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Scott Manley
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Scott Manley
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Scott Park Manley[1] (born 31 December 1972) is a Scottish-American science communication YouTuber, gamer, astrophysicist, and programmer. On his YouTube channel, he makes videos discussing space-related topics and news, mainly concerning up-to-date rocket science developments.[2] He also plays space-themed video games, most notably Kerbal Space Program,[3] while using his physics background to teach science concepts.[4][5]

Key Information

Manley is known among his followers as the "astronogamer", as he is one of the few YouTubers blending both video games and science,[6] and is popular in the niche community of space enthusiasts and gamers, especially among Kerbal Space Program players.[7]

Education and professional career

[edit]

Manley was born on 31 December 1972, and he grew up in Barassie, a suburb of Troon, South Ayrshire, in Scotland. While studying at the University of Glasgow, Manley received a Bachelor of Science (1990–1994) in physics and astronomy, focusing on asteroid belt populations, and a Master of Science (1994–1995) in computational physics. For five years he lived in Ireland.[8] In 2002, he worked as an engineer for Napster. From 2002 to 2004, he worked as a research engineer for Qualys. From 2004 to 2009, he worked as a security architect in imeem, where he developed and maintained an audio and video uploading, transcoding, and fingerprinting system, among other things. Manley joined Topsy Labs in 2009, which was acquired in 2013 by Apple Inc. where he worked as a software developer until 2025.[9]

YouTube career

[edit]

Manley's first few uploads on his YouTube channel, "szyzyg",[10] were assorted home movies that were primarily of his daughter, Skye, some of which involved her playing the game EVE Online.

A video titled "Asteroid Discovery From 1980 - 2010" was one of Manley's early YouTube successes. The video is a computer animation showing a time-lapse of the Solar System from 1980 to 2010. When the time-lapse reaches the day an asteroid is discovered, it appears on the map as a bright green dot and continues orbiting the Sun. The video amassed over 459,000 views in the five days following its upload.[11] By 3 September 2010, the szyzyg channel had 213 subscribers, earning Manley the accolade "#66 - Most Viewed (This Week)".[10]

Some time before 23 November 2011, he changed the name of his YouTube channel to "Scott Manley".[12] Manley's later successes came from gaming content, specifically videos about Kerbal Space Program, a spaceflight simulator with semiaccurate Newtonian physics. Kerbal Space Program is a sandbox game featuring players constructing rockets out of prefabricated parts, attempting to launch them into orbit and explore the solar system of Kerbin. The game has a very steep learning curve due to the accurate Newtonian physics engine. Manley used his scientific background to make tutorial videos on basic gameplay, such as how to reach Kerbin orbit.[13] Later, Manley would go on to play other games such as Elite Dangerous, EVE Online, Surviving Mars and Kerbal Space Program 2, approaching them from his unique professional science perspective.

Around 2018, Manley slowly transitioned away from gaming content, and began focusing heavily on the history of spaceflight and current events in the industry. As of 2022, these subjects are his current main focus, alongside regular Q&A videos submitted by his patrons on Patreon. Manley still streams games weekly on Twitch under the name "Szyzyg".[14]

From 2022 to 2023, Manley uploaded an irregular series of vlogs documenting his progress in obtaining a private pilot license, becoming certified in April 2023. He's currently working towards an Instrument Rating and also owns an Aerospool WT9 Dynamic light sport aircraft which appears in a number of videos.[15][16][17][18][19]

Author Anne McCaffrey consulted with Manley on the effects of asteroid impacts while writing The Skies of Pern.[20] Manley determined the orbit of a fictional rogue comet and provided advice on how the event should be portrayed.[21] Manley was one of the original participants of Asteroid Day, was a keynote speaker at the launch in 2015,[22] and hosted their regular "Asteroid Update" segments.[23] He is credited as a consultant on the Netflix movie Stowaway (directed by Joe Penna). In Penna's appearance on Corridor Cast, he said Manley would go beyond the immediate needs of the script and that he 'did the math so it would be ready'.[24]

Recognition

[edit]

In recognition of his work as a popular science communicator, asteroid 33434 Scottmanley was named after him.[25] The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 18 May 2019 (M.P.C. 114954).[26] The outer main-belt asteroid was discovered by astronomers with the OCA–DLR Asteroid Survey in 1999. It is a member of the stony Koronis family and measures approximately 4.6 kilometres (2.9 mi) in diameter.[27]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Scott Manley

