Empa becomes new CSA partner
Strengthening the Swiss New Space ecosystem
Empa joins the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein as a partner. The Center bundles space and aviation expertise in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and offers opportunities for research collaboration and innovation.
Empa has joined the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA, see box) as a partner. The foundation, which pools the space and aviation expertise of several Swiss institutions, is thus expanding its existing competencies to include the areas of materials development, manufacturing technologies and quality assurance in space technology. “With Empa, the CSA has gained a partner institution that stands for excellent research at the interface between basic principles and application. Its expertise in the development of new materials and technologies for space travel is a great asset to our network,” says Elisabeth Stark, member of the CSA Foundation Board.
Among other things, Empa contributes know-how in the development of amorphous metals, high-entropy alloys and wear-resistant coatings designed for use under extreme conditions in space. Empa is also working on thermoelectric materials for energy conversion in satellites and on the additive manufacturing of mechanically highly resilient lightweight components – a key area for future space missions.
Empa is also setting new standards in reliability with lead-free soldering technologies for space electronics. “Space travel places the highest demands on materials, processes and system solutions – this is precisely where Empa's strength lies,” says Tanja Zimmermann, Director of Empa. “As a new partner institution in the CSA, we look forward to developing new research approaches together with the network, tapping into transfer potential and contributing our expertise to space and aviation applications in a targeted manner.”
“Empa's inclusion in the CSA network is exemplary of our aspiration to unite Switzerland's leading technological forces in a future-oriented space ecosystem. Together, we are shaping the European role in the global New Space,” emphasizes Oliver Ullrich, Chairman Director of the CSA.
With Empa's membership, the CSA is further expanding its position as an innovation driver for the New Space Economy in Europe. In close cooperation with existing partners such as the Space Hub at the University of Zurich, Swiss Skylab, CFAC-HSG and HSLU, new synergies are being created – particularly at the Zurich Innovation Park on the site of the Dübendorf military airfield, which is increasingly establishing itself as a center for biotech, space life sciences, materials science, aviation and space technology.
Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA)
The Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein is a private foundation which brings together the space and aviation expertise of the University of Zurich, the University of St. Gallen, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein, Empa, the Air Force Center, the Swiss Air Force Aeromedical Centre, the Swiss Skylab Foundation, the Department for Economic Affairs of the Canton of Zurich and the Liechtenstein Office for Communications.
