CEO holds honour alongside hero
One of the forerunners of the Isle of Man's space business sector has been honoured by the satellite industry's largest global organisation.
ManSat CEO Chris Stott has been named Chair Emeritus of the Society of Satellite Professionals International, at the body's recent annual conference in Washington DC.
The honour was bestowed at the end of Mr Stott's term as SSPI chairman, as a surprise from the Board as he handed the reins to his successor.
Chris Stott holds the title alongside one of his heroes, the late legendary science fiction author Sir Arthur C Clarke, the first chairman of the society.
The pair met 21 years ago at Sir Arthur's home in Sri Lanka.
Mr Stott has described his 12 month chairmanship of SSPI as a "fantastic recognition for the Isle of Man and its burgeoning satellite industry."
He added: "During the last year the society conducted a 'state of the industry' survey and the Isle of Man chapter of the SSPI is in the process of formulating an industry-led space policy for the Island".
