Enterprise Ireland has today published the ‘Space Activities in Ireland 2023’ Report, highlighting the growing participation and success of Irish companies in the European space sector. By the end of 2023, 109 Irish companies were actively engaged with ESA, demonstrating the significant expansion of Ireland’s role in this high-growth industry.
In 2023, ESA awarded contracts worth €9.9 million to Irish companies primarily focused on industrial activities. Industrial co-funding of €2.2 million further supported these enterprises. Throughout the year, 25 companies, including three newly space-active businesses, were supported in developing products and technologies across sectors including telecommunications, earth observation, and space exploration.
A key highlight of the year was the successful launch of the Educational Irish Research Satellite 1 (EIRSAT-1), Ireland’s first satellite, on 01 December 2023, marking a significant milestone. EIRSAT-1 is a student-led project from University College Dublin (UCD) and was developed in collaboration with Irish technology companies.
Commenting on the 2023 report, Minister Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, said:
“2023 was a momentous year for the Irish space sector.The increasing number of Irish companies working with ESA, alongside the launch of EIRSAT-1, highlights Ireland’s strong position in this fast-growing sector.
“As Ireland’s space community continues to innovate and collaborate with European and global partners, the future of the country’s space sector looks brighter than ever. The Irish Government is committed to continuing its support for innovation and enterprise in the space sector as we look to build on these successes and further strengthen Ireland’s role in the global space economy.”
Marina Donohoe, Head of Research and Innovation at Enterprise Ireland, added:
“The strong growth in Irish companies engaging with ESA, now reaching 109, is a clear indicator of Ireland’s expanding footprint in the global space economy. This year’s report demonstrates the progress and impact Irish companies are making through collaboration with ESA, not only in advancing space technology but also in driving innovation in sectors with downstream applications. Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting these companies and the growing number of research teams actively involved in space-related developments supported by ESA.”
The space economy was valued at $630 billion in 2023 and is forecast to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, with an average annual growth rate of 9%, significantly outpacing global GDP growth[1]. This rapid expansion, driven by both public and private sector investments, has opened new opportunities for ‘NewSpace’ companies developing innovative space-related products and services.
In a demonstration of Ireland’s position at the front rank of space technology development, ESA’s new rocket the Ariane 6, which launched smoothly in July this year, used two technology systems designed and built by Irish space engineering company Réaltra. Enterprise Ireland’s ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) Ireland also had a successful year, welcoming seven new start-ups. These companies are focused on developing both upstream and downstream applications, further bolstering Ireland’s contribution to the burgeoning space sector.
Another key development for the sector in 2023 was the establishment of the Irish Space Association (ISA), a new organization designed to foster collaboration among space-active companies and research organizations in Ireland. This collaborative network will play a pivotal role in the future growth of Ireland’s space sector by promoting knowledge-sharing and enhancing the country’s competitive edge in the global space market.
The ESA End of Year Activities Report 2023 underscores the significant progress being made by Irish companies and researchers as they collaborate with ESA and European partners. With Irish companies continuing to leverage the opportunities created by NewSpace, the future looks bright for Ireland’s expanding space sector.
Belfast-based cyber security firm ANGOKA has been accepted to the Airbus Space Accelerator programme. The accelerator is described by Airbus as “an exciting opportunity not only for existing space companies, but for any business with the desire and potential to work in space”.
Speaking at an event at Farnborough International Airshow, ANGOKA director Yuri Andersson said this is a chance for ANGOKA “to deepen its ties with the space industry, helping us to develop the next generation of cybersecurity solutions.”
Airbus says the accelerator is part of the wider Community for Space Prosperity (CUSP) initiative to develop the UK’s space ecosystem, where the 14-week programme will help startups, academics and non-traditional space businesses to advance their technical offering, understand the commercial space landscape and build connections within the wider space industry.
Airbus is running the accelerator with Plexal, the London-based innovation boutique which collaborates on technology with government, startups and industry.
Mr Andersson says there is rapid growing convergence between terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication networks for improved coverage and bandwidth.
“A new space economy is being built where in the near future there will be in-space infrastructure such as in-space assembly and manufacturing, orbital data centres and human habitats,” he added.
