Wider benefits of Space Science & Exploration

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Theresa Gardner
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1 Wider benefits of Space Science & Exploration Rob Scott AeroSPACE - QinetiQ Ltd Chair: UKspace Space Science & Exploration Committee Programme Director: Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation 1

2 Space Science and Exploration As a community we have articulated the scientific motive well for doing science in space, and this is largely understood by the politicians. However it is very expensive, we have an ongoing economic crisis, and we have a government inclined only to invest in activities associated with economic growth at present We therefore need to give UK SA and David Willetts the information they need to persuade the Treasury to support exploration and provide funds for Aurora/MREP, and for an associated National Space Technology Programme

However it is very expensive, we have an ongoing economic crisis, and we have a government inclined only to invest in activities associated

3 Science Drivers Science missions must innovate strongly in order to deliver science goals always pushing the boundaries of the possible Each mission offers a step-change in technology and capability Drivers: Function Ultimate performance Payload and platform performance Strong driver for innovation and gamechanging technologies Targeted on science, so not always easy to predict a priori the economic impact of new and disruptive technology

Ultimate performance Payload and platform performance Strong driver for innovation and gamechanging

4 Commercial drivers Commercial missions are not always the strongest driver of innovation Drivers: Lowest cost systems Robust supply chain Reliability/Quality Speed of build Willing to sacrifice state of the art (to some extent) to achieve above Characteristic: Volume production with evolutionary changes to maintain market share

Speed of build Willing to sacrifice state of the art (to some extent) to achieve

5 UK Industrial Capabilities relevant to a lunar mission (not exhaustive includes academia who build subsystems) Platforms and platform systems, solar panels etc. Propulsion electric, chemical, descent motors Low mass, low power communications AOCS sensors and actuators OBC and avionics Simulation, on-board and ground segment software EDLS imaging, radar and lidar EDLS software control and hazard avoidance Detectors optical, IR, X-ray Instrumentation Optics, Spectroscopy and chemistry Sensors, gyros Mechanisms Human and life sciences - preparatory Novel power sources, batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors (nuclear) High impact technologies Miniature systems Facilities test, ground segment (ISIC, ISIC Surrey), ground stations (Goonhilly, West Freugh, Chilbolton) In other words few systems that we can t provide nationally - at least in principle!

lidar EDLS software control and hazard avoidance Detectors optical, IR, X-ray Instrumentation Optics, Spectroscopy and chemistry Sensors, gyros Mechanisms Human and life sciences - preparatory Novel

6 Example Carbon Reinforced Plastic Structures Carbon reinforced plastic structures were originally used on science missions to build stable, low-mass optical and instrument benches CFRP primary structures on all satellites are now the norm, increasing payload capacity, and reducing launch costs.

low-mass optical and instrument benches CFRP primary structures on all

7 Robotics and autonomy Crew assist Analysis On-orbit servicing & sample transfer Novel batteries & generators Defence Miniature systems Manufacturing Medical robots Semi autonomous robots for hazardous environments Semi-autonomous UAVs

Defence Miniature systems Manufacturing Medical robots

8 Benefits summary Deep space missions Planetary exploration Better solar panels CFRP construction Techniques Electric propulsion New power sources Reliable mechanisms Autonomy New biochemistry techniques Improved comms Impact resistance Science instrumentation New wavelengths Better detectors In situ chemistry New techniques Cold atom methods Gravity sensors, gyros Miniaturisation Improved telecomms spacecraft UAVs Improved Navsats Improved EO spacecraft Terrestrial robots High revenues Cheaper services Flourishing applications Jobs and growth Improved weather forecasting Climate monitoring Medical systems Better spacecraft! Outreach! Vehicle systems Electric vehicles Greater autonomy

methods Gravity sensors, gyros Miniaturisation Improved telecomms spacecraft UAVs Improved Navsats Improved EO spacecraft Terrestrial robots High revenues Cheaper services

9 Virtuous circle Commercial space Jobs Space Science & Exploration Innovation, technologies & staff Inspiration Outreach Innovation, technologies & staff Space Science at university Terrestrial economy

10 Finally Hence please consider carefully the possible wider benefits of your technology, and communicate them clearly to UK SA In the current climate, science arguments alone are not enough Be creative and help UK SA and the Science Minister to help you!

SA In the current climate, science arguments alone are not

ESA Technology Planning. Technology Harmonisation. 13 th March 2015 ESA Technology Planning Section (TEC-TP) European Space Technology Harmonisation

ESA Technology Planning. Technology Harmonisation. 13 th March 2015 ESA Technology Planning Section (TEC-TP) European Space Technology Harmonisation ESA Technology Planning Technology Harmonisation European Space Technology Harmonisation 13 th March 2015 ESA Technology Planning Section (TEC-TP) Purpose of ESA To provide for and promote, for exclusively