class” satellites are expected to be made by the firm every three months.
Building of the Ayrshire location is scheduled to begin “early” next year and ready for use in “late” 2024.
Martin Dowey, leader, South Ayrshire Council, said: “The Council has now secured approval for a significant investment programme to deliver commercial workspace at Prestwick.
“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.”
It comes as another win for the Scottish space sector, home to companies such as Skyrora and Orbex, further strengthening the UK’s space industry.
The post Mangata Networks to build satellites in Ayrshire appeared first on UKTN | UK Tech News.