“Much of the data will be kept in space and processed in space, and to support the communications needs of the future space economy we need new solutions for cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. With emerging cyber threats from quantum computers and AI, traditional approaches such as those based on PKI [Public Key Infrastructure], or Distributed Ledgers are no longer adequate, and this requires a complete paradigm shift.” says Mr Andersson.
Director of Science at the European Space Agency, Prof. Carole Mundell and her senior executive team attended an event, hosted by Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), at DIAS Dunsink Observatory as part of a national visit last week.
The European Space Agency (ESA) group has been conducting a tour of all ESA member states. Ireland joined the ESA as a founding member in 1975 and has contributed to space missions along with the 21 other member states. Commenting on the event, Dr. Padraig Doolan, Irish Delegate to the ESA within Enterprise Ireland said, “The recent visit by the Director of the Science Programme of the ESA, Prof. Carole Mundell, was a landmark event for the Irish space research community. While Ireland’s success on the industry side of space is reasonably well-known, this occasion provided a platform to recognise and celebrate the substantial breadth of expertise and talent that exists among the academic community in Ireland.
“During her time here, Prof. Mundell met with multiple research groups, stakeholders and seven universities from across Ireland at the event, hosted by DIAS Dunsink Observatory. She also engaged with several Irish-based senior scientists specialising in the areas of fundamental physics, galaxies and cosmology, heliophysics, planetary science, star formation and exoplanets, and stars and stellar evolution, as well as hearing first-hand from the team behind the successful development and launch of Ireland’s first satellite, EIRSAT-1.”
Host of the event Prof. Caitriona Jackman (Senior Professor and head of the DIAS Planetary Group), noted that “the day provided an opportunity to showcase some of the highlights of Irish space science and astronomy. Irish-based scientists engage with ESA on many levels, ranging from our formal positions as named investigators on missions like Solar Orbiter and JUICE, to our service on ESA working groups and mission selection panels. Our group of senior scientists laid out our ambition for increased engagement with the future portfolio of ESA missions from technology development to science exploitation.”
DIAS involvement
As part of the event hosted at DIAS Dunsink Observatory, DIAS scientists including Prof. Caitriona Jackman, Dr. Hans Huybrighs and Dr. Charles Bowers from the DIAS Planetary Group presented examples of their work on the magnetic environments of Mercury and Jupiter. Prof. Peter Gallagher, Dr. Shane Maloney and Dr. Sophie Murray highlighted Ireland’s formal involvement in the Solar Orbiter mission STIX instrument, and their leading Space Weather forecasting work. Prof. Tom Ray, co-primary investigator on the mid-infrared instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope, provided updates on DIAS activity on the development of detectors for space, as well as looking to future missions like Ariel.
The event was attended by representatives from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE), and Enterprise Ireland (EI), including the Irish Delegation to ESA.
Today Microsoft announced details of a newly produced Microsoft Dream Space TV series: brAIn_waves. The series, which is freely available online from today via rte.ie/learn, is designed to develop both AI (Artificial Intelligence) literacy and the skills required for the era of AI in young people.
Microsoft Dream Space TV is an innovative initiative that combines the expertise of the Microsoft education team with RTÉ’s commitment to engage young people in the world of technology and, in this case, AI.
This latest series of Microsoft Dream Space TV is the fifth to be produced in collaboration with RTÉ Learn, with previous episodes focusing on developing digital skills through themes of inclusivity, sustainability, and health and wellbeing.
brAIn_waves
brAIn_waves is comprised of six episodes, two of which have been designed for upper primary school students and four for post primary students. For upper primary school students, the two-part series explores computational thinking, algorithms, data, and how AI works at a basic level. For post-primary students, the four-part series explores the fundamentals of AI and its impact on our everyday lives with specific lesson areas including algorithms, data, machine learning, and ethics.
Post-primary students will have the added opportunity of participating in the Microsoft Dream Space and RTÉ Learn brAIn_waves series competition and will be in with a chance of winning incredible team prizes and competing for the All-Ireland title. The competition element simply focuses on putting the learnings from each episode into practice. Students will be encouraged to work in teams and develop their own AI for Good solutions, which they can then enter into the national brAIn_waves competition. Entries will be evaluated on innovation, data collection, machine learning, impact, creativity, and ethics. 20 teams will win a prize for their school and one overall winner will take home the grand prize and brAIn_waves All-Ireland Title.
