Former astronaut touches down as space hub launched

During her visit, Kathryn Sullivan, who was the first American woman to perform a spacewalk, learned about the newly launched Edinburgh Space Hub.

The Hub has been established in recognition of the growing importance of space data for a range of industry sectors and Edinburgh’s long-standing excellence in the area.

Sullivan, who trained in geology and oceanography, also toured the University’s archive on HMS Challenger, which undertook a pioneering marine research expedition some 150 years ago.

Space data

The Edinburgh Space Hub, based at the University’s Bayes Centre, aims to address key global challenges, including climate crises and economic inequality.

Researchers linked with the hub are also developing new robotics, AI and sensor technologies to improve satellite operations and data collection.

The Hub, part of the Data-Driven Innovation programme, is a joint initiative that also involves Heriot-Watt and Napier Universities.

The University’s involvement is led by Dr Matjaz Vidmar and Professor Iain Woodhouse, who coordinate a network of research and teaching initiatives.

Expedition records

Kathy Sullivan was a crew member on three NASA missions, including one on the Challenger space shuttle, which was named after the Victorian naval survey ship HMS Challenger.

The former astronaut toured the University’s extensive collection of materials from the pioneering marine research expedition undertaken by HMS Challenger between 1872 and 1876.

Among the its many important findings was the discovery of the deepest known point in the ocean. In 2020, Sullivan became the first woman to dive into this deep oceanic trench – Challenger Deep – which still bears research vessel’s name.

Related links 

Data-Driven Innovation initiative

The Edinburgh Space Hub