Hosted at the Mastercard Dublin TechHub, the recent techBREK event (Tues 12th November 2024) titled “It’s Not Rocket Science – Exploring the Reach of Space Tech” provided a captivating exploration into the Irish space sector’s evolution. The gathering was a partnership between Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, Mastercard and the Space Industry Skillnet, featuring notable experts Michael Martin and Dr. Norah Patten from Réaltra Space Systems Engineering who shared their expertise and insights on the booming Irish space sector with an eager audience.
Sabrina Staunton, Director of the Mastercard Dublin Tech Hub, opened the event and set the stage by highlighting the significance of space technology’s expansion in Ireland and its potential within the global space economy, expected to reach €1 trillion within the next decade. This was recently documented as part of the Enterprise Ireland Space Activities in Ireland 2023 report.
Pioneers of the Irish Space Industry
Michael Martin, Engineering Manager at Réaltra Space Systems Engineering, began his presentation by honouring Ireland’s space pioneers, Professor Susan McKenna-Lawlor and Professor Denis O’Sullivan. These trailblazing scientists laid the foundation for Ireland’s participation in space science, bringing global recognition to Irish achievements.
McKenna-Larra and O’Sullivan’s collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) led to Ireland’s involvement in ESA’s Giotto mission, which offered groundbreaking data on Halley’s Comet and set the stage for future contributions from Irish scientists and engineers.
Key Irish Contributions to Space Exploration
In detailing Ireland’s space heritage, Martin highlighted key Irish-engineered instruments and their successful deployments on international missions. Some milestones include:
- Giotto Mission: Ireland’s first instrument in space, contributing to the study of Halley’s Comet.
- Rosetta Mission: A data processing unit developed in Ireland supported the ESA’s first comet-landing mission, revealing unprecedented insights into comet composition.
- Mars Missions: Instruments engineered in Ireland mapped the Martian atmosphere, informing the design of electronics for Mars rovers.
- James Webb Telescope: Irish cameras documented the telescope’s launch and deployment, capturing images used globally and demonstrating Ireland’s role in cutting-edge space engineering.
Réaltra Space Systems Engineering’s Role in Modern Space Technology
Martin discussed some of Réaltra’s achievements. Founded in 2018 to revitalise Ireland’s relationship with the European Space Agency (ESA), Réaltra quickly secured ESA contracts to develop deep space instruments and video telemetry systems for the new Ariane 6 rocket. He highlighted Réaltra’s AI-enabled camera, launched on a SpaceX Falcon rocket, and their recent GNSS navigation receiver, which demonstrated impressive accuracy in experimental launches.
Innovation and Future Plans
As Martin emphasised, Réaltra’s recent projects reflect Ireland’s growing presence in advanced space technology. Future missions, including an exoplanet search mission equipped with Réaltra’s highly accurate temperature control systems, further underline Ireland’s contribution to cutting-edge space exploration. The company’s anticipated involvement in the ESA’s reusable rocket projects and cryogenic camera systems for fuel tanks showcase a robust pipeline of innovation.
A Look at the Irish Space Sector’s Rapid Growth
Dr. Norah Patten, Commercial Manager at Réaltra Space Systems Engineering and soon-to-be Ireland’s first person in space, followed Martin by sharing insights into the Irish space sector’s expansion over the last decade. Dr. Patten traced the sector’s evolution, showing how the growth of commercial space activity, including companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, has inspired Ireland’s own “New Space” industry.
National Space Strategy and Industry Milestones
A welcomed milestone, according to Dr. Patten, was the launch of Ireland’s National Space Strategy for Enterprise in 2019. The strategy aimed to integrate 100 companies into ESA projects, increase awareness of Irish achievements in space, and cultivate talent for the sector. Remarkably, as of 2023, Ireland had exceeded this target with 109 companies actively involved in ESA initiatives, underscoring the sector’s dynamic growth.
A Growing Ecosystem
Dr. Patten also presented a timeline of industry growth, noting that while Ireland’s space landscape was sparse in 2010, it is now densely populated with innovative companies. This vibrant ecosystem offers opportunities that were unimaginable just a decade ago, with more university graduates now entering the field.
Ireland in the Global Space Context
Dr. Patten concluded by placing Ireland within the broader European and global space ecosystem. Despite Europe’s smaller budget compared to the United States, the continent has shown significant growth, with ESA’s budget for 2024 projected at €7.8 billion. Ireland’s increasing collaboration with ESA and other international space agencies reflects a commitment to developing competitive, sustainable space capabilities.
AI in Space
We were also joined by James Murphy, Space Software and AI Engineer at Réaltra Space Systems Engineering. James discussed how recent advances in space technology have prompted a surge in the deployment of small satellite constellations by companies such as Starlink and OneWeb. Now numbering in the thousands, these constellations have significantly increased the burden on satellite operators who must monitor and manage them to ensure their safe and reliable functioning.
In response to this heightened operational demand, autonomous small satellite operations have become a focal point for investment, innovation and exploration. The latest hardware breakthroughs in Edge AI have paved the way for applying artificial intelligence (AI) techniques directly on board these small satellite systems, heralding a new era of AI-empowered autonomous satellites.
Conclusion
The techBREK event illuminated Ireland’s remarkable journey from space science pioneer to a thriving player in the global space economy. The presentations underscored the profound impact of Ireland’s early visionaries, the achievements of its current innovators, and the future potential for the country’s space sector.
As the global space industry advances, Ireland stands ready to contribute to new frontiers in technology, exploration, and scientific discovery.