Microsoft’s Commitment to Skill Up Ireland
This new online series builds on Microsoft’s recent commitment to help ‘Skill Up Ireland’ for an AI future by way of its national AI skilling programme. The programme is comprised of three initiatives targeted at providing access to industry recognised certificates for adult learners, including in Generative AI, and Microsoft Dream Space AI certificates for student learners.
Commenting on today’s announcement, James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Vice-President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre: “We’re delighted to join the team at RTÉ Learn to announce the fifth series from Microsoft Dream Space TV – brAIn_waves. The series’ focus on AI is particularly important given the technology itself is central to many discussions across business, our education sector, and wider society. Through our STEM education experience, Microsoft Dream Space, we are helping the next generation to develop the skills that are required to succeed in our digital society and economy. AI is no longer a future technology, it is rapidly becoming accessible to all, and therefore it’s really important that we seek to immerse students in all things AI, helping to develop their understanding of and skills in this technology“Our commitment at Microsoft to empower people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences to gain the skills that are required to participate in our AI-enabled economy is the driving force behind our national AI skilling programme, which we launched late last year. As part of this commitment, we are providing every student across the island of Ireland – almost 1 million in total – with the opportunity to engage in Dream Space, our STEM-based learning experience.
“Our aspiration is that teachers and students leverage this free learning resource to bring AI to life in classrooms around the country. Critically though, I hope at the end of the series that the students are inspired to learn more about AI and cultivate their skills in this area. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this series a reality.”
Speaking about the initiative Suzanne Kelly, Group Head of Children’s & Young People’s Content at RTÉ said: “RTÉ are excited to once again team up with Microsoft Dream Space, this time to explore the latest frontier in technology – AI. AI technology touches almost every aspect of our lives and is continually evolving at breakneck speed, this incredibly timely series showcases how best to harness and understand where AI is going next.
“The Dream Space team have created informative, thought provoking, free learning materials to be used in classrooms across Primary and Post Primary schools and RTÉ Learn are delighted to work with Dream Space to deliver these resources.”
Microsoft Dream Space TV series: brAIn_waves is available from today via rte.ie/learn. A support guide for educators is being made available to support the delivery of the episodes to students and young people in classroom settings.
Expleo has announced the successful launch of its first nanosatellite, ENSO, developed in partnership with the Centre Spatial Universitaire de Montpellier (CSUM).
ENSO (Expleo Nanosat for Solar irradiance Observation) successfully launched on 1 December from California aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, mission 425, flight 1, via ISISpace with first signal received shortly after 21:00 UTC. It will now begin its 4 years-long mission to monitor solar activity and its impact on Earth’s atmosphere.
ENSO is an in-house CubeSat project jointly developed by teams from Expleo and CSUM. It measures just 10x10x10cm and weighs just over 1kg– small enough to hold in your hands. It also incorporates a six-metre antenna, which deploys after launch, and a camera system to support secondary data collection missions.
Once ENSO’s antenna is deployed, it will officially begin its primary mission using a high-frequency beacon to support measurement of the ionosphere, a highly active part of Earth’s upper atmosphere used to support radio and satellite communications. Data from ENSO will be sent to SANSA ground stations located in Antarctica, with the data used to improve our understanding of the impact of solar activity on our atmosphere.
ENSO combines Expleo expertise across systems engineering, electronics and software space engineering, quality and assembly, integration and test (AIT), supported by CSUM’s knowledge and experience of nanosatellite launches. ENSO has been tested on the CSUM shaker and thermal vacuum chamber – resources specially adapted for environmental testing of nanosatellites.
Jeff Hoyle, EVP – Global Aero, Space and Defence of Expleo, said:“Nanosatellites are the embodiment of the NewSpace revolution – a cost-effective yet powerful way of putting the power of space exploration and monitoring into the hands of a far wider audience than ever before. Industries as wide-ranging as aerospace, automotive and energy & utilities all stand to benefit from their potential. With the launch of ENSO, we’ve built a team and perfected the skills needed for the successful development, integration and deployment of nanosatellite payloads.”
