A new facility for building satellites is expected to create up to 575 aerospace jobs in Ayrshire.

Telecoms firm Mangata Networks has chosen Prestwick International Aerospace Park as the location for its research and development, manufacturing, and core network operations.

The facility aims to produce and test 24 satellites every three months.

Construction will begin in early 2023 with manufacturing and operations teams set to move in from late 2024.

From this engineering hub, Mangata plans to establish an operations centre that will manage its satellite systems and global network.

The facility is capable of testing satellites up to 1500kg in size for space and launch environments.

Commenting on the news that Mangata Networks has chosen Prestwick International Aerospace Park as its new facility for building satellites, Claire Baird, Chief Executive of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

“It is fantastic news that Mangata has chosen Prestwick as its future home for building satellites, making a manufacturing hub right in the heart of Ayrshire, which will create jobs, investment, and lead the way in space technology.

“Prestwick Aerospace is already the largest aerospace cluster in Scotland, and this is another string to that already impressive bow. The spaceport is well on its way to becoming Europe’s leading space applications hub with this move being yet another clear endorsement for Ayrshire and our innovative businesses continually pushing the envelope.

“This is also an impressive showcase of the value of collaboration between a variety of stakeholders, including businesses and government, with funding from Scottish Enterprise and the Ayrshire Growth Deal. We look forward to working with these important partners as we move towards lift-off and the first satellite launches from Prestwick Spaceport in spring 2024.”