This article first appeared in the Evening Telegraph on 5 November 2024.
Space fever is sweeping Dundee, and I can feel the excitement all around as the city establishes itself as a key player in the space and tech sectors.
From satellite technology to NASA partnerships, Dundee’s transformation from a historic manufacturing hub to a modern city at the forefront of innovation is truly inspiring.
One of the most exciting recent developments which I read in The Courier, was the feature on Smiths Interconnect, a Dundee-based company that contributed crucial components to a satellite destined for Jupiter.
The fact that local talent is helping power a mission to explore more of the gas giant and its moon Europa speaks volumes about Dundee’s place in the global aerospace sector.
It’s a thrilling reminder of how far we’ve come and how much our city has to offer.
Adding to the buzz, NASA announced plans to open a new research hub here in Dundee in collaboration with Kids Operating Room, a local charity.
This hub could bring about exciting opportunities for our tech and academic sectors, and it’s amazing to think of Dundee being recognised on such a global scale.
But Dundee’s space journey isn’t only about high-tech advancements; it’s also connected to a beloved local institution: Mills Observatory.
For years, the observatory has offered Dundonians and visitors a window to the stars, but recently its future has been in question as the council considers cuts to address budget concerns.
This news has sparked a lot of public response, and I’ve been incredibly proud to see so much support pouring in for this special place.
Through Dundee Culture, I’ve been promoting the observatory to raise awareness and help ensure its place in the community.
Beforehand, visitor numbers had been quite low, with many locals feeling the observatory wasn’t getting the publicity it deserved.
Now, thanks to the effort put in and with the support of others, the observatory has seen a huge turnaround, with over 1,000 visitors in the first month alone.
It’s incredible to see such a positive response. People are coming back for astronomy nights, and community events, and it’s clear that Mills Observatory plays a vital role in Dundee’s cultural and educational life.
This newfound enthusiasm for Mills Observatory speaks volumes about what can happen when a community rallies around something it loves.
It’s heartening to see Dundonians embrace the observatory as part of Dundee’s space story.
Our city’s ambitions may be reaching toward the stars, but it’s just as important to preserve our local treasures that connect us to the past and inspire future generations.
Dundee’s space journey is only beginning, and I believe the possibilities are endless. With new developments on the horizon and a growing interest in what lies beyond, it’s exciting to imagine where this journey will take us next.
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