Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division

The division is responsible for the technical and strategic management of all areas related to spacecraft and launcher structures, mechanisms, tribology, pyrotechnic devices and materials and their related manufacturing processes, including support to failure investigations 

Implementation of technology development activities within its domain of competence, including spacecraft configuration concepts, spacecraft- and launcher structures, application of advanced structural materials, stable structures and related materials, passive and active loads/noise/microvibration attenuation, damage tolerance, deployable structures/booms, re-entry vehicle hot and cold structures, space mechanisms, tribology, actuators and electro motors, miniaturised mechanical and electromechanical devices, pyrotechnic devices, metallic and non-metallic materials for space applications and relevant manufacturing processes 

Definition, maintenance and operation of the necessary computing and internal/external laboratory facilities in support of above activities 

Establishing and implementing standards for the development, qualification and procurement of structures, mechanisms and space grade materials, and manufacturing processes

Verification of the suitability and the qualification status of all materials and associated manufacturing processes for all ESA projects, in close cooperation with Product Assurance Managers and the Product Assurance and Safety Department