European Space Industry Research Articles

The space industry in the context of the European aeronautics and defence sector

It is quite impressive to see the drastic changes that have been achieved by the European space industry in the iast ten years in terms of growth, access to new commercial services, customer orientation and restructuring. These changes cannot be attributed to the evolution of the space applications market alone. This is also due to the action of the industry itself, sometimes reacting to the consolidation of its US competitors.

The context of the european space industry

During the last 30 years, the European nations have made important investments in the space field. The role of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the national space agencies has prevailed, thus resulting in a European space industry relatively important in its volume and quality. Initially linked to the aeronautical and defence industries it has become progressively more emancipated, restructured and increasingly integrated with the telecommunications and other technology-based industries.

The European commissions view on the evolution of the European space industry

Space plays an increasingly important role in our economy, politics and life, and the space industry is now at crossroads, Commercial uses of space are expanding and experts fear that governments world-wide are unable to meet the demand. Is European space industry going to benefit more than the US from the new situation?

On the way towards a truly integrated European space company

Space has always been a field of interest for pioneers and visionaries. Hence, it is not really surprising that the space industry is once again setting examples: last May the former MatraMarconi Space and the space activities of Dasa/Dornier, all companies with a great heritage in the space community were merged to form ‘Astrium N. V.’, the spearhead of European space industry integration.

The success of the European space industry

European satellite manufacturers have been extremely successful during the first half of 2000, winning contracts for more than half of the commercial geostationary satellites ordered by international operators during this period. Does this mean that European satellite manufacturers are more competitive than their American counterparts?

Applications of HEMT devices in space communication systems and equipment: a European perspective

In the last years the satellite applications have seen a strong increase in the space hardware demand mainly for commercial communication services like fixed satellite service (FSS), broadcasting satellite service (BSS) and mobile satellite service (MSS). The new boundary will be the low cost, high production rate hardware needed for satellite constellations like Teledesic and for multimedia satellite-based systems (Euroskyway, Spaceway, Astrolink, Cyberstar). The design and development of microwave and millimeter wave equipment has been deeply modified in order to combine technical requirements and market needs (large productions, low cost and fast lead time). In this scenario the maturity of gallium arsenide MESFET and PHEMT devices and processes for space applications is a key factor and the design and integration of GaAs MMICs is mandatory to achieve the mentioned industrial drivers in the space companies. The paper will focus the application of GaAs MMIC technology in the European space industry taking as reference the space production done by Alenia Aerospazio in Italy and other European space companies and providing a future road map.

European strategic dependence as related to space technology: navigation

In 1998, EUROSPACE, the Association of the European Space Industry, has conducted a study, the purpose of which was to analyse strategic dependence in the context of space technology. Among the space vulnerability domains, Navigation appears as a quite essential one. The present article reproduces the chapter of the EUROSPACE study related to Satellite navigation and positioning technology.

Is the German and European space industry fit to face the future?

Is the German and European space industry fit to face the future?

EuroMoon 2000 A plan for a European Lunar South Pole Expedition

EuroMoon 2000 is an initiative by ESA and European Space industry to mark the progress of European space activities into the new millennium. The objective is to land a spacecraft at a continuously sunlit point on the rim of the lunar South Pole crater. EuroMoon 2000 will be launched by a Soyuz-Molniya vehicle in early 2001 to make a landing in April of that year. An initial orbital phase will carry out detailed mapping of the landing area, and establish the lunar gravitational potential accurately in a rehearsal for the descent. The lander will use a combination of inertial guidance and optical imaging augmented by ground support to land within a 100 m target circle. The mission design is aimed at providing “hold points” and recovery capabilities to provide the highest possible likelihood of mission success. To achieve short schedules, low risk and low cost, emphasis is being placed on maximum use of existing equipment. The project is being run as an ESA/industry partnership with a small core team providing prime activities.

