Czech Participation in INTEGRAL: 1996–2011

The European Space Agency ESA INTEGRAL satellite launched in October 2002 is the first astrophysical satellite of the European Space Agency (ESA) with Czech participation. The results of the first 8 years of investigations of various scientific targets are briefly presented and discussed here, with emphasis on cataclysmic variables and blazars with the ESA INTEGRAL satellite with Czech participation

Consolidating the European Space Policy requires an evolution of its governance, which is currently structured around three main types of actor.

In 2007 a formal European Space Policy was established following discussions between the EU and the European Space Agency (ESA). Lucia Marta provides an overview of the development of European space policies and their current governance structure. European space policy governance is often conceived of as a ‘triangle’ between the EU, ESA, and national space agencies. Despite the achievement of important concrete results (notably national, ESA, and EU advanced space programmes), the exact responsibilities of each party and their reciprocal relationships still require further clarification

ESA activities in space laser sounding and ranging

Laser remote sensing from space is undoubtedly one of the most promising means to obtain essential atmospheric and geophysical parameters on a global scale. Efforts including feasibility assessments, technology developments, and mission definition studies are in progress at the European Space Agency (ESA) to prepare for the prospective use of laser remote sensing systems in space. An overview of the programs under way is presented and the perspectives of laser remote sensing in the context of ESA's Long-Term European Space Plan are discussed

On-orbit demonstrations of automated closure and capture using ESA-developed proximity operations technologies and an existing serviceable NASA Explorer platform spacecraft

Since 1984 the European Space Agency (ESA) has been working to develop an autonomous rendezvous and docking capability to enable Hermes to dock automatically with Columbus. As a result, ESA (with Matra, MBB, and other space companies) have developed technologies that are directly supportive of the current NASA initiative for Automated Rendezvous and Capture. Fairchild and Matra would like to discuss the results of the applicable ESA/Matra rendezvous and capture developments and suggest how these capabilities could be used together with an existing NASA Explorer Platform satellite to minimize new development and accomplish a cost-effective automatic closure and capture demonstration program

NASA's experience in the international exchange of scientific and technical information in the aerospace field

The early NASA international scientific and technical information exchange arrangements were usually detailed in correspondence with the librarians of the institutions involved. While this type of exchange grew to include some 200 organizations in 43 countries, NASA's main focus shifted to the relationship with the European Space Agency (ESA), which began in 1964. The NASA/ESA Tripartite Exchange Program provides more than 4000 technical reports from the NASA-produced Aerospace Database. The experience in the evolving cooperation between NASA and ESA has established the model for more recent exchange agreements with Israel, Australia, and Canada. The results of these agreements are made available to participating European organizations through the NASA File

Technologies and methods employed to design a university-class microsatellite, according to ESA Standards

The objective of this thesis is the study of the applicability of ESA (European Space Agency) standards to university-class microsatellites missions. At the same time the university microsatellite design technologies used to manufacture EduSAT spacecraft have been investigated in depth and ESA standards have been applied during the EduSAT mission phases. Afterwards a micro satellite optical payload for in-orbit space environment monitoring has been designed, exploiting useful instruments provided by ESA ECSS (European Cooperation for Space Standardization) standards

Space biology initiative program definition review. Trade study 6: Space Station Freedom/spacelab modules compatibility

The differences in rack requirements for Spacelab, the Shuttle Orbiter, and the United States (U.S.) laboratory module, European Space Agency (ESA) Columbus module, and the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) of Space Station Freedom are identified. The feasibility of designing standardized mechanical, structural, electrical, data, video, thermal, and fluid interfaces to allow space flight hardware designed for use in the U.S. laboratory module to be used in other locations is assessed

ESA/ELGRA Gravity-Related Research Summer School: an introduction to microgravity and hypergravity research for university students

The European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) co-organise since 2016 a Summer School on gravity-related research in the frame of ESA Academy’s Training and Learning Programme. This Summer School is organised every year, in June, at the ESA Education Training Centre located in ESA’s European Space Security and Education Centre (ESEC), Belgium. The Summer School explains the fundamentals of performing research at different gravity levels and offers an overview of current research activity under microgravity and hypergravity conditions in life and physical sciences. Over four and a half intensive days, up to 30 Bachelor and Master students from ESA Member States, Canada and Slovenia, attend stimulating lectures, and work within small groups to devise project ideas for prospective experiments. Gravity-related research is introduced to these future scientists and engineers by experienced professionals from across the European space and research sector. These trainers are ELGRA members and ESA experts, freely sharing their experience and know-how with the students, including their day-to-day work and research experience in biology, human physiology, physics and engineering. Each year the programme incorporates new elements to enhance the experience for the students based on their feedback. 104 university students and 43 different experts have already participated in this Summer School.The Summer School is a jointly funded initiative from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA).Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft