Integral

Most radioactive sources produce gamma rays of various energies and intensities. By detecting and analyzing them, a gamma energy spectrum can be produced. It is a kind of radiation fingerprint, which can tell what kind of substance one is dealing with and how much.

In space, this technology is used in astronomy applications, such as in ESA’s International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL). INTEGRAL, launched in 2002, is detecting some of the most energetic radiation that comes from space. With its gamma ray technology, it is able to detect violent explosions, the formation of elements, black holes and other exotic objects in the Milky Way, the cosmic neighbourhood and much further, in distant galaxies at the edge of the observable universe.

140 million € deal for human portable radiation detection system

Border control

Detection of illicit traffic in radioactive materials, which could be used to make dirty bombs, is off very high priority for the national security in the US. Special nuclear materials, which could constitute a threat, must also be identified between naturally occurring radioactive materials, such as clay tiles, ceramics or bananas, and a range of legally transported radioactive materials such as medical isotopes. Effective screening devices are required for personnel and freight at, for example, ports and borders.

Detection and identification of dangerous radioactive material has to be quick and reliable, without disrupting the normal flow of commerce. Symetrica and Smiths Detection are jointly developing a unique handheld and backpack Human Portable Radiation Detection System (HPRDS) tailored to meet those criteria. The device features space-based radiation detection hardware and signal processing software for use by emergency responders, border patrol agents, customs and coast guard officers and other law enforcement personnel. The detectors can identify and determine the location of incoming radiation and reliably discriminate between normally-occurring radioactive materials and potential threats.

Frank M. Salzgeber

A growing safety demand all over the world and rising safety standards not least due to the international terrorist attacks of the previous years caused a boom in security business and with it an omnipresent crave of the security industry for innovations and top-notch technology to gain a competitive advantage. That is why 2008 European Technology Transfer Conference, initiated by ESA’s Technology Transfer Office, put focus on the subject of security.

”The transfer of space technology into the security sector has huge potential, but unfortunately is yet a rather unexplored field”, says Frank M. Salzgeber, Head of ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme.

”Symmetrica’s success story was facilitated with the help of ESA space technology, and I am convinced there are a lot more of slumbering technology treasures to be discovered by the security business in space technology. This will not only benefit both industries, but also people everywhere, as it will make our world a safer place.”

ESA's Technology Transfer Programme Office (TTPO)

The main mission of the TTPO is to facilitate the use of space technology and space systems for non-space applications and to demonstrate the benefit of the European space programme to European citizens. The office is responsible for defining the overall approach and strategy for the transfer of space technologies, including the incubation of start-up companies and their funding. For more information, please contact:

ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme Office
Frank M. Salzgeber
European Space Agency ESA
Keplerlaan 1, 2200 AG, Noordwijk ZH
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 (0) 71 565 6208
Email: ttp @ esa.int
Website: http://www.esa.int/ttp

This article was published in the "Space for Business", ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme Newsletter, issue 2, 2008.