“This is a huge milestone for us, but we’re already looking forward to building on this success and developing the skills to support nanosatellite launches and NewSpace activities for our partners, through R&D initiatives such as ExpleoLissa, a software-defined nanosatellite capable of in-orbit reconfiguration.”
ENSO’s mission will last up to four years before starting its end-of-life process, expected in 2027.
Even before the widespread use of computer technology, science fiction offered readers a wide variety of applications of artificial intelligence and robots in the context of space exploration. The super intelligent computer HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey, C3PO and R2D2 in Star Wars, tricorders, borgs, holograms and smart computers in Star Trek: all these works clearly demonstrate that space and AI are two halves of the same whole.
Since the beginning of human exploration of extraterrestrial space, this fantastic union is finally becoming a reality: in our article we will tell you about more specific examples of the use of artificial intelligence in the space industry and how software development companies participate in it.
AI In the Production of Satellites and Spacecraft
Traditional design methods require a huge amount of computation and many iterations to achieve the optimal solution. Using AI, the process of creating structures can be automated, taking into account various factors such as mass, strength and thermal loads. Machine learning algorithms can optimize a design and make predictions about its performance early in the design phase.
Another important area where AI is finding application in satellite manufacturing is in system control and testing. To ensure the reliability of satellites, numerous tests must be carried out at various stages of production. The use of AI allows you to automate the process of quality control and defect detection. Machine learning algorithms can analyze sensor data and determine whether the satellite’s parameters meet specified requirements. If inconsistencies are detected, AI can take action to correct them or reject components that are not reliable enough.
Artificial intelligence is also used in the production of spacecraft. One of the tasks of AI is to model and optimize system parameters such as flight modes and engine settings to achieve the best efficiency and durability. Thanks to machine learning, AI can analyze huge amounts of data about engine performance and external factors that can affect flight, and suggest optimal settings.
AI-Enhanced Space Photography
AI allows you to process large volumes of data received from satellites and telescopes and identify objects and phenomena that interest us. This is especially useful when observing distant galaxies or small asteroids that might be missed by the human eye.
Secondly, artificial intelligence can help improve the quality and resolution of space images. It uses image processing algorithms to eliminate noise, increase contrast and sharpness, and increase image resolution and detail. This allows for clearer and more detailed space images, which helps scientists explore outer space with greater precision.
In addition, artificial intelligence is used to analyze and classify acquired space images. It can automatically recognize and identify various objects and phenomena such as planets, stars, galaxies, as well as dangerous space objects such as asteroids and comets. This helps scientists discover new objects and study their properties and characteristics. The use of artificial intelligence directly on board the satellite eliminates the need for specialists for additional communication between ground and space stations.
Artificial intelligence systems play an equally important role in the operation of probes exploring deep space. Specialized algorithms process huge amounts of data, studying the characteristics of alien worlds. The AI compares them with the programmed indicators of a potentially habitable space object to determine the probability of habitability of the next exoplanet.
System Status Monitoring
Satellite Parameter Tracking
The first aspect of monitoring artificial satellites involves tracking and analyzing various parameters to assess their performance and health. AI-powered systems can continuously collect and process data on crucial indicators, including power consumption, temperature, orientation, and communication signal strength. By establishing baseline values and continuously comparing them to real-time data, the AI system can identify any deviations or anomalies, enabling proactive measures to be taken.
Using Machine Learning algorithms, anomalies can be detected by patterns that emerge from large-scale data analysis. For example, if a sudden increase or decrease in power consumption is detected beyond normal variations, the AI system can send alerts to the relevant personnel, indicating the possibility of a malfunction or potential failure. Furthermore, with the help of historical data, these AI systems can predict possible future issues, assisting in developing preventive strategies and optimizing maintenance schedules.
Probability Calculation
In addition to tracking parameters, AI can be employed to calculate probabilities of failure or future anomalies based on historical data and real-time monitoring. By analyzing massive datasets, AI algorithms can identify correlations and patterns that may signify an increased likelihood of malfunction. These algorithms can leverage statistical modeling techniques, such as Bayesian inference, to estimate the probability of specific events occurring. For example, SpaceX has equipped its satellites with systems of sensors and mechanisms that can track the position of the device and adjust it to avoid collisions with other objects.
