Out of this world: SpaceApps brings outer space technology down to Earth

ESA and MST Aerospace are presenting remarkable products and applications at the Hanover trade fair which have their origins in space. The space programme is an important innovation-driving force for the economy of ESA member states.

Hanover, 19th April 2010 | "It's extremely unlikely that many people will immediately see the link between the launch of the Ariane rocket in French Guiana and a home for senior citizens to the South of Munich ", says Frank Salzgeber, head of the technology transfer programme of the ESA on the occasion of the Hanover trade fair. However, the European space agency and their MST Aerospace GmbH technology broker is able to show, as part of the SpaceApps exhibition at their shared trade fair stand, the level to which space technology has pervaded various areas of our daily business and private lives.

Both people in need of care and sportspersons profit from the same "SpaceApp"
"Often a single space application can be developed into a wide range of applications that can be used in a variety of applications on Earth," explains Dr. Werner Dupont managing director of ESA technology broker MST Aerospace GmbH. In conjunction with the Munich senior citizens home, Dupont also refers to an intelligent data shirt which conveys the vital signs and position of the wearer by satellite to a third-party: "This application is interesting for both professional sportspersons, but also for senior citizens in care. In both instances, the information about body temperatures, blood sugar levels and heart rates as well as the current position of the wearer, can be viewed by the relevant doctor or trainer," explains Dupont.

Space programme is important for European companies
Airbag triggers, tsunami early warning systems or fire-proof protective clothing are only a few well-known examples of the products companies have developed as a result of space technology. The costs associated with the European space missions is money well spent. "The transfer of technology generates knowledge and ensures important leaps in innovation and successful product innovations in Europe. The transfers brokered by MST Aerospace alone over the 20 years have netted the associated companies a turnover of around 1.5 million euros," according to Dupont.

Brokers between the worlds bringing advanced-technology back to Earth
The core task of the technology transfer programme of the ESA is to find earthly applications for existing space technologies. Here, MST Aerospace acts as the broker between the two worlds and markets space-age knowledge to companies throughout Europe. In this way, thus far in excess of 250 projects have been successfully implemented since the end of the nineties.

SpaceFood and SpaceApps at the Hanover trade fair 2010
For the third time in a row, ESA and MST Aerospace are offering around a dozen companies the chance to present themselves and their new or further developed products based on space age technology on a shared stand (Hall 2, Stand D56).

Visitors to the SpaceApps exhibition will experience the presentation of a wide range of transfer projects including random tasting sessions for original ESA astronaut food and the demonstration of data shirts for patients as well as the Mars Rover model.

About the ESA technology transfer program
The main aim of the ESA technology transfer programme (TTPO) is to transfer existing space travel technologies and systems to new areas of application and to bring the benefits of European space programme to the people of Europe. The TTPO is responsible for the definition and implementation of the entire technology transfer process as well as for the incubation programme for young companies and their financing. | www.esa.int/ttp |

About the MST Aerospace GmbH
MST Aerospace GmbH is based in Pulheim near Cologne and is, among other things, the exclusive technology broker for the ESA technology transfer programme. Within this context, MST supports companies when it comes to technology transfer issues as well as evaluating new technologies and developing implementation concepts. In addition, the company, founded in 1982 advises authorities and ministries involved in air and space travel and other advanced technology sectors. | www.mst-aerospace.de |

If you have any questions regarding this press release, or the transfer of space technology in general, the following contacts will be available to you assist you both during the trade fair and afterwards.

Company contacts:

ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme Office
Mr. Frank M. Salzgeber
European Space Agency ESA
Keplerlaan 1, 2200 AG, Noordwijk ZH, The Netherlands

Telephone: +31 (0) 71 565 6208
Email: ttp@esa.int
Internet: www.esa.int/ttp

MST Aerospace GmbH
Mr. Dr. Werner Dupont
Rommerskirchener Strasse 21/31, 50259 Pulheim

Telephone: +49 (0)2238 475 450
Email: mst@mst-aerospace.de
Internet: www.mst-aerospace.de

Media contact:

rheinland relations
Mr. Christian Windeck
Berliner Freiheit 16, 53111 Bonn

Telephone: +49 (0) 228 555 265 95
Email: cw@rheinland-relations.de
Internet: www.rheinland-relations.de

This release was published on openPR.