Hello ISS, can you hear me?
Phonak, an international leader in the area of hearing aid technology, launched a new product at ESA’s ESTEC site in the Netherlands. Once more, ESA was used as a launch pad – although on this occasion the mission did not take place in space, but on ground.
On Friday 11 March, Phonak – the Swissbased developer of technologically advanced hearing instruments – launched its new Savia hearing system at ESA's Research and Technology Centre, ESTEC, in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. It was the first corporate commercial event at an ESTEC facility.
The location was well chosen; cutting edge science and technology combined with human expertise allow both ESA and Phonak to make a substantial improvement to the quality of life of many individuals. The spectacular event was a successful cooperation between Phonak, ESA’s Commercial Promotion Office and the Erasmus User Centre, which hosted the 120 Phonak employees, dealers and members of the media.
Highlights of the event were a live in-flight call with Russian cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov on board the International Space Station (ISS) and a presentation from ESA astronaut André Kuipers about his mission to the ISS in April last year.
There was also a special appearance by Buzz Aldrin, member of the first lunar space mission in July 1969 and the second man to walk on the Moon, and a satisfied user of Savia technology.
At the end of the event, Valentin Chapero, CEO of Phonak, expressed his full satisfaction for the running of the event and thanked the ESA team for the effort made.
