BR-141-COVER-APP 18-03-1999 15:44 Page 1

BR-141
Appendix
February 1999

Exploiting the
International Space Station

A Mission for Europe

Utilisation
by
European
nn Industry
>
<
Contact: ESA Publications Division
>
<
c/o ESTEC, PO Box 299, 2200 AG Noordwijk, The Netherlands
Tel. (31) 71 565 3400 - Fax (31) 71 565 5433
Directorate of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity
Direction des Vols Habités et de la Microgravité
 BR-141
Appendix
February 1999

Exploiting the
International Space
Station:
A Mission for Europe

Utilisation by European Industry

>
< Directorate of Manned Spaceflight and Microgravity
Direction des Vols Habités et de la Microgravité
Appendix to BR-141 (ISBN 92-9092-625-2)
‘Exploiting the International Space Station: A Mission for Europe’

Text by: The staff of ESA’s Directorate of Manned Spaceflight & Microgravity
and Directorate of Industrial Matters & Technology Programmes

Published by: ESA Publications Division,

ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands

Edited by: Andrew Wilson, ESA Publications Division

Design: Carel Haakman & Andrew Wilson

Price: 30 Dutch Guilders/€14

© European Space Agency 1999

Contents

Space: a Tool for European Industry 4

Part I: ISS Utilisation by Non-Space Industry 6

A marketplace for new industrial materials, products & services

Materials, crystals, fluids and combustion 8

Biotechnology and biomedical applications 14

Medical care and health services 16

Services from the Space Station 18

Part II: ISS Utilisation by Aerospace Industry 20

A testbed for advanced technologies

Using the ISS as a Testbed for Technology 20

Technology R&D Areas 21

Electric power 21

Robotics 22

Thermal control 22

Life support 22

Space environment and effects 23

Communications 24

Propulsion 24

Appendix: EUROSPACE Report i-xxvii

Industrial Utilisation of the ISS by European Space Industry

 Space: a Tool for
European Industry

This document is an Appendix to ESA

BR-141 ‘Exploiting the International
Space Station: A Mission for Europe’. It
provides more detailed coverage of the
utilisation possibilities offered by the
International Space Station (ISS) to
European industries.

Promising areas for non-aerospace

industry and enterprises are highlighted
in Part I:

• innovative materials, products and

processes,
• biotechnical and biomedical
applications,
• medical care and health services,
• new services provided from the
Station.

In all of these areas, the International

Space Station offers a unique
environment for industrial applications
and private sector initiatives. We can:

• improve industrial products and

processes on Earth using the results
of specific experiments on the
Station,
• introduce new commercial products
and instruments to the market by
licensing new methods and
technologies used on ISS,
• use the Station as a platform to
introduce and sell new services, for
example, in communications and
imaging. New markets for service
providers targeting the general public
or specific groups will be opened up.

ESA is promoting areas with promising

The interest by European industries – such as metal producers,
refiners and end users; oil; car manufacturers; energy
producers; food; cosmetic; pharmaceutical – in flying
experiments on the Space Station as a tool for R&D and
industrial applications, is expressed through their participation
under their own funding in several of ESA’s existing and
planned Microgravity Applications Projects. In the longer
term, substantial contributions by industry to ISS-related
projects can be expected, provided that ESA’s utilisation
preparation effort remains at a steady and reliable level.
applications potential. The first Topical
Teams have been formed to work with
industry identifying relevant research
topics, leading to Microgravity
Applications Promotion Projects that
prepare industrial application projects for
Space Station via European-wide
networks involving academia, research
organisations and industrial R&D business
units. The existing teams and projects are

