Aerospace: innovative technologies needed to combat Covid-19

The European Space Agency, in collaboration with the Minister for Technological Innovation and Digitisation, is launching a programme to develop and test services in response to the Covid-19 emergency in Europe.

13
Aerospace innovation

Satellite communications, Earth observation, satellite navigation and other innovative technologies to respond to the current extraordinary circumstances and counteract Covid-19.

With this objective theEuropean Space Agency has launched a funding noticein collaboration with the Minister for Technological Innovation and Digitisation and the support of theItalian Space Agency.

Ideas for the development of innovation-related services

Through this notice, ESA invites companies to submit ideas for the development and testing of services related to innovation in the aerospace sector, in response to the emergency that Europe, and Italy in particular, is facing due to the spread of the Coronavirus.

The call will facilitate the development of projects dedicated to the implementation and testing of pre-operational services, targeting the healthcare or education sectors. Proposed services will need to demonstrate the benefits provided by the use of space assets, such as satellite communications, Earth observation, satellite navigation or spaceflight technologies integrated with other innovative technologies to respond to today's extraordinary circumstances.

These services will have to be developed in Italy for local communities and may also be tested in other geographical areas and countries, which are facing similar extraordinary situations.

The power of innovation

"We are interested in supporting European companies in developing and deploying their best ideas to respond to the current crisis, highlighting the contribution space can make in these circumstances," said Magali Vaissiere, ESA's Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications. "A fast-track approach has been put in place to respond to the pressing needs of citizens and institutions. We are delighted to be working with the Minister for Technological Innovation and Digitisation to launch the initiative in Italy and reach out to local communities."

Paola Pisano, Minister for Technological Innovation and Digitisation, commented: "We are facing a global emergency that has highlighted the importance of digital technologies and data; the power of innovation is even more evident. Right now, the priority is to develop common international strategies in the public and private sector, and research institutions.ESA, the Italian Space Agency and the Undersecretary of State at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers with responsibility for space, Riccardo Fraccaro, are joining forces to win this battle.

"We believe that, in this emergency, space, more than ever, must be put at the service of all. Thisis why we have proposed and given support to this notice, granting ESA the authorisation to finance the activities of Italian companies to the tune of two and a half million euros in addition to free satellite capacity if required and necessary for experimental projects," added Giorgio Saccoccia, President of the Italian Space Agency.


More information about the funding notice and the procedures for submitting ideas are published on the European Space Agency's website.

Previous articleThe importance of semiconductors for medical ventilator manufacturing
Next articleACQUISITIONS | Silicon Labs expands wireless business with Redpine Signals

LEAVE A COMMENT

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here