TECHBREAK is an initiative led by the European Science Foundation (ESF) to identify the emerging technology fields that could be of use in the space sector. Going beyond space-related technologies it brings in expertise from sectors ranging from photonics and nanotechnology to energy, nuclear propulsion and robotics.
Innovative technologies open up new avenues of research and provide scientists new tools. In the current scenario, space organisations possibly might be unaware of developments in terrestrial sectors, these, in turn may not know the space sector's needs. TECHBREAK brings together space and non-space communities to collaborate more closely in an endeavour to make available technology to support future scientific breakthroughs.
Dr. Alberto Tobias from the European Space Agency (ESA) commented: "Space shares the technology and industrial base with other sectors and open innovation is the rule. In some domains technology advances faster in terrestrial sectors and if space enters the game, it can become a lead user. Bringing the two domains together offers many benefits: better products and lower costs for space; and an increased innovation for terrestrial industries, driven by space research."
TECHBREAK answers a request from the ESA, which Europe looks to for innovations in space. Over the last few decades, space research has tended to be cautious about technology not yet fully proven. Feasibility and level of maturity are key criteria for selection of ESA missions, which sometimes leads science teams to rely on gradual technological innovation in their mission proposals. In a dynamic field, ESA might have to deal with obsolete technology, sacrificing competitiveness and leadership.
TECHBREAK combines the futuristic view of space sciences with the forward view of technology coming from non-space areas. It will be using a classification of non-space disciplines under the broad headings of 'Key Enabling Technologies' which were identified in 2009 by the European Commission as being likely to be the driving forces behind future European developments. During the launching conference, participants will present, their work, different problems, goals and limitations, and brainstorm and find answers to related queries through discussions. Participants to the conference will then attempt to match key enabling technologies from both space and non-space and identify gaps and to define if necessary the contents of further specialised workshops in support of this activity.