Company Details
Name: AAC Clyde Space
Date Founded: 2005
Sector: Space technology and services
Key Products/Services: A leading space technology company with headquarters in Glasgow, Scotland, and Uppsala, Sweden. We deliver satellites into orbit and connect them with the users who need data, information and insights to drive smarter decisions on Earth. Our mission-proven expertise and integrated approach cover the full value chain – from satellite technology to space-based data services – supporting applications in maritime intelligence, land management and weather forecasting. In 2014, we designed and built Scotland’s first satellite, UKube-1 – a milestone that helped spark the country’s fast-growing space sector. Today we operate nine commercial satellites currently in orbit, two of which are in commissioning and expected to become fully operational shortly. Next year we plan to launch more satellites, starting with VIREON-1 in February.
Website URL: www.aac-clyde.space
Executive Summary
AAC Clyde Space is a space technology company with a clear purpose: to connect space with Earth. We put satellites into orbit and connect them with the users who need data, information and insights to make better decisions. We develop satellite subsystems, build complete spacecraft, and operate constellations that deliver data services — using the same technology ourselves so solutions are practical and reliable. Our work delivers outcomes in maritime intelligence, land management and weather forecasting.
The Challenge
The world faces urgent challenges that require better intelligence from space. Oceans must be safer and more secure as global trade and security rely on maritime transparency. Land resources must be managed more sustainably as climate change and population growth put pressure on agriculture and forestry. Weather must be predicted with greater accuracy as extreme events increase in frequency and impact. The common challenge is not simply gathering more data – it is connecting data with decisions, turning information into actionable insight at the scale and speed society demands.
The Solution
One of the most powerful ways to understand our planet is from space. Satellites provide detailed, consistent and global information that is becoming ever more critical as we face challenges in security, sustainability and reliable forecasting.
AAC Clyde Space connects satellites in orbit with the users who need the data, information and insights they provide. We develop satellite subsystems, build complete spacecraft, and operate constellations that deliver data services. By using what we sell, we combine deep mission heritage with practical know-how – ensuring our solutions are practical, reliable and focused on outcomes.
Maritime Intelligence: The oceans carry most of the world’s trade, yet they are vast, remote and difficult to monitor. Our satellites track ships around the globe every day, giving navies, governments and commercial operators the information they need to make the seas safer and more secure. We are also pioneering a new communications standard for the maritime sector called VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) – a next-generation technology that not only tracks vessels but also enables two-way communication with them in real time. Our YMIR-1 satellite is the world’s first to demonstrate VDES from space, marking a breakthrough in maritime connectivity and laying the foundation for the next generation of services entering operation by 2028.
Land Management: Forests and farmland are vital for food, resources and climate balance, yet they are difficult to monitor from the ground. Our satellites provide detailed imagery that helps farmers use fertiliser and water more efficiently, and enables foresters to detect pests, disease or storm damage early. In 2026 we will expand this capability with the launch of our VIREON constellation, designed to deliver affordable, high-resolution data for more sustainable forestry and agriculture worldwide.
Weather Forecasting: We have developed a world-leading weather instrument with microwave sounding technology, which was demonstrated on the Arctic Weather Satellite. It will not only improve forecasts, but do so at a much lower cost than before. As EUMETSAT now develops the next-generation constellation, EPS Sterna, it builds on the success with AWS. This programme will improve Europe’s weather forecasting capability by providing more accurate and frequent global data.
Our connected approach means satellites, technology and data are not separate products – they are integrated into solutions that deliver the insights our customers need, when and where they need them.
The Impact
AAC Clyde Space has successfully operated over 30 satellites in orbit and established itself as a global supplier of space-based intelligence. Our maritime constellation provides critical insights for international security and commercial users. On land, our imagery helps foresters and farmers detect pests and disease earlier and use fertiliser and water more efficiently. And our microwave sounding technology, proven on the Arctic Weather Satellite, is helping improve forecasts at lower cost.
We currently operate nine commercial satellites, with two more in commissioning and expected to become fully operational shortly. Next year we plan to launch more satellites, starting with VIREON-1 in February. In addition, our components and subsystems are used in satellites manufactured all over the world. Together, these results demonstrate the value of a connected approach – where satellites, systems and data generate exclusive insights that support better decisions on Earth.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, AAC Clyde Space is scaling towards a connected space ecosystem, where satellites and data services are fully integrated with customer workflows. We are expanding with more satellites to improve maritime intelligence, land management and weather forecasting. Our vision is clear: to make space-based insights a connected part of everyday decision-making, across industries and across the globe.