A Stirling businessman who invested his life savings to start a space company is now building a “brain” for Nasa’s mission to the moon.
ScotlandIS member, Cavu Aerospace, owned and run by electrical engineer Ali Maani, has been chosen to make the onboard computer system for the next lunar rover.
Mr Maani described the high-profile contract as a “childhood dream come true”.
It is the most significant project yet for the small business, based at Stirling Innovation Park, which achieved a turnover of £10 million last year.
Founded in 2010, Cavu Aerospace started as a small one-man show but quickly grew.
It now employs 11 staff and orders for its “niche” parts – flight cameras and computers – have increased three-fold in the last 12 months.
Cavu Aerospace is one of just a few UK-based companies involved in Nasa’s Artemis Program.
The multi-billion-dollar initiative, which began in 2017, plans to return humans to the moon and establish a “sustainable presence” there.
Mr Maani, who came to Scotland from Iran after finishing his PhD, said: “It is just amazing to be part of the moon mission.
“It really is a childhood dream come true to be involved in the Artemis Program, which is bringing humans back to the moon.
“I used my life savings to get the company off the ground and make prototypes and now, Nasa have come knocking saying our products are just what they need.
“We are essentially building the brain for the moon rover. It is the most important part.”
He added: “What we are doing is very niche, there are only five other firms like us in the world.”
Cavu Aerospace has benefitted from a dramatic reduction in launch costs and the price per kilogramme to orbit satellites.
Securing big-name buyers has also grown its profile across the globe.
Mr Maani, 39, a guest lecturer at the University of Stirling, chose Stirling for his company’s headquarters due to its “central location”.
However, he soon fell in love with the local scenery – which he admits is also a hit with Nasa’s scientists when they visit.
He added: “We are just a small team but we work on huge international projects from our small, unassuming headquarters in Stirling.
“I like the fact Nasa’s scientists come here and can enjoy the peace and quiet and beautiful local landscapes.”
Source: The Courier