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Scott Manley is a Scottish-American astrophysicist, software engineer, and science communicator renowned for his YouTube channel that explores , rocketry, , and video games such as . Born in , Manley earned a BSc in Physics and Astronomy from the in 1994, followed by an MSc in from the same institution in 1995. He spent a decade in academia, researching small solar system bodies and asteroid collision probabilities at the and Armagh Observatory. In 1999, he transitioned from research to the technology sector in , holding positions such as DRM Engineer at (2002), Research Engineer at (2002–2004), Security Architect at imeem Inc. (2004–2009), and Search Engineer at Topsy Labs (2009–2013), before joining Apple as a Software Engineer and Developer in 2013, where he worked until August 2025. Manley's YouTube career began in 2006, gaining significant traction starting with gameplay videos of in 2012 overlaid with explanations of real-world physics and spaceflight principles. His channel, which emphasizes educational content on current events in space news and rocketry, has amassed over 712 million views and 1.81 million subscribers as of late 2025. He has consulted on projects, including Anne McCaffrey's The Skies of Pern and Joe Penna's . In recognition of his contributions to public understanding of asteroid science and , Manley delivered a keynote speech at in 2015 and has hosted annual "Asteroid Update" segments for the event since. 33434 Scottmanley, a main-belt approximately 4.6 km in diameter discovered in 1999, was officially named in his honor on May 18, 2019.

Early life and education

Early life

Scott Manley was born on December 31, 1972, in Troon, , , where he spent his early years growing up with three brothers. His father, Charlie Manley, served as a key source of inspiration throughout his life and occasionally featured in his videos prior to his death in 2015.

Education

Manley attended the in , where he pursued studies in physics and astronomy. He earned a degree in physics and astronomy in 1994, after completing his undergraduate program from 1990 to 1994. Following his , Manley continued at the same institution to obtain a in in 1995. This postgraduate program, spanning 1994 to 1995, built on his foundational knowledge in and introduced advanced computational techniques relevant to scientific modeling and simulation.

Professional career

Early engineering roles

Manley's engineering career began in the late with a focus on technologies. From 1999 to 2002, he served as a streaming audio engineer at Myplay.com, where he contributed to the development of online music sharing and playback systems during the early days of distribution. In 2002, Manley briefly worked as a DRM engineer at , the pioneering file-sharing service, amid its legal challenges and shutdown. His role involved for audio content, marking an early involvement in content protection technologies. Following , from 2002 to 2004, Manley joined as a research and vulnerability engineer, specializing in cybersecurity assessments and vulnerability scanning tools. During this period, he contributed to public disclosures on software vulnerabilities, enhancing enterprise security practices. Manley's early career progressed into media and roles. From 2004 to 2009, he worked at as a security architect and media wrangler, developing and maintaining audio and video fingerprinting systems to combat on the social music platform. This experience built on his prior work in , focusing on scalable security solutions for .

Career at Apple

Manley joined Topsy Labs in 2009 as a Search Engineer, focusing on the development of products that enabled searching, analyzing, and deriving insights from conversations on platforms including and Google+. Topsy specialized in real-time analytics of Twitter's vast data streams, processing hundreds of billions of tweets to provide and trend detection for enterprise clients. In December 2013, Apple acquired Topsy Labs for a reported $200–225 million, one of the company's few major forays into at the time. The acquisition aimed to bolster Apple's capabilities in data processing and potentially enhance features like or advertising relevance through social signals. Following the deal, Manley continued his career at Apple as a Software Engineer and Developer, contributing to various internal products over the subsequent twelve years. Specific details of his work remained confidential, aligning with Apple's policy of secrecy around ongoing projects. Topsy's standalone services, including its consumer-facing search engine and enterprise analytics platform, were shut down by Apple in December 2015, approximately two years after the acquisition. Despite the closure, Manley's role evolved within Apple's broader engineering teams, where he balanced full-time software development with his burgeoning YouTube channel on space and rocketry topics. Manley departed Apple in August 2025 after handing off his final projects, concluding a 15-year professional arc that began at Topsy and transitioned seamlessly into Apple's ecosystem. His decision to leave was driven by the opportunity to dedicate himself fully to and content creation.

