A delegation, led by Eddie Teare MHK, member for the Treasury, attended the week long course which covered a wide range of issues including the history of space activity; space law; telecommunications regulation; space economics and future market trends in space markets; space cost engineering and risk management.

The other members of the delegation were Tim Craine, director of Space Commerce in the Treasury, Simon Harding and Claire Milne from advocates Dickinson Cruickshank & Co, Steven Quayle from Cains, Ian Jarritt from ManSat, John Christian from RBSI and Tim Mann from MannBenham.

The university made sure that the delegates obtained maximum benefit from their time in Strasbourg by setting a gruelling nine hour day of lectures.

There were 36 delegates in total including representatives from South Africa, Canada, Spain, Ireland, Nigeria, Italy, Bermuda, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, Austria and the Netherlands.

The wide cross section of delegates from so many countries has given the Isle of Man delegates the opportunity to establish contacts with others in the industry, likely to be useful in developing future business relationships. The Isle of Man had the largest delegation, followed by those from South Africa and Luxembourg.

Mr Teare said: 'I was delighted that following on from Government's commitment to develop a space industry on the Island, so many from our private sector have also seen the potential of this exciting new industry and have committed personnel to develop the necessary skills and expertise to service the business, that is now being attracted to our shores. It is the latest example of Government and the private sector working in close co-operation to develop and diversify the Island's economy.'