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European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA)
  • News article
  • 11 October 2024
  • European Health and Digital Executive Agency
  • 2 min read

International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2024 – HaDEA projects showcase achievements to global space community

The International Astronautical Congress (14-18 October) is one of the leading global space events. With the overarching theme “Responsible Space for Sustainability”, the 75th edition of the IAC is set to transform Milan into the world’s space capital with the gathering of over 10,000 space experts, scientists, and industry professionals. 

HaDEA is managing a broad portfolio of EU space research & innovation projects, funded by the Horizon Europe programme. Meet some of these projects from various domains that will be showcasing their results at the IAC: 

Earth Observation 

SOPHOS is developing high-performance processing technologies focused on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) applications in small satellites. The developed solutions will enable improved on-board data processing, compression, and storage, thereby boosting the performance of data-intensive Earth observation applications.

Other projects in this domain presenting at IAC 2024: CARIOQA | DOMINO-E 

Space Systems, Transportation and Propulsion 

CRYSALIS aims to revolutionise the transfer and storage of cryogenic propellant in microgravity, along with pioneering refuelling capabilities in space. The project’s far-reaching impacts encompass logistics and transportation applications such as cryogenic propellant refuelling, satellite maintenance, life extension, storage, and disposal in orbit. 

ENLIGHTEN targets the development of new technologies to reduce the costs of access to space, and hence aims at increasing competitiveness of current and future Space Transportation Systems (STS) in Europe. The project focuses on selected new key technologies, such as Additive Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to new generation of reusable high thrust liquid propulsion system. Follow-up project ENLIGHTEN-ED is designing advanced production means of the technologies and will perform on-ground firing tests to demonstrate the ability of a low cost reusable engine to be rapidly operational on European launchers.

EROSS-SC seeks to produce space vehicles capable of performing various tasks on orbiting satellites such as conducting robotic manoeuvres, extending satellite lifespan, and conducting inspections. The project will demonstrate solutions for efficient and safe in-orbit satellite support services. 

Other projects in this domain presenting at IAC 2024: BOOST | EARS | EFESTO-2  | EU-RISE | ORU-BOAS | SAFEST | SCHUMANN | STARFAB  

Space Exploration 

LUWEX is developing novel lunar water extraction and purification technologies, targeting the use of ice on the Moon’s surface to produce spacecraft propellant and drinking water for astronauts. 

Other project in this domain presenting at IAC 2024: MiLi 

Space Education and Outreach 

ASTRAIOS’ main objectives are to provide an exhaustive view and understanding of the current and future offer of space curricula in the EU, and to identify actionable ways forward towards a better alignment between European curricula and future EU space sector needs. Outputs from the project will include an online catalogue database and new materials to promote space-related careers. 

EU Space booth 

Visiting the IAC exhibition? Don’t forget to pass by the European Commission booth (MS-B15)!

Visit this page for a full schedule of HaDEA EU Space Research project presentations at IAC 2024.  

 

Background 

EU Space Research aims to foster a cost-effective, competitive, and innovative space industry and research community. Under Horizon Europe Cluster 4 – Space (Destination 5), HaDEA is funding projects that prepare future evolutions of the EU Space Programme components, foster the EU space sector’s competitiveness, reinforce its independent capacity to access space, and secure its autonomy of supply for critical technologies. 

Details

Publication date
11 October 2024
Author
European Health and Digital Executive Agency
Programme Sector
  • Space
Programme
  • Horizon Europe Cluster 4: Space