YouTube career

Channel origins and growth

Scott Manley created his YouTube account on July 8, 2006, and uploaded his first video in 2009, featuring a mosaic artwork created by his young daughter using an . Early content focused on family moments, including videos of his children playing the online game , which garnered modest attention within gaming communities. The channel's pivot to science and space-themed content occurred in 2010 with the upload of "Asteroid Discovery From 1980 - 2010," a silent visualizing the time-lapse discovery of over three decades. This video gained viral traction after being shared on and , amassing over a million views and marking Manley's first significant , which shifted his focus toward educational animations and explanations. By late 2010, the channel had accumulated 213 subscribers. Growth accelerated in 2011 following the release of (KSP), a rocket-building simulation game. Manley began producing tutorials on and mission strategies, leveraging his background to explain complex concepts accessibly. These videos, such as guides on achieving stable orbits, resonated with players struggling with the game's physics, driving steady subscriber increases through the early 2010s. By 2013, consistent KSP content had established the channel's niche in blending gaming with real-world rocketry education. Manley reached 500,000 subscribers in March 2016, a milestone he attributed to the cumulative impact of KSP series and emerging space news coverage, including SpaceX developments. The channel approached 1 million subscribers by mid-2017, fueled by expanded content on satellite launches and astronomical events. Subsequent growth was propelled by real-time analysis of high-profile missions, such as SpaceX's Falcon 9 recoveries, which drew broader audiences beyond gaming. As of November 2025, the channel has 1.82 million subscribers and over 716 million total views, reflecting sustained expansion through diverse spaceflight commentary. In August 2025, Manley left his position at Apple after 15 years to focus full-time on his YouTube channel and related projects.

Content focus and style

Scott Manley's YouTube content primarily focuses on , rocket science, and , often using the (KSP) as a tool to demonstrate complex concepts like and . His videos cover a range of topics, including real-world space missions, technological developments, and historical events, such as NASA's and launches, while integrating gameplay simulations to make abstract physics accessible. This approach stems from his background in , allowing him to explain principles like collision probabilities in the solar system through practical, visual examples. In terms of style, Manley's videos adopt an educational yet engaging tone, blending step-by-step scientific explanations with humor, storytelling, and memes to appeal to a broad audience, from gamers to space enthusiasts. He emphasizes simplicity in communication, breaking down topics from basic principles (A to B to C) and testing explanations for clarity, often drawing on his Scottish heritage for a distinctive, approachable narration. Early content, like visualizations of discoveries, evolved into more narrative-driven pieces that debunk myths (e.g., theories) and explore innovations such as space suits made from . His signature catchphrase, "fly safe," underscores a lighthearted yet precise style that prioritizes accuracy without overwhelming viewers with . Manley's production process highlights efficiency and authenticity, with videos often produced quickly after research to cover timely space news, combining gameplay footage with overlaid graphics and personal commentary to enhance understanding. This method has made his channel a key resource for space education by fostering curiosity through interactive and relatable formats.

Audience impact and collaborations

Scott Manley's YouTube channel has cultivated a substantial audience, reaching 1.82 million subscribers and accumulating over 716 million views as of November 2025. His content appeals primarily to science enthusiasts, space exploration aficionados, and gamers interested in simulations like Kerbal Space Program, blending educational explanations of orbital mechanics and rocket science with engaging gameplay. This approach has fostered high engagement, with an average rate of 5.53%, reflecting the channel's success in making complex topics accessible. The channel's impact extends to public education and inspiration for STEM pursuits. Videos such as tutorials on have motivated viewers to study physics and rocket science, with Manley noting that many audience members inquire about college programs in these fields. Educators have incorporated his content into classrooms, including lessons, to ignite student interest in real-world applications of science. Additionally, his explanations have encouraged viewer support for space initiatives, such as donations to the ARKYD Kickstarter and the for detection efforts. Through "edutainment," Manley promotes broader understanding of space phenomena, as seen in viral videos debunking misconceptions like theories or detailing distributions. Manley's collaborations highlight his expertise beyond YouTube. He served as an aerospace consultant for director on the 2021 Netflix film , advising on , radiation shielding, and mission realism; he received an on-screen credit for his contributions. Since 2015, he has partnered with , an international organization focused on planetary defense, as a and host of their "Asteroid Update" video series, raising awareness about near-Earth objects.

Recognition and other activities

Honors and awards

In recognition of his contributions to through videos on and , the 33434 was officially named Scottmanley by the in 2019. The , discovered in 1999 and approximately 4.6 kilometers in diameter, orbits in the main between Mars and . This naming honors Manley's efforts in educating the public on , rocket science, and astronomical phenomena using accessible formats like video games. For his work in advancing glider through simulation-based education, Manley received the Soaring Society of America's Chairman's Award in 2019. The award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding voluntary contributions to the sport of , particularly in areas like instruction and innovation. Manley developed the Simulation-based Online Experience (SOFTE) program, which uses to enhance pilot proficiency and safety in . This initiative has been adopted to standardize across the gliding community, improving accessibility for new and experienced pilots alike.

