Space age launch for revolutionary new hearing system
Once more, ESA was used as a launch pad – although on this occasion the mission differed slightly. On Friday 11 March, Phonak – the Swiss-based developer of technologically advanced hearing instruments – launched their new Savia hearing system at ESA's research and technology centre, ESTEC, in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.
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.
