Abstract

Austria's first ESA Lab - A Cooperation Scheme to Intensify Education, Research and Development, Dissemination and Public Outreach to Foster the Growth of the Space Sector

Bernhard Seifert¹, Carsten Scharlemann², Helmut Loibl¹, Laura Bettiol¹, Johanna Fries¹ and Silvo Korez²

¹ FOTEC Forschungs- und Technologietransfer GmbH
² University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt

 

Abstract

“ESA_Lab@ – Partnering to Innovate” is an initiative launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2016 as part of its Basic Activities. In Austria, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) selected the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt (UAS WN / FHWN), together with its research subsidiary FOTEC Forschungs- und Technologietransfer GmbH (FOTEC), as the first ESA_Lab@ in the country.

The objectives of ESA_Lab@UAS WN & FOTEC are rooted in the core strengths of both institutions - development of small satellites and dedicated propulsion and diagnostics solutions [1]. FHWN administers a Master’s program in Aerospace Engineering [2], with a strong emphasis on hands-on skills through a dedicated nanosatellite program and related activities. FOTEC’s Aerospace Engineering department focuses primarily on advancing electric and chemical propulsion systems for small satellites, alongside the development of diagnostic tools for performance evaluation [3]. FOTEC is also offering their facilities for environmental testing of third party’s hardware [4]. Accordingly, the three pillars of ESA_Lab@UAS WN & FOTEC are: (1) education; (2) research and development and (3) dissemination and public outreach. FOTEC and FHWN recognize that integrating these three aspects in an interdisciplinary way is essential for driving scientific progress. This initiative aims to catalyze innovative aerospace research and mobilize talent in a sustainable manner, under a unified label and strategic development framework.

The presentation will provide an overview of the ESA_Lab@UAS WN & FOTEC initiative and its stakeholders, outline the current focus, describe opportunities for collaboration with other institutions, and present the roadmap for the near future.

 

References

[1] FHWN, “ESA Lab @Austria.” Accessed: Apr. 14, 2025. [Online]. Available: www.fhwn.ac.at/en/research/esa-lab

[2] FHWN, “Master - Aerospace Engineering.” Accessed: May 22, 2024. [Online]. Available: www.fhwn.ac.at/en/studyprogramme/master-aerospace-engineering

[3] FOTEC, “Aerospace Engineering.” Accessed: May 22, 2024. [Online]. Available: www.fotec.at/Home/AerospaceEngineering

[4] L. Bettiol et al., “FOTEC’s Testing and Qualification Capabilities for Small Satellites,” presented at the H-Space, 2024.

 

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