ESTP and ISI Working Together for Space Future

15 May 2006
Representatives of the European Space Technology Platform (ESTP) and the Integral Satcom Initiative (ISI) took the opportunity of the ESTP 1st stakeholders meeting at the European Space Agency (ESA) headquarters in Paris to discuss the way forward in addressing the future challenges in the exploitation of space with European technology.

A strong spirit of collaboration clearly emerged, whereby both parties recognized that coordination and synergy are the key ingredients to achieve significant results for European industry.

The ESTP offers a “one-stop-shop” for all space technologies, including satellites communications technologies, with a particular focus on non-dependence, multiple–use and spin-in, and space technologies enabling community services and applications. On the other hand, ISI will address aspects related to the integration of satellite and terrestrial network telecommunications, services and applications (in particular related to security systems), issues related to the harmonisation of the regulatory regimes, and the preparation and promotion of standards, especially those that see as principal actors European industries and operators. The two platforms agreed that it is essential to stimulate public and private investment in these strategic fields by strongly presenting the case to the EU and ESA Member States, in order to stand up to the harsh challenges that are posed by the rivalling actors from the US and Asia.

The two platforms at a glance

The European Space Technology Platform (ESTP) is the Technology Platform for space technology. Open to the European space industry, all EU countries and Agencies, it builds on the successful European Space Technology Harmonisation conducted since 2000 by ESA, its member and cooperating states and the space industry. The ESTP has the clear objectives to provide a long term vision and a coherent frame work for space Technology in Europe, and to support the definition of the Community work programs related to Space Technology.

The Integral Satcom Initiative - ISI (www.isi-initiative.eu.org) brings together aspects related to integration of space and ground communications, including mobile, broadband, and broadcasting applications, security systems and applications, and the integration of data communications with navigation, Earth observation and Air Traffic Management systems, both for commercial and institutional/governmental applications.

Both platforms are determined to contribute to several EU and ESA policies, in sectors such as ICT, Space, Security, Transport, Development, and Environment.

Contacts:

ESTP: Mr. Rui Meneses, ESA/ESTEC,
email: rui.meneses@esa.int

ISI: Prof. Giovanni E. Corazza, University of Bologna, ISI Chairperson,
email: gecorazza@deis.unibo.it

Copyright @ 2006 European Space Technology Platform. All rights reserved.