For instance, a machine learning model can analyze historical data on satellite failures and identify common patterns or trends associated with these occurrences. By extrapolating this information and integrating it with current data, the AI system can provide estimates of probabilities for potential failures. Such calculations can assist engineers and operators in prioritizing maintenance tasks, deploying resources effectively, and ensuring the overall stability of the satellite network.
Space Simulations with AI
Autonomous Spacecraft and Probes
AI has played a vital role in autonomous spacecraft and probes, enabling them to navigate through space and conduct complex missions without continuous human intervention. For instance, NASA’s Mars rovers, Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity, utilize AI to analyze and interpret data, decide about soil samples, rock formations, and potential signs of life autonomously.
Machine Learning in Astrophysics
Space simulations combined with machine learning algorithms have proven pivotal in astrophysics research. Machine learning techniques excel at processing enormous amounts of data, helping scientists to discover new celestial objects and better understand the functioning of the universe. For instance, the Dark Energy Survey employs AI algorithms to analyze telescope images, unraveling dark matter and dark energy. Machine learning also aids in classifying astronomical objects and detecting gravitational waves, expanding our understanding of the universe’s evolution.
Virtual Reality Simulations
AI-driven virtual reality (VR) simulations provide immersive experiences that enable both professionals and the general public to explore outer space. With advancements in AI and VR, individuals can now embark on virtual missions, exploring distant galaxies, navigating through asteroid belts, and landing on the surfaces of faraway celestial bodies. These simulations offer unparalleled educational value.
Astronaut Training and Robotics
AI-powered simulations have greatly improved astronaut training, replicating space environments and conditions. Intelligent systems can simulate emergencies, spatial orientation, and critical decision-making scenarios, enhancing the capabilities of astronauts to handle challenging situations they may encounter during real missions. Furthermore, robotic companions assist astronauts during space expeditions, making exploration less reliant on direct human intervention.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Data Analysis
Space exploration generates an enormous amount of data, including scientific papers, technical reports, and experimental findings. NLP techniques have been employed to extract valuable insights, analyze trends, and generate summaries from this massive volume of information. AI-powered NLP tools aid scientists and engineers in data analysis, resource allocation, and experimental design.
Software Development Companies and AI in Fueling Space Exploration
Modern space missions heavily rely on sophisticated software systems to control and monitor various components of spacecraft, satellites, and ground stations. Software development companies play a vital role in designing, creating, and maintaining these complex software frameworks tailored to meet the specific requirements of space engineers.
Among the most influential contributors to today’s space exploration endeavor are software development companies and artificial intelligence. Software development companies integrate AI algorithms into their applications to process and analyze vast quantities of data obtained from space exploration missions. AI algorithms can extract relevant insights from the data collected, allowing scientists to derive conclusions and facilitate further exploration. By automating data processing through AI, software developers facilitate a more efficient and error-free analysis process, significantly accelerating scientific discoveries.
Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics
One of the most significant advantages of AI in space exploration is its ability to learn from past experiences and predict future outcomes. Machine learning algorithms are employed by software developers to train AI systems on vast datasets collected from previous missions, thereby enabling these systems to identify patterns, detect anomalies, and make predictions. This predictive capability assists mission planners and engineers in optimizing mission trajectories, accurately estimating fuel requirements, and avoiding potential hazards.
Fault Detection and Recovery
Space missions operate in extreme and unforgiving environments, where system failures can lead to catastrophic consequences. Software companies work closely with space engineers to develop fault detection algorithms, redundancy systems, and autonomous recovery mechanisms. These software systems help to detect anomalies, diagnose problems, and facilitate prompt corrective actions, ensuring mission success and crew safety.
Onboard Software Systems
Embedded software systems are crucial in the functioning of spacecraft and satellites. Software developers collaborate with space engineers to design onboard software systems responsible for executing critical tasks such as navigation, communication, instrument control, and environmental monitoring. These software systems operate in real-time, often requiring fault-tolerant and deterministic behavior.
