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Space technology hits the slopes

8 April 2004

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The two most important factors in slowing down speed skiers are wind resistance and vibrations. This year Skis Rossignol S.A. will use space technology to stabilize their skis when attempting to beat the current world speed record of 250.7 km/h, set in 2003.

Credits: Skis Rossignol S.A.

Rosetta spacecraft technology to control ski vibration

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Using technology from Europe's space programmes, ski maker Rossignol hopes to beat the world speed skiing record at Les Arcs Pro Mondial in France, 13-18 April 2004. Using skis stabilised by a mechanism originally developed for ESA's Rosetta spacecraft, the aim is to reach an astonishing 255 km/h down the slopes.

Credits: Skis Rossignol S.A.

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Rossignol’s Martin Lachaud getting ready

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Rossignol new pair of skis to be used at the 2004 Les Arcs Pro Mondial in France will have a built-in vibration stabilization system, based on space technology developed for ESA’s Rosetta comet chaser

Credits: Skis Rossignol S.A.

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In chasing the world speed skiing record, Rossignol has teamed up with ESA's Technology Transfer Programme to identify innovative space technologies to help them go faster. In 2003 Rossignol's Martin Lachaud became Pro Mondial world champion. His teammate Yohan Rosseau came third. This year, Rossignol will try to beat the world speed skiing record with the same two skiers, but this time using skis with space technology 'onboard'.

Credits: Skis Rossignol S.A.