Opportunity for SME: "Enter the SpaceDataHighway" challenge
The European Data Relay System (EDRS) is a public–private partnership between ESA and Airbus Defence and Space, with ESA supporting the initial technology development and the company providing the commercial service. The European Commission is EDRS’s anchor customer through its Sentinel-1 and -2 missions.
EDRS is the most sophisticated laser communication network ever designed. Dubbed the ‘SpaceDataHighway’, EDRS helps Earth-observing satellites to transmit large quantities of potentially life-saving data down to Europe in near-real time.
To foster innovation for this brand new laser-based space communication system, Airbus Defence and Space has launched the “Enter the SpaceDataHighway” challenge for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), students, start-up entrepreneurs and space experts worldwide to develop new ideas for laser communication via satellites.
The most promising idea for the further development of satellite laser communication will win.
Airbus Defence and Space is offering a cooperation contract worth €75 000 and the support of their Airbus BizLab.
This initiative has been launched with the support of the European Commission and ESA, which, together with Airbus, developed the SpaceDataHighway programme as part of a public–private partnership.
To learn more about the “Enter the SpaceDataHighway” challenge and how to participate, visit: http://www.edrs-spacedatahighway.com/challenge