Continuous Software Updates
As space missions can have long durations, software companies support engineers by providing continuous software updates and bug fixes. This helps to address any unforeseen issues, incorporate new requirements, and enhance the overall performance and reliability of the software systems deployed onboard and on the ground.
Software Development for Space in the UK
The UK’s involvement in space exploration began as early as the 1950s with the establishment of the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) Rocket Propulsion Department. Over the years, the UK’s space sector has experienced substantial growth, both in terms of research and industry participation. The UK Space Agency, established in 2010, has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies to drive space-related initiatives.
One software company in the UK example is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Harwell Space Cluster, located in Oxfordshire. This cluster brings together academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to collaborate on space-related projects. Within this cluster, software development plays a pivotal role in designing and operating satellite systems, analyzing data collected from space missions, and developing simulations for training astronauts.
Another notable player in the UK’s space software industry is Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL). SSTL specializes in the design, build, and operation of small satellites. Their expertise lies in developing software that ensures the functionality, reliability, and safety of satellite systems. These software solutions are fundamental in enabling various mission goals, including Earth observation, climate monitoring, and telecommunications.
Moreover, academic institutions in the UK also contribute significantly to space software development. Universities such as the University of Surrey and the University of Oxford have research centers and programs dedicated to space systems engineering and software development. These centers focus on creating innovative software solutions for space applications, particularly in areas such as autonomous spacecraft, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
The collaboration between software development companies, AI and space engineers is a symbiotic relationship that pushes the boundaries of human exploration and scientific discovery. The contribution of software developers to the field of space engineering is instrumental in enabling successful missions, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring the safety of astronauts and space assets. As technology continues to advance, this collaborative relationship will further evolve, opening up new possibilities for space exploration.
Space Week is fast approaching, and Irish stargazers are already planning to celebrate their passion for science by attending many of the out of this world events programmed all around the country from 4th to 10th October. Space Week is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and coordinated by MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory.
The festival, which aims to ignite a passion for space science and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts, coincides with World Space Week and is the nation’s premier celebration of space exploration and science. Over the week, the public can explore a space-themed festival of events and a captivating series of workshops, lectures, exhibitions, throughout the country.
Rob O’ Sullivan, National Outreach Coordinator for Space Week Ireland says “It’s no surprise that Irish people are so enthusiastic about Space Week as Ireland has a rich, if somewhat underappreciated, history of contributing to the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. Some of these efforts have marked paradigm shifts that greatly advanced their respective fields.”
Let’s meet just a few of these historical heroes as we get ready to celebrate Ireland’s future in space:
Margaret Lindsay Huggins (1848-1915)
Margaret Lindsay Huggins, along with her husband, William Huggins, contributed to the field of photographic research and astrophotography. Margaret did not receive formal training in astronomy, but instead educated herself using popular science books.
Margaret’s skill with photographic techniques would have proved invaluable to her husband’s research as photography of this type was notoriously difficult at the time.
William Rowan Hamilton (1805-1865)
Hamilton was a highly respected mathematician from Dublin. While he didn’t consider himself to be a physicist, his work has nonetheless proved invaluable to many fields of physics.
He is most famous for ‘Quaternions’ – a system of four-dimensional numbers. Among other uses, quaternions enabled geometric calculations in three-dimensional space. This kind of mathematics is incredibly useful for studying rotation and helps overcome a problem called ‘Gimbal lock’. Gimbal lock occurs when an object has three rotational axes (Think x, y, and z). If two of the axes become aligned, the object can now only rotate along one axis.
This would have been a particular problem for spacecraft, but thanks to Hamilton’s quaternions, missions such as Apollo 11 were able to overcome this problem.
Ernest Thomas Sinton Walton (1903-1995)
Born in Dungarvan, County Waterford, Walton went on to make history with British scientist, John Douglas Cockcroft, by becoming the first person to split the atom.
Walton used high voltages to bombard samples of lithium with fast particles. This process split the lithium atoms, forming lighter helium atoms. According to Walton, these helium atoms resembled “twinkling little stars”.
This also yielded the first experimental confirmation of Einstein’s assertion that E=mc2. The combined mass of the two helium atoms formed by the experiment was less than the mass of the initial lithium atom. The missing mass was released as energy.
