Research at the final frontier

Empa is conquering space. Well, at least our research is. Various space probes from the European Space Agency (ESA) with Empa technology aboard are currently on their long journey to their extraterrestrial destinations. And on the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts are using zero gravity to develop novel materials with unprecedented properties for Empa researchers.

Other satellites are directly being used by Empa researchers to locate the source regions of various pollutants, such as greenhouse gases, in Earth's orbit thanks to precise trace gas analysis – and thus monitor the progress (if any …) of international environmental agreements.

Empa has recently expanded its partner network in order to focus its research activities in the field of space technologies. In addition to established collaborations, say, with ESA and the University of Bern, Empa has established new partnerships as a member of the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA), for example with Space Florida, with which the CSA intends to set up a joint Space Hub at the Innovation Park in Dübendorf.

The complex multilayer materials currently being optimized at Empa go to show that materials science for space applications also brings clearcut benefits down here. These materials can be used to shield the sensitive “inner workings” of satellites from extreme temperature fluctuations. They are also suitable for manufacturing flexible electronics for foldable electronic devices, smart textiles, and medical sensors.

Michael Hagmann
Head of Empa communication