Scotland to
the Moon.
And beyond.
A proposed independent initiative developing the missions, partnerships and public imagination that could give Scotland a defining role in the lunar era.
Proposed working identity. Governance, legal form and programme commitments remain in development.
A national ambition needs a mission engine.
Scotland already designs satellites, develops instruments, analyses space data and is preparing for launch. The proposed Institute exists to connect that excellence to a longer horizon: lunar science, exploration technology, space life sciences and public participation.
We do not duplicate the ecosystem. We convene it around questions and missions.
How the Institute is designedThe Scottish Lunar Programme
A proposed phased programme to turn Scottish capability into credible lunar contributions.
- 01Lunar science network
- 02Highland analogue missions
- 03Payload and instrument accelerator
- 04Human exploration and space health
- 05Cislunar systems and autonomy
- 2026Founding coalition
- 2027National agenda
- 2028Analogue campaign
- 2029Payload partnership
- 2030+Flight opportunity
Illustrative horizon only. Dates are not delivery commitments and remain subject to governance, funding, partners and technical review.
The launchpad is already here.
Scotland has the capability. The next move is to focus it on missions.
- £4bn
- 2030 market ambition
- 20,000
- 2030 jobs ambition
- 65%+
- growth in space businesses since 2016
Six fields. One mission horizon.
- 01Lunar science and resources
- 02Exploration systems
- 03Space biology and human performance
- 04Cislunar data, timing and autonomy
- 05Earth benefit and sustainability
- 06Talent and public mission
Research agendas will be developed with scientific, public and industry contributors. Listing a field does not imply an existing funded programme.
Read the research agenda04 / Participation
A child in the Highlands should be able to say: that is our country on the Moon.
Generation Moon is proposed as a network for school challenges, fellowships, mission rooms and field experiences across every region of Scotland, with deliberate routes for rural, island and underrepresented young people.
Explore Generation MoonRegister education-network interest05 / Partnership
No nation explores alone.
We seek listening and design relationships with space agencies, universities, institutes, foundations, communities and companies worldwide. A partnership exists only when agreed in writing.
- Founding partners
- Research and missions
- Education
- Philanthropy
- Industry
Independent by design. Serious by structure.
A founding council and scientific advisory network are proposed ahead of any programme commitment.
Initiated in Scotland in 2026 by Varun Sharma. Confirmed legal status, appointments, funding and commitments will be published transparently when evidenced.
Explore the Institute