The future of the European space industry

The future of the European space industry

Mechanical research and development activities at the european space agency

The research and development activities of satellite mechanical systems at ESA are driven by the requirements of future European space programmes, evolution of technologies resulting in new technical capabilities, and the need to reduce the cost, to increase the reliability of the European space effort and to improve the competitiveness of the European space industry. Technology developments require in many cases several years from initial concept to technological readiness, and this needs to be taken into account when considering satellite mission requirements. On the other hand difficulties encountered with the performance of existing mechanical system need to be resolved in a shorter timescale. Agency research and development activities of mechanical systems include: • - new materials applications • - design and manufacture techniques • - structural dynamics and low disturbance environment • - high precision reflectors • - vibroacoustics • - meteoroid and debris protection • - tribology • - pyrotechnics The activities take into account requirements of future space missions for science, earth observation, telecommunications, launchers, and microgravity applications. There are efforts to improve the competitive edge of space industry for example through the European Coordination for Space Standardization (ECSS).

Space: a challenge for Europe

This Viewpoint presents an industrial perspective of the policies needed to support and advance the capabilities and competitiveness of the European space industry. It is argued that Europe needs a coordinated longterm space policy to help create the climate in which industry can invest in and exploit space. Europe must also accelerate the development of advanced technology products and services, improve its competitiveness in applications and commercial markets including launchers, and secure fair and reliable international partnerships in in-orbit infrastructure and manned space activities. To this end European governments are urged to acknowledge the increasing political, economic and military importance of space and their continuing governance of space activities, and to establish mechanisms that promote industrial competitiveness; the development of the commercial sector; autonomy in key technologies; and international partnerships which are fair and affordable.

Overview of microwave components activities at the European Space Agency

A review of some of the activities of the European Space Agency in the area of microwave devices and components for space applications is presented. The activities discussed are in the areas of solid-state devices and technology, traveling-wave amplifiers, microwave filters, and time references. Each area is discussed in detail, illustrating the achievements of ongoing research and development programs involving European industries and research centers. The growing importance of microwave technology for space applications is discussed, and the future challenges are outlined, indicating how the European space industry is preparing for the future through the many R&D activities sponsored by the European Space Agency.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

An alternative to Hermes a solution for the European space industry

A variety of valuable roles can be foreseen during the next two decades for a reusable, piloted launch vehicle with a small payload. The authors argue that unfortunately, as currently proposed, the Hermes-Ariane 5 vehicle will not be able to fill the roles required. The authors propose a reusable aerospace transporter-a variant of Hermes - which will provide a solution and allow Europe to take the lead in developing the first fully reusable launch vehicle.

Europe's Political Will for Space

This review first provides a brief outline of the development of the European space industry; the importance of space programmes is illustrated. The prospects for European space flight are then considered along with the challenges we face. Finally, the lessons to be learned from European cooperation in the field of space flight are briefly considered.

Europe's Political Will for Space

AbstractThis review first provides a brief outline of the development of the European space industry; the importance of space programmes is illustrated. The prospects for European space flight are then considered along with the challenges we face. Finally, the lessons to be learned from European cooperation in the field of space flight are briefly considered.

Europe — towards a new long-term programme

The European response to the US invitation to participate in the space station programme will determine the long-term future of the European space industry. The European Space Agency is charged with replying to the invitation, which will be one of the items on the agenda of the first ministerial meeting of the Council in early 1985. All going well, by the end of 1985 Europe will have developed a new long-term strategy towards space which will include substantial collaboration with the USA.

African satellite communication systems and their implications

Eurospace, founded in 1961, is the Organization of the European Space Industry. Its members are 80 major industrial companies, banks and operators from 13 countries in Western Europe. The Association is the mouthpiece of industry to the European Space Agency (E.S.A.), in particular with regard to future European space programmes. In the course of its other promotional activities it has applied and sustained successful efforts to promote a regional communication satellite system serving the African continent.