This work earned Walton and Cockcroft the 1951 Nobel Prize for Physics.
Annie Scott Dill Maunder (1868-1947)
Annie Maunder was an accomplished astronomer whose contributions to astronomy were made in spite of an environment of overwhelming gender discrimination.
Annie successfully applied to Girton College, Cambridge, but, due to the sexist restrictions of the time, Annie was not allowed to receive the degree that she had earned.
In 1891, she began working at the Greenwich Royal Observatory, where she would meet her collaborator and future husband, Walter. Following their marriage, Annie had to leave her job, as married women were not permitted to work in the public service at the time. Many of Annie’s contributions to popular journals were made in her husband’s name, to circumvent the oppressive gender norms of the day.
The couple recorded the first evidence of sunspot emergence and migration towards the equator over the course of a solar cycle (about 11 years) and, in 1898, Annie photographed the longest coronal streamer on record up to that point.
Annie also contributed to astronomy outreach by writing a popular science book, ‘The Heavens and Their Story’. Though her husband is listed as a co-author, he acknowledges in the preface that Annie did the majority of the work.
Agnes Mary Clerke (1842-1907)
Agnes Mary Clerke, from Skibbereen County Cork, was an astronomer and popular science writer. While Agnes wrote many books, reviews, and articles, her most famous and impactful work was undoubtedly her book ‘A Popular History of Astronomy during the Nineteenth Century’. Clerke believed that the field of astronomy should be accessible to everyone. She went to far as to say the general public have an “indefeasible right of access” to the subject.
Clerke’s contribution to her field was so profound that, in 2017, the Royal Astronomical Society established the Agnes Clerke Medal for the History of Astronomy or Geophysics. While this is a great accolade, perhaps the most impressive tribute to this great Irish astronomer is the fact that the Clerke crater on the Moon was named in her honour.
We’ve barely scratched the surface of Ireland’s contribution to astronomy and countless other scientific fields. To this day, universities across Ireland continue to study our universe, while Irish scientists and engineers work on ground-breaking space missions with the European Space Agency and beyond.
To this day, universities across Ireland continue to study our universe while Irish scientists and engineers work on ground-breaking space missions with the European Space Agency and beyond. Irelands Space Week celebration runs from October 4th – 10th and it is an ideal time to learn more about Ireland’s deep connection to space. Discover the exciting Space Week programme including events near you online at www.spaceweek.ie
Space Week Ireland returns this October 4th-10th 2023 and organisers at MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory, in partnership with Science Foundation Ireland and ESERO Ireland, are calling on space enthusiasts, community groups, businesses and institutions nationwide to organise their own out of this world events.
The festival, which aims to ignite a passion for space science and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts, coincides with World Space Week and is the nation’s premier celebration of space exploration and science. Over the week, the public can explore a space-themed festival of events and a captivating series of workshops, lectures, exhibitions, throughout the country.
Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at SFI, said: “Space Week Ireland brings the public together with the space community through events which encourage creative and critical thinking and reveal the vastness of the Universe around us. It’s the perfect opportunity to inspire people about the wonders of space and to celebrate those who work in the space industry. Ireland is well positioned to become a leader in this sector thanks to our well-equipped STEM workforce and curious young people. Through this focused celebration of Space Week, everyone has an opportunity to engage with the latest research and develop a greater understanding of our planet and universe.”
Everyone in Ireland is invited to organise an event. Whether you’re a tiny club or community group, a classroom, a large organisation or institution, or a family interested in the wonders of the universe. Those interested are invited to register an event that falls within the theme ‘Our Planet, Our Space, Our Time’, which emphasises the shared spirit of adventure, curiosity, and innovation that underlies humankind’s ongoing exploration of the cosmos. All those that register will also get a digital Space Week Kit. Events can be large or small, public, or private, free to enter or with an entrance charge, so the sky’s the limit with your imagination. All event submissions are automatically entered into a draw for a chance to win some cool Space Week Prizes and the Space Week team will help publicise your event if you register before 15th August.
