At the Hannover Fair 2003, ESA will present the wide range of opportunities for commercial utilisation and technology transfer created by Europe’s involvement in space.

 
Exhibits will display the many technologies that are now available for commercial use on Earth and present the new opportunities for business on board the International Space Station.

Technology Transfer

The ESA/MST Technology Transfer Programme stand (Hall 18, Stand A11, Ground Floor) will present a series of technologies developed for space which are now ready for use on Earth. Over the past 35 years, the European space industry has gained considerable expertise in overcoming a hostile environment, which has led to the development of many valuable new technologies.

Groundbreaking European space technologies are becoming increasingly available for development and licensing to the non-space industry through the process of technology transfer. Examples of such transfer technologies on display include a ceramic sensor controlling the emission of oxidable gases from home heaters, a piezoelectric film sensor that can accurately detect impacts in cars, cheaper and smarter mechanisms for gear boxes, a mobile satellite navigation and communication safety emergency system, virtual reality ‘glasses’ for mobile computing systems and 3D-presentations.
 
 
“Since 1991, more than 160 transfers have generated EUR 25 million in turnover for European space companies and EUR 270 million for the non-space industries involved,” says Pierre Brisson, head of ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme. This programme has already created or saved 2500 jobs and led to the establishment of 30 new companies.

“Our experience shows that the use of innovative technologies produced for European space programmes can improve our day-to-day life on Earth – often the only limits on their exploitation are those of our imagination,” Brisson points out.

ESA is strengthening European industry by developing a scheme to boost entrepreneurship through a network of pan-European business incubation centres (ESINET). The aim is to encourage and accelerate the creation of start-up companies through the transfer of space technologies to other sectors and create new businesses. More information on ESINET can be obtained at the ESA/MST Technology Transfer Stand A11 in Hall 18.

For further information on the ESA/MST Technology Transfer Programme stand at the Hanover Fair, please contact:

Mr Fritz Gampe
Deputy Head of Technology Transfer and Promotion Officer
ESA/ESTEC
Tel: +31(0)71.565.4636
Fax: +31(0)71.565.6635