MANXMAN Chris Stott has joined the advisory board of a prestigious new exhibition at a leading museum in the USA.
The Satellite Gallery at Maryland’s National Electronics Museum will be a permanent exhibition and is scheduled to open in March.
It will present the history of satellites and the technology they use, as well as providing a setting for the satellite industry to interact with the public and recruit students to the industry.
Originally from Onchan and now living in Houston, Chris launched ManSat in 1998.
As chief executive of the firm, Chris works closely with the Isle of Man Government in the preparation of its satellite filings to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
He said: ‘I’m honoured by the appointment, not to mention somewhat humbled.
‘The calibre of those involved on the advisory board, and the Gallery’s task force, is incredible, and includes Dr Joseph Pelton, president of the Society of Satellite Professionals International and founder of the Arthur C Clarke Foundation.
‘Dr Pelton is a giant in the industry and was my former Dean when I was a student at the International Space University in 1995.
‘My role on the board will be to advise on the creation of the new satellite museum, along with integrating it into STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] education to both promote greater awareness of the industry and to help guide the very best students to consider working in our industry.’
Since the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, the technology involved with satellites has developed to become a vital element of the world’s telecom infrastructure.
Today, military and commercial satellites contribute $200 billion to the global economy each year.
Chris added: ‘On a personal level, it’s a privilege to be asked to join the advisory board of an exciting new exhibition, but it is also welcome recognition for the work we do with ManSat, and the Isle of Man’s progression within the space sector, particularly in light of the Futron think tank report published in the US, which found that the island continues to “punch above its weight” in the industry.’