Empa technology in space
From Dübendorf ad astra
Engineers from Empa's Joining Technology and Corrosion laboratory have been working in partnership with the University of Bern for over 20 years, manufacturing components for scientific instruments used in various space missions run by the European Space Agency (ESA). One mission carrying parts from Dübendorf has already been successfully completed, three are currently in space, and two more are in preparation.
Unmanned space probes represent the pinnacle of engineering. They must be lightweight and compact, withstand the shocks of rocket launch, and then function for years without any maintenance – under extreme conditions such as vacuum, harsh radiation, and large temperature fluctuations. Every component of these highly complex devices must meet the highest standards.
Hans Rudolf Elsener from Empa's Joining Technology and Corrosion lab is well aware of this responsibility. For around 25 years, he and his colleagues have been supplying various components for scientific instruments for space probes in collaboration with the University of Bern. This often involves the high-precision soldering of metal and ceramics in high vacuum. Some European Space Agency (ESA) missions have already flown with Empa components on board, others are in preparation.
Dr. Hans Rudolf Elsener
Joining Technologies and Corrosion
Phone +41 58 765 42 27
Space technologies
Empa's research is conquering space. From components for space probes and imaging techniques for satellites to materials development on the International Space Station: Empa researchers are working on a wide range of materials and technologies for use at the “final frontier”. But no matter how high the research flies, it is still down-to-earth, as technologies for space have a variety of applications on Earth, whether for innovative electronics, medical devices, or monitoring environmental agreements.
Read the EmpaQuarterly online or download the PDF version.