Rob O’ Sullivan, National Outreach Coordinator for Space Week Ireland said “Space Week Ireland has gone from strength to strength in recent years and we’re convinced this will be the best one yet. Space Week Ireland is one of the busiest on the world stage so it’s obvious that Irish people have an appetite for all things space. We are calling all space enthusiasts, community groups, families, and businesses to engage by creating or attending an event. You can get loads of inspiration by accessing the downloadable resources on the spaceweek.ie website which has activities for every kind of group to help you plan and engage with Space Week.”
Commenting on the importance of Space Week, Dr Niamh Shaw, one of Ireland’s leading STEAM communications experts, said: “Space Week Ireland is the nation’s premier celebration of space exploration and science. Space exploration is a fascinating and important field. We all stand under the same sky looking up in wonder, so it is fitting that during Space Week everyone is invited to join in discovering the wonders of the universe. I would encourage individuals, educational institutions, museums, astronomy clubs, and other organisations to submit their event ideas and help make Space Week Ireland an unforgettable experience for all.”
Ideas for possible events include:
Public lectures and talks by renowned experts in the field of space science.
Hands-on workshops and demonstrations showcasing the principles of space exploration and technology.
Interactive exhibitions featuring models, telescopes, and artifacts related to space missions and discoveries.
Astronomy-themed competitions, quizzes, and games.
Film screenings of space-themed movies or documentaries.
Stargazing events and guided observation sessions.
Virtual reality experiences provide immersive journeys through space.
Space-themed art exhibitions and performances.
To guarantee inclusion in the programme the deadline for event entries is August 15th, 2023. To submit an event or find more information about the submission process, interested parties are invited to visit the official Space Week Ireland website atwww.spaceweek.ie
WITH the spotlight firmly shining on Northern Ireland ahead of the UK Space Conference in November, and the recent UK Space Strategy’s explicit understanding of the need to “grow and level up our space economy”, it is an exciting time for many companies working within the growing industry.
One Newry based SME, Resonate Testing, is showcasing its testing capabilities within the space sector to a global audience, thanks to its work on some of the most high-profile projects the sector has seen in recent times, including the launch vehicle for the James Webb Space Telescope, Ariane 6 and Vega-C, as well as the upcoming European Space Agency (ESA) Lunar Pathfinder Spacecraft launch.
The company has also become the latest member of the UKspace Trade Association, which is the official trade association of the UK Space Industry. The group represents and promotes space to government and other key stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, and maximises collaboration and investment opportunities for companies working within the sector.
As a member, Resonate Testing will have the opportunity to network with influential people and companies within the vibrant industry, as well as seeking out business development opportunities, learn, influence markets and stakeholders, and keep up to date with current, related developments with the sector.
Managing Director of Resonate Testing, Tom Mallon, spoke about the company’s affiliation with UKspace, saying: “In recent years, our work within the space sector has accelerated thanks to our ability to offer bespoke testing services that replicate the complex environment of space. We see ourselves as not just a test facility, but as a test facilitator – we will do whatever our customers need to ensure a rigorous and thorough testing process”.
“We are always looking for ways that we can enhance our offering to our customers, and by becoming a member of the space associations and groups such as the Catapult Centre at Harwell, including our most recent membership of UKspace Trade Association, we will achieve this. It also enables us to continue to grow our support to the sector and deliver expertise to the companies that need it. We look forward to the opportunities that will arise from our membership with the UKspace Trade Association.”
The demand for services within the UK Space sector has grown exponentially in recent years, with figures revealed by the UK Space Agency showing that the sector generated £17.5bn in 2021, up £1bn from £16.5bn the previous year.
The opportunities for SMEs in both upstream (hardware) and downstream services (application of data derived from space) are increasing rapidly and with Belfast hosting this year’s UK Space Conference, taking place at the ICC Belfast from 21st to 23rd November, Northern Ireland companies will have the ability to showcase their expertise to an expected 3000 people, including astronauts, global space agencies and the wider space community. Resonate Testing will be exhibiting on stand B6 at the conference.
Part of The Nacelle Group, Resonate Testing is one of the leading commercial test houses for high quality testing and certification services across all industrials sectors on the island of Ireland, with testing services including space, battery abuse testing, fire, environmental, vibration, shock, packaging and ingress protection.
