Technology transfer goes both ways: from Earth to space and from space to Earth. What this means is explained by guest author Matthias Engler from Application Center GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO).
The information and communications technology (ICT) sector is experiencing tremendous and continuous growth across Europe. According to the European Commission, 50% of European manufacturing growth is based on ICT investment, and 25% of pan-European corporate spending on research and development results from the ICT sector.
Both the ICT sector and the space sector have common interests and can therefore benefit from synergies. How? The answer is quite simple: Technology transfer.
Space 4.0 and ICT
Within the European space ecosystem, Space 4.0 is the driver for contemporary technologies such as big data, connectivity, and ICT. This technology engine is being used to tackle global challenges. For space, ICT and its countless applications and devices represent a sparring partner for sustainably improving Europe's competitiveness and society.
New ideas for the next generation of space travel
Under the guiding principle “Space 4.0 – New Ideas for the Next Generation of Space Travel” seeks the INNOspace Masters ideas competition for progressive ideas and concepts that tackle current challenges with innovative solutions.
This ideas competition invites innovators to submit their proposals for the New Space Economy. The INNOspace Masters is organized by the Space Administration of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and supported by Application Center GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO) carried out.
Spin-in and spin-off ideas – technology transfer from a non-space sector to space and technology transfer from space to a non-space sector – are both of great interest to the INNOspace Masters and thus make this competition unique.
The wireless satellite
An example is the overall winner of the INNOspace Masters 2016: Skith – the wireless satellite, which has successfully received financial support from the Space Administration of the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
Computers and all other technical equipment on a satellite are distributed throughout the satellite according to technical and spatial constraints. This requires complex and heavy cabling—a cable harness. This necessary procedure has several disadvantages, such as high cost and weight, as well as the onboard computer's dependence on connections and devices.
Groundbreaking technology transfer solution
Skith's solution is the wireless satellite. The team aims to wireless technologiesused in areas such as the Internet of Things, Industry 4.0 and wearable devices, to be transferred to space travelBy using high-speed, short-range, real-time, and miniature communications links, Skith aims to revolutionize the satellite industry.
The durable and adaptable system is being developed based on a combination of modular and fault-tolerant software with ultra-wideband technology from Industry 4.0. The ultimate goal is to develop an energy-efficient wireless satellite infrastructure capable of real-time communication.
This new type of satellite structure is, among other things, more reliable and cost-effective than conventional satellite designs. This will benefit various space stakeholders, such as spacecraft manufacturers, space agencies, as well as political institutions and research institutions.
Prof. Dr. Sergio Montenegro (University of Würzburg) from Team Skith underlines the importance of the ideas competition:
“In addition to the many inquiries we have received from the press, we have also been able to establish many new scientific contacts in our research area.
The INNOspace Masters competition offers the opportunity to present your idea to a panel of experts and have it examined for its degree of innovation and feasibility."
Technology transfer offers great added value
This example shows how technology transfer — based on spin-in or spin-off technology — not only takes business ideas to the next level, but also creates benefits for the European economy and society.
The INNOspace Masters offers participants three different challengesRenowned partners, the Space Administration of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Airbus Defence and Space and the two German business incubators of ESA Bavaria and Darmstadt, have their own topic-specific challenges.
The competition offers a platform to broaden the horizons of existing ideas and to establish contacts with partners in the space sector.
The deadline for submitting competition entries is February 13, 2017. More Information about the competition and the link to register can be found here.
This article was originally published in the blog Space of Innovation published by Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen. Author Matthias Engler is Content Marketing Manager at Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO).
