“Space Aye has cemented its legacy as a navigator of the new frontier and a pioneer of Scottish industry.”
Space Aye has created history by becoming the first Scottish company to join an illustrious group formed by The Hague Institute for Global Justice – The Washington Compact.
The Institute introduced The Washington Compact only two years ago, yet this important international instrument is key to providing a framework for cooperation and responsible behavior amongst nations, commercial space actors, and other stakeholders, ensuring that the benefits of commercial space activities are realized while minimizing the potential for harmful interference.
Space Aye’s ethos and technology are a welcome addition to the group as the company specializes in unique technology by merging user-generated content and Internet of Things (IoT) data with real-time satellite imagery. This provides more in-depth information surrounding Earth Observation (EO) satellite imagery. The Glasgow–based company prides itself on creating human-focused solutions and strategies as its CEO, Chris Newlands, explains:
“Our mission is to create people-focused, contextualized, and actionable solutions. Imagine the societal and commercial benefits of a real-time view of our planet, it could save time, resources and even lives. From supporting environmental sustainability to enhancing public security, our mission is to turn real-time data into real-world solutions. We focus on the firefighter, not just the fire.”
The CEO, who has secured patents across the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea, added how proud he is to have been invited to sign The Washington Compact: “We are incredibly proud to be the first Scottish company to sign The Washington Compact and humbled to have been invited to join this important initiative by The Hague Institute of Global Justice President, Lady Sohair Salam Saber. This emphasizes the significance of our hard work at Space Aye and our commitment to ethical practices and collaboration in the space sector.
“It is an honor to stand alongside other global leaders as we advocate for responsible and sustainable space technology in the exciting years ahead.”
Newlands joins other notable names from the space sector, including former presidents, military leaders, astronauts, and NASA executives who have all signed up for the Compact since its inception.
The Hague Institute for Global Justice is an independent, non-profit organization that aims to shape discourse and bridge gaps between research, policy, and practice on global issues at the critical intersection of peace, security, and justice.
The Institute’s work focuses on three strategic perspectives that are organized around key issue areas and have a regional focus. Each focus has a broad range of short- and long-term projects that explore a spectrum of peace and justice issues. In doing so, they illuminate the roles of governments, diplomacy, international organizations, business, and civil society in a rapidly changing and complex world.
“Just as the seas were charted by maritime laws, so must space be navigated by a new frontier of regulation. In this next chapter of exploration, rules, and norms will serve as the compass guiding humanity’s journey beyond Earth. As a signatory to the Washington Compact, Space Aye has cemented its legacy as a navigator of the new frontier and a pioneer of Scottish industry,” said Lady Sohair Salam Saber, President of the International Court of Justice.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.
