Space industry.  A new world where science meets practice

Prestigious world universities have space research among their priorities. We present some of them, which, in addition to their own participation in the space program, also uniquely support this specific type of technology transfer.

STANFORD UNIVERSITY AND COLLABORATION WITH PLANET

Stanford is known for its innovative approach to university technology transfer, working with companies to commercialize technologies such as satellite systems, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems for space. An example is its collaboration with Planet to develop and launch small satellites for remote sensing of the Earth.

The Stanford University-Planet space industry collaboration is an example of how academia and the private sector can join forces to achieve significant scientific and technological advances. Planet operates one of the largest satellite constellations on Earth, providing daily imagery of the entire planet. Its technology allows for real-time monitoring of changes on Earth, which has wide-ranging applications in areas such as agriculture, forestry, urban planning, and disaster response.

The Stanford University-Planet collaboration focuses on using data from Planet’s satellites for scientific research and education.

The collaboration between Stanford University and Planet, founded by three NASA scientists in 2010, has grown as Planet’s satellite constellation and data services have expanded. The collaboration focuses on three main areas: climate change research, environmental monitoring, and education.

Climate change research and environmental monitoring

Stanford scientists use satellite imagery to track changes in forests, glaciers, and other ecosystems to better understand the impacts of climate change. Specifically, satellite data is used to track changes in forests, such as deforestation and fires, which helps understand their impact on climate and biodiversity. Tracking changes in glaciers, such as their melting and retreat, is important for understanding the impacts of climate change on water resources and sea levels. In addition, the collaboration focuses on monitoring deforestation, pollution, and other environmental issues, as well as urban growth and its impact on the environment.

Stanford University uses Planet data to educate students in remote sensing and geospatial technologies. This data gives students access to up-to-date information about the state of our planet, allowing them to better understand and contribute to solving complex environmental processes.

JAPAN’S SPACE PROGRAM AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

The main driving force behind Japan’s space program is certainly the University of Tokyo.

As a world-leading research institution with extensive contacts in the industry, including the space sector, the University of Tokyo has a wide range of collaborations with companies in the space industry. This collaboration includes joint research and development, technology transfer, and commercialization.

Joint research and development

The University of Tokyo works closely with organizations such as JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), Mitsubishi Electric, and NEC to develop innovative technologies for space missions, satellites, and space exploration. They work together to develop advanced propulsion systems, new materials for space applications, and technologies for space debris collection. The university actively transfers its research results to industry through licensing, spin-offs, and collaborations with existing companies. An example is the development and commercialization of new types of sensors for satellites that have been developed in partnership with the industry.

Education and Innovation Support

The university offers specialized education programs in space engineering and science that prepare students for successful careers in this dynamic sector. It also supports startups and innovative projects in the space industry through its incubation centers and funds.

Collaboration in university technology transfer over the past 3 years

In the past three years, the University of Tokyo has intensified its efforts in the field of technology transfer, including the space sector. It has established several spin-off companies that focus on commercializing space technologies developed at the university. It has entered into strategic partnerships with major companies in the space industry to accelerate technology transfer and implementation into practice. As part of technology transfer, the university has collaborated with companies to develop small satellites for Earth monitoring, space communication technologies, and robotic systems for space exploration.

Key aspects of the collaboration

A strong link between academic research and industry, the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship, investment in cutting-edge research facilities and infrastructure, and an emphasis on international collaboration are key factors in the success of this collaboration. The University of Tokyo is thus playing a key role in the development of Japan’s space industry and contributing to global progress in space research and technology.

This collaboration is an example of how modern technology and scientific research can work together to better understand and protect our planet.

TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MUNICH AND EUROPEAN SPACE PROGRAM

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is a major player in the space industry and actively cooperates with various companies on technology transfer. Over the past 5 years, this cooperation has intensified, leading to several innovative projects and successful commercializations.

Development of satellite technologies and applications

TUM has a strong background in satellite technology, especially in areas such as remote sensing, navigation, and communication. The university works closely with companies such as Airbus Defence and Space and OHB on the development of new satellite systems and applications. Together, they work on projects aimed at improving the accuracy and efficiency of satellite Earth observations, developing advanced navigation systems for autonomous vehicles, and creating new communication technologies for space missions. As part of technology transfer, TUM licenses its patented technologies to companies that then commercialize them. For example, TUM developed an innovative algorithm for processing satellite data that enables more precise monitoring of changes in forests and agricultural land. This technology was licensed to a company that integrated it into its satellite image analysis software.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems for Space

TUM is a leading research center in the field of robotics and autonomous systems, which is crucial for the development of the space industry. The university collaborates with companies such as DLR (German Aerospace Center) and BMW to develop robotic systems for space exploration and satellite maintenance. Together, they work on projects aimed at developing autonomous robots that can perform complex tasks in the harsh conditions of space. TUM also supports startups that focus on developing innovative robotic technologies for space. For example, a TUM spin-off company developed a robotic system for collecting space debris, which received significant investment from private investors.

Space Materials and Propulsion Systems

TUM is also involved in the research and development of new materials and propulsion systems for space applications. The university collaborates with companies such as MT Aerospace and ArianeGroup to develop lightweight and durable materials for rockets and satellites, as well as efficient and environmentally friendly propulsion systems. As part of technology transfer, TUM provides companies with access to its laboratories and testing facilities, as well as expert advice. For example, TUM has developed a new type of composite material that is lighter and stronger than traditional materials used in rocket technology. This technology has been licensed to a company, which has used it to produce new rocket components.

TUM cooperation within the European Space Program

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have a long-standing collaboration on various projects in the space industry, with technology transfer playing a key role. This collaboration is evident in several areas.

