It manages the corresponding technical laboratories and facilities, elaborates engineering standards and is responsible for technology activities for these technical disciplines.
It provides essential technical support to all ESA programmes.
The electrical engineering activities are supported by a team of about 250 highly specialised people and a number of dedicated laboratories.
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING IS KEY FOR ANY SPACE MISSION
BECAUSE IF NOT:
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING IS KEY FOR ANY SPACE MISSION
BECAUSE IF NOT:
Space systems will miss their core space use i.e. the payload or instrument which provides a defined service
The exploitation of satellite data will not be possible without a properly designed ground segment
Space systems may be vulnerable to cyberattack and radiation effects potentially hampering their operation
Satellites will not be controlled and monitored
Satellites will not have the required power to supply on-board equipment nor the ‘brain’ to control the satellite operation
Satellites will not have the key building blocks -- EEE components -- that make it possible to operate complex electronic equipment in space.
Divisions
Radio Frequency Systems Division
The Radio Frequency Systems Division is responsible for the technical and strategic management of activities and technological developments including the provision of specialised support addressing RF systems and subsystems, and security including the utilisation and management of the associated laboratory facilities.
Radio Frequency Payloads and Technology Division
Division is responsible for RF payloads and technologies for space and ground applications and associated laboratory facilities.
Data Systems, Microelectronics and Components Technology Division
The Data Systems, Microelectronics and Component Technology Division is responsible for all aspects of data systems, microelectronics and components technology and the associated laboratory facilities.
Power Systems, EMC and Space Environment Division
The Power Systems, EMC and Space Environments Division is responsible for all aspects of power systems required for ESA spacecraft and payloads.
Related labs
Antenna Laboratory
At ESTEC, ESA operates some of the largest European test facilities dedicated (but not limited) to the testing of space hardware. Among these is the Antenna Laboratory
Communication and TT&C Laboratory
The Communication and Tracking, Telemetry, and Command (TT&C) Laboratory develops advanced telecommunication systems, techniques and technologies for communications.
Data Systems and Microelectronics Laboratory
The Data Systems and Microelectronics Laboratory is a joint undertaking across the Microelectronics Lab and the On-Board Computers and Data Handling Lab
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Laboratory
The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Laboratory serves for EMC testing and measurements as well as for magnetic cleanliness verification
ESA Space Power Laboratory
In operation since the 1970s, the European Space Power Laboratory is among Europe's leading facilities of this kind.
Microwave Laboratory
The Microwave Laboratory is a group of world-class test facilities designed to support space activities in the fields of Radio Frequency Testing and R&D, Precision Time & Frequency, Radio Frequency Life Tests, GNSS Payload Testing and General Purpose Microwave Testing up to 320 GHz.
Microwave testing up to 320 GHz.
Navigation Laboratory
The Navigation Laboratory investigates the full range of navigation applications, from practical to scientific. The navigation laboratory represents both an engineering tool and a tests & measurement facility to support the work of ESA internal and external customers while performing tests, analysis and characterisation of navigation systems.
Remote Sensing Laboratory
The Remote Sensing Laboratory is a set of facilities supporting research related to a broad range of systems for both the space and the ground segments
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