Over the past 35 years, the European space industry has gained considerable expertise in overcoming hostile environments, which has led to the development of many valuable new technologies. These groundbreaking European space technologies are becoming increasingly available through the ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme for development and licensing to the non-space industry through the process of technology transfer.
“Since 1991, more than 160 transfers have generated EUR 25 million in turnover for European space companies and EUR 270 million for the non-space industries involved,” says Pierre Brisson, head of ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme. This programme has already created or saved 2500 jobs and led to the establishment of 30 new companies. “Our experience shows that the use of innovative technologies produced for European space programmes can improve our day-to-day life on Earth – often the only limits on their exploitation are those of our imagination.”