Mechatronics and Optics Division
The place to develop key innovative technologies to maintain ESA leadership in Optical remote-sensing instrumentation, for science and Earth observation missions, as well as to support a sustainable Space Exploration Programme demanding challenging Robotics and Life Science technologies, to facilitate Human exploration beyond low Earth.
Additionally activities performed by the Division personnel are key to support remote sensing activities within ESA Programmes, in particular for Science, Earth Observation projects as well as for developing Optical communications and Quantum technologies for new space applications.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Automation and robotics: space automation systems, including space robot payloads and their control systems, space laboratory automation, human-robot-interaction,
Life & physical sciences instrumentation: technologies needed for planetary exploration missions and for life & physical sciences experiments in space, as well as technologies needed for life support and habitability of manned missions, and ISRU;
Optical systems: design, engineering and verification in all optical related areas, including stray-light; optical component technology, including micro-optics, fibre and passive integrated optics; interferometry and optical aperture synthesis; spectro-radiometric imaging instruments in the x-ray, ultra-violet, visible and infrared region; optical metrology, and space micro-nano technology systems;
Optoelectronics: photonics technologies and application, including integrated and fibre optics, opto-pyrotechnics, non-linear optics, superconductor technology, detectors and focal plane instruments, lasers, laser sensors and laser systems including optical communications and laser metrology, LIDAR and ranging systems; optical atomic clocks, optoelectronics/photonics for spacecraft applications.
Why it is needed
A sustainable space exploration programme will demand challenging robotics and life sciences technologies to ensure life support for astronauts in space and to support exploration beyond Earth.
Additionally, activities performed by the Division personnel are key to support remote-sensing activities within ESA programmes, in particular for science and Earth observation projects, as well as for developing optical communications and quantum technologies for new space applications.
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