One example is the development and commercialization of advanced navigation systems. TUM has a strong background in satellite navigation and has developed innovative algorithms and technologies that have been licensed to ESA and subsequently integrated into the European navigation system, Galileo. This technology transfer allows ESA to improve the accuracy and reliability of Galileo, which has a significant impact on various applications such as transportation, agriculture, and emergency services.

Another example is the collaboration in the field of Earth remote sensing. TUM has developed advanced sensors and algorithms for processing satellite data, enabling more accurate monitoring of environmental changes such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change. These technologies have been transferred to ESA and are used in various Earth observation programs such as Copernicus. This technology transfer contributes to a better understanding and monitoring of our planet, which is crucial for making informed decisions in the field of the environment.

Materials and technologies

TUM and ESA also collaborate on the development of new materials and technologies for space missions. TUM has extensive experience in the research and development of lightweight and durable materials that are essential for space applications. These materials have been transferred to ESA and are used in the production of rockets, satellites, and other space equipment. This technology transfer enables ESA to develop more efficient and reliable space systems.

In addition, TUM and ESA collaborate on the education and training of the next generation of space engineers and scientists. TUM offers specialized educational programs in the field of space engineering and science, which are supported by ESA. The collaboration also includes the exchange of students and researchers between TUM and ESA. This transfer of knowledge and experience is crucial for the future development of the European space industry.

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND THE SPACE EXPLORATION INITIATIVE

The American MIT – Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a home of education, research and innovation that thrives in research collaboration with Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research or Charles Stark Draper Laboratory. The Institute’s entrepreneurs (alumni) make a global impact by “producing estimated annual revenues on par with the gross domestic product of the 10th-largest economy in the world”.

MIT accelerates the nation’s industrial revolution through effective technology transfer.  Hundreds of technologies are available for licensing as of now in the fields of biotechnology, photonics, computer science, artificial intelligence, agriculture and more.

„Earth is the cradle of humanity, but one cannot remain in the cradle forever.“

The MIT Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) founded in 2016 shows a new horizon by building, testing and flying the technologies and tools for cosmos with the intent to “democratize access to space exploration” to millions and eventually billions of people.

Collaboration with Alchemist and the space bread of tomorrow

The SEI builds their portfolio of projects underway across the Lab. Space habitats, parabolic flights, zero gravity musical instruments or even cooking bread in space. As unbelievable as it may sound, Gravity Proof – the mission to prepare bread, which travelled from the face of the Earth, entered its experimental space phase in May 2021, when Maggie Coblentz – MIT researcher – brought and studied dough’s behaviour in an experimental parabolic flight.

For this project, special bread recipe and even a custom baking spacesuit was developed. Space travel has never smelled so delicious. Cobletz launched a collaboration with the two Michelin star restaurant Alchemist and its Chef Rasmus Munk. Alchemist takes pride in “providing a culinary experience” by offering a holistic cuisine, that redefines and broadens the understanding of the concept of dining. Launching MIT’s mission, the restaurant worked closely with the research team, development kitchen, and design studio. Together they created “Space Soda Bread” resembling a traditional brioche with a more runny dough and addition of baking powder.

Zero-gravity baking with Söder Studio

For the development of the custom baking spacesuit, Söder Studio came to the scene. The company, working for some of London’s most respected designers, promotes sustainable fashion through utilizing recycled plastic bottles to create luxury womenswear. The spacesuit for MIT’s Maggie Cobbletz was made with the same intent, although not the most important. This special piece of astro-clothing needed to be suitable for zero gravity and functional for kneading dough in a spacecraft. The final product contains tool belt to store ingredients, and a floating apron that transforms into a wearable countertop.

Dining from the sky

The year 2024 was particularly successful for MIT’s Space Exploration Initiative. A special “space menu”, in the works for more than two years, reached its final stage in March 2024. In collaboration with the MIT’s Media Lab and the Michelin star Alchemist with SpaceVip, a stellar meal was created specifically for a planned journey across Earth’s atmosphere, that’ll happen this year. This mission is supposed to take place aboard the Neptune spacecraft – a luxury balloon-shaped vehicle that will offer not only a dining experience, but also breathtaking panoramic views of our universe. Meals like “Memory of Sakura” are designed to recall the changing seasons on our planet or reflect the history of space exploration.

Sources:

This research is supported, in part, by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Strategic University Research Partnerships Program

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MIT Space Exploration Initiative

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spacesuit

„A custom baking spacesuit was made through a collaboration with Söder Studio.“

„Founded by Addison in 2022, Söder Studio embodies her thirteen years of experience in luxury womenswear, working for some of London’s

Odborníčka na duševné vlastníctvo na Oddelení informačnej podpory transferu technológií v Centre vedecko-technických informácií SR (CVTI SR). V rámci Strediska patentových informácií PATLIB a národného projektu NITT SK II poskytuje patentové informačné služby, najmä rešerše na stav techniky, ochranné známky a dizajny pre fyzické osoby, firmy aj vedecko-výskumné inštitúcie.

Absolvent politických vied na Trnavskej univerzite v Trnave. Už 15 rokov pôsobí v mediálnej sfére. Pracoval ako zástupca šéfredaktorky a šéfredaktor v týždenníku spoločnosti Petitpress. Viac ako tri roky bol zástupcom šéfredaktora v lifestylovom magazíne BREAK, kde mal okrem iného na starosti aj sekciu vedy a techniky. Okrem toho je autorom a spoluautorom mnohých odborných monografií a článkov s historickou, zahraničnopolitickou či vedecko-technickou tematikou. Momentálne pracuje ako šéfredaktor a odborný pracovník oddelenia transferu technológií v Centre vedecko-technických informácií SR.