Consulting and media contributions

Manley consulted with author on her 2001 science fiction novel The Skies of Pern, providing expertise on asteroid impacts. He assisted in modeling the of a and the effects of its collision with the Pern, contributing graphics and simulations to ensure scientific accuracy in the narrative. Manley served as a science consultant for the 2021 Stowaway, directed by . His involvement began in 2015, when he collaborated on the script by providing expertise in , including the design of systems and shielding. To support the narrative, Manley constructed physical models of the film's and created detailed mathematical simulations using software to model oxygen consumption rates and mission timelines, which directly informed the story's climactic twist regarding resource scarcity. He is officially credited as an expert in the film's production acknowledgments. Beyond film consulting, Manley has contributed to media through guest appearances on discussion platforms, sharing his knowledge of rocketry and astrophysics. In 2023, he appeared on the podcast Lateral with Tom Scott, where he engaged in conversations about space exploration and scientific concepts. These engagements highlight his role in bridging technical space science with public-facing media to promote accurate representations of aerospace topics.

Aviation pursuits

In 2022, Scott Manley began documenting his journey toward obtaining a private pilot's license through a series of vlogs on his YouTube channel, sharing experiences from ground school to flight training. These videos detailed challenges such as mastering aviation exams using vintage tools like the E6B flight computer and navigating practical flight lessons in a Cirrus SR20. His training emphasized real-world applications, including solo pattern work and instrument familiarization, reflecting a hands-on approach to building proficiency. Manley successfully passed his private pilot checkride in April 2023, earning certification after approximately a year of irregular but dedicated training. This milestone allowed him to pursue more advanced flying activities independently. In December 2023, he became a partial owner of an , a known for its agility and engine, which he described as an accessible entry into personal ownership. Subsequent videos captured early flights in the WT9, including troubleshooting issues like engine aborts during takeoff, highlighting the practical realities of and operation. Beyond fixed-wing , Manley has explored emerging technologies. In 2025, he underwent certification to fly the Pivotal , a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft blending drone-like with piloted control, completing the in October 2025 through a short intensive program of simulator and flight sessions over a few days. This experience underscored his interest in innovative flight systems, drawing parallels to his rocketry content. He continues to work toward an , focusing on flying in to expand his capabilities. Through these pursuits, Manley integrates into his educational outreach, using personal anecdotes to demystify flight for viewers.

References

  1. https://b612foundation.org/members/scott-manley/
  2. https://lifeboat.com/ex/bios.scott.manley
  3. https://asteroidday.org/people/scott-manley/
  4. https://www.linkedin.com/in/scmanley
  5. https://socialblade.com/youtube/handle/scottmanley
  6. https://www.spacereference.org/asteroid/33434-scottmanley-1999-fu
  7. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/scott-manley.html
  8. https://youtube.fandom.com/wiki/Scott_Manley
  9. https://www.aaas.org/membership/member-spotlight/astronogamer-scott-manley-accelerates-knowledge-space-and-rocket
  10. https://b612foundation.org/asteroids-in-the-solar-system-scott-manley/
  11. https://www.calacademy.org/events/programs/asteroids-in-fiction-vs-reality
  12. https://www.wired.com/2000/05/iloveyou-loves-eating-mp3s/
  13. https://twitter.com/djsnm/status/1420155664278573057
  14. https://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2003/Sep/776
  15. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/dec/02/apple-buys-topsy-twitter-analytics-report-200m
  16. https://techcrunch.com/2013/12/02/apple-buys-topsy-for-a-reported-200m-could-use-social-signals-to-bolster-app-store-relevance/
  17. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/03/technology/apple-buys-topsy-a-social-media-analytics-firm.html
  18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM9h5TU39Dc
  19. https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/two-years-after-acquisition-apple-shuts-social-analytics-platform-topsy-idUSKBN0TZ2NF/
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oFDp7kFLLY
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_d-gs0WoUw
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49FPVDneMG8
  23. https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/10/scott-manley-explores-the-far-reaches-of-space-and-his-top-1000-youtube-comments/
  24. https://socialblade.com/youtube/channel/UCxzC4EngIsMrPmbm6Nxvb-A
  25. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxzC4EngIsMrPmbm6Nxvb-A/about
  26. https://beacons.ai/i/blog/astronomy-youtubers
  27. https://theworld.org/stories/2016/07/30/far-cry-call-duty-kerbal-space-program-inspiring-players-learn-physics-video
  28. https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film/stowaway-how-youtuber-scott-manley-helped-director-get-science-straight-in-new-space-thriller-1.1209441
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIQ2byD6b6o
  30. https://soaringweb.org/Awards/chairmans.html
  31. https://gliderboy.podbean.com/e/glider-rides/
  32. https://www.ssa.org/simulation-based-online-flight-training-experience-softe-2/
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23195502/
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1lvykwNfTg
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK5rpQ0w8Ks
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DezE8cO-Rds
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrOasmF7z70
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZJENHztDW0
  39. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MZdDW018M7E
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYMewo1JTzI
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wncRFPd69rg
  42. https://www.linkedin.com/company/pivotalaero
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm2bqMfkZvs
  44. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhq-D-EqGvr1gzjACCnhntJDRsxto1Ov5
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