The progression of the aerospace industry has been closely intertwined with advancements in technology, resulting in enhanced competitiveness and research capabilities. This growth and investment in research and development has led to the incorporation of digital capabilities in various areas such as material composition, fuel technology, communication systems, and security measures. These advancements are expected to have a significant influence on space projects in the future.
According to a recent report by Aviation Week Network and KPMG, the space industry is a leading force in various technological areas, with a yearly budget of 19.5 billion dollars dedicated to innovation. Dr. Javier Ventura-Traveset, the spokesperson for the European Space Agency (ESA) in Spain and director of the Scientific Office of Satellite Navigation Galileo, describes the sector as a natural source of progress and significant breakthroughs.
Current Technological Developments
Ventura-Traveset explored a range of cutting-edge essential technologies that are currently being developed:
- Innovations in propulsion and aerodynamics for rockets and satellites-Ongoing research is exploring alternative options to existing engines, including the use of electrically powered propulsion systems utilizing plasma generation for satellites, as well as the creation of reusable engines for launch vehicles.The systems for sustaining life and providing protection during exploration missions are currently being created for space travel. This includes implementing evaporative cooling techniques to regulate temperatures within space suits.
- The field of materials science -is currently focusing on creating new and improved metallic and non-metallic materials that will meet the demands of future products. These include advanced lightweight alloys, high-temperature materials, coatings, multifunctional composites, and materials specifically designed for emerging processes like additive manufacturing and 3D printing.The aerospace industry is constantly advancing with innovations such as shrinking components, utilizing electric propulsion for satellites, and creating more precise scientific sensors.
- A cutting-edge approach for handling intricate programs and systems-Aerospace engineering is making strides in developing new models to enhance the planning, documentation, and safety protocols for designs, programs, and components in aerospace projects, in collaboration with diverse teams.
Graph: Applications of Industry 4.0 in Aerospace (only available in Spanish)
The article “Exponential technologies in manufacturing” was written by Michelle Drew Rodriguez et al. in 2018 for Deloitte.
Ensuring security is of utmost importance
According to the spokesperson for ESA in Spain, safety is a crucial factor in the aerospace industry, especially in areas such as rocket launching, manned spacecraft, protection of astronauts, and life support systems on the international space station. Defining strict safety measures is vital for these technological innovations.
The extent of its impact is wider, as it plays a crucial role in providing necessary services for Europe, including the EGNOS navigation service for civil aviation, the Galileo navigation system for all industries, communication satellites, and security in supplying earth observation data. Moreover, it holds significant significance in addressing challenges such as space debris, orbital collisions, and the effects of solar storms on satellites and astronauts. According to the spokesperson, ESA is actively developing various technologies to address these security concerns.
Missions on the Horizon
As a part of the industry’s technological goal, ESA has highlighted that a collaborative effort between NASA and the European Space Agency will be implemented in the form of a robotic mission to collect samples from Mars, known as the Mars Sample Return, within this decade. This mission will be in addition to the recurrent missions to the moon, both manned and robotic. The expert stated that there are plans to establish a permanent presence on the lunar orbit and surface, through the construction of the Gateway Space Station in cislunar orbit. This project will be the result of international cooperation, with a significant contribution from Europe.
The main focus of recent scientific progress lies in the potential of studying gravitational waves. One particular mission, LISA, by the ESA, has the potential to greatly transform our comprehension of the universe as a whole. One of the top priorities of today is to monitor the environment and climate change, and our continent is at the forefront with the most ambitious Earth observation program in the world, known as the Copernicus Program. Efforts are also being made to develop missions that can clear up space debris and eliminate non-operational satellites. Furthermore, there are plans to create a GPS or Galileo-like system in lunar orbit, which Ventura-Traveset is currently involved in, for the purpose of conducting the first manned missions to Mars. This includes the potential to redirect near-Earth asteroids that may pose a threat to our planet, as well as utilizing resources from the moon and asteroids. All of these advancements are paving the way for an exciting technological future in our industry, according to the expert.
Partner
Dr. Javier Ventura-Traveset Bosch obtained his PhD in Telecommunications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Turin in Italy. He also holds a master’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, and a Master of Science and Engineering from Princeton University in the USA. In addition, he completed the Senior Management Program at IESE. He is also the co-editor and co-author of the book “EGNOS: The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System, A Cornerstone of Galileo”, focusing on space engineering.
Having an experience of over 30 years, he has been employed at the European Space Agency (ESA) and has contributed to various space programs such as satellite communications, Earth observation, science, microgravity, technology transfer, and satellite navigation. He is a well-known expert in satellite navigation and has been responsible for managing missions and systems for the EGNOS Navigation project, which serves as the foundation for the European Galileo system. He has also served in the Cabinet of the ESA Director General and held the position of Director in the ESA Communications and Education Office in Spain. Currently, he holds the role of executive secretary for the ESA’s Scientific Advisory Committee on the Galileo Program and is the head of the Scientific Office of Satellite Navigation. He is in charge of overseeing the development of a navigation system for upcoming lunar missions and serves as the ESA’s representative in Spain.