International Space University students were the star guests at a welcome reception attended by Government and the local business community on Monday 9th November.

Mr Alex Downie MLC, Treasury Member with delegated Ministerial responsibility for the Space Industry, gave the welcome address and certificates for the students’ successful completion of their first module were presented by Director of Space Commerce and E-Business Mr Tim Craine and International Space University President Professor Michael Simpson. 

Commenting on the local module, Mr Downie said, "we are delighted that the ISU selected the Isle of Man as their preferred location to hold the module and is further evidence of the Island’s growing reputation and profile in the space industry".

The Executive MBA (EMBA) students are on the Island for over two weeks of intensive study for the 'Space Finance and Economics' module, which is taught jointly by lecturers from the International Space University (ISU) and the International Business School (IBS). 

The Isle of Man was chosen to host the course at the International Institute of Space Commerce because of its successful and growing space sector.

Strasbourg, France and Washington DC, USA are also study locations for the EMBA participants, who hold senior positions in space-related businesses. 

Isle of Man residents, Dr Helmut Kessler (CVI Melles Griot) and Michelle Mendes (Mercatoria Group) join colleagues from across the globe as part of the EMBA cohort.  

Key business and space industry contacts have also been made by the group during their time on the Isle of Man.

"The resident participants were able to attend the course amongst others with the help of SES-SL.  They are proving to be excellent ambassadors for the Isle and are fitting excellently in the group.

"We are pleased that SES-SL is continuing this support and are looking forward to have other participants from the Isle of Man in next year’s cohort," said Professor Walter Peeters, dean of ISU.

Local residents have also participated in workshops organised by ISU and the IISC.  The next module of the EMBA course, Management of Space Projects and Enterprises, takes place in Colorado Springs, USA.