ManSat Chief Executive Chris Stott has been honoured with an invitation to join the advisory board of a prestigious new exhibition at a leading US museum.
The Satellite Gallery at Maryland’s National Electronics Museum will be a permanent exhibition and is scheduled to open in March 2013. 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.
Since the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, the technology involved with satellites and 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 said: ‘I’m very 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.’
Originally from Onchan and now living in Houston, Chris launched ManSat in 1998 and the company now works in partnership with the Isle of Man Government, in the preparation of its satellite filings to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
Chris said: ‘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 last week, which found that the Island continues to “punch above its weight” in the industry.
‘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.’