4
 ESA/D. Ducros
described in detail in ESA BR-136 ‘The
International Space Station –
Microgravity: A Tool for Industrial
Research’.
A total of 24 Topical Teams have already
been created in Physical Sciences &
Applications; Biotechnology; and Life
Sciences. Three pilot projects are under
way, with identified applications and
industrial partners contributing up to
50% in the first phase.
More than 130 proposals were received
in response to a recent ESA
Announcement of Opportunity for
Microgravity Research & Applications. The
majority relate to future industrial
applications and involve European
industries as partners. The existing
Topical Teams have proposed new
application projects, with participation of
industrial partners. Proposals for forming
new Topical Teams have been submitted.
The response demonstrates a substantial
interest by different European industries
in using and exploiting the space
environment for commercial purposes.
Part II of this document outlines the
Station’s role as a testbed for advanced
space technologies, for the benefit of
European aerospace industries.
This is complemented by a report from
EUROSPACE, which lists some 60
industrial proposals from the European
aerospace industry for the Station’s initial
utilisation. This reflects the strong interest
that the ISS is generating among
aerospace industries, and underlines the
need for access to the Station’s facilities
by European industry. Remaining
competitive in a rapidly-expanding space
market requires equally rapid
development of advanced technologies.
The Space Station will become a unique marketplace for new
business, new commercial products and new services. Industry
has already started to invest its own resources in space-based
research and technology developments. Regular access to the
ISS by European industry will accelerate this process and attract
more private sector financial investments targeting new
commercial products and profitable services.
Transferring results from Station space research and technology
activities to terrestrial applications will open up broad
opportunities for creating new high-technology businesses and
enterprises. European industry is ready to embrace the Space
Station as a means for commercial activities.
5
I: ISS Utilisation by
Non-Space Industry
A marketplace for new industrial materials, products & services
The International Space Station opens up
new opportunities to use the space
environment to our advantage and to
make space work for us. The knowledge
from research under microgravity
conditions into materials processing,
crystal growth, fluid physics, combustion
processes and in the medical and
biotechnology areas will improve
terrestrial production processes for high-
tech materials, lead to new advanced
materials, and help to design and test
new pharmaceutical drugs in the battle
against disease. Medical research using
astronauts has already contributed to
improving health services on Earth, by
introducing advanced medical diagnostic
systems and by developing positive
countermeasures for preventative
medicine and rehabilitation.
The transfer of results to terrestrial
applications from two decades of
microgravity research aboard Spacelab,
Eureca, Mir and others has already
started – fundamental knowledge on
physical processes in melts, crystal
growth, fluids and combustion.
Continuous research on the Station will
accelerate the transfer rate.
More and more European industries are
becoming actively involved in space-
related research areas. The motivation is
acquiring information that cannot be
provided by Earth-based research and the
attraction of incorporating those results
into industrial processes and product
development. Synergies with related
European Union (EU) programmes are
being established to carry out applied
and industrially oriented research by
parallel and coordinated activities on
Earth and in space. Additional funding
6
for related projects on industrial materials
and technology, biotechnology, health
and environment can be expected from
the Framework Programmes of the
European Commission. Owing to the pre-
competitive nature of that research,
several companies with similar research
objectives, from different EU member
states, generally work in networks with
institutional partners, experienced in
applied research with industrial goals. At
present, EU funding of industry is about
50% which, together with industry’s
contribution, could cover ground-based
research work and preparation for space
experiments.
Based on the evaluation of the proposals
in response to ESA’s Announcement of
Opportunity, additional Microgravity
Applications Promotion (MAP) Projects
will be selected and new Topical Teams
will be formed for redefinition of future
applications projects. The following
themes are currently covered:
• Biotechnology and Biomedicine
• Interfaces and Transport Phenomena
• Fluid Thermodynamics and
Thermophysical Properties
• Combustion
• Solidification Processes
• Crystal Growth
• Protein Crystallisation
• Fundamental Physics
The following sections present examples
of promising areas for industrial and
medical applications and commercial
services. In some areas, European
research and industrial teams are already
actively preparing application projects for
the ISS.
 The response to the recent ESA
Announcement of Opportunity demonstrated
the strong interest of European industries in
exploiting the Space Station for application-
oriented projects.

Examples of Research Topics for Gravity-related Research with Industrial Objectives

Objectives of microgravity Industrial research objectives Applications

investigations

Casting of High Performance Alloys

Advanced process control
Validation of theoretical models
under controlled conditions.
Determination of thermophysical
data with an accuracy not
attainable under normal gravity
Cast products with reproducible and Turbine blades and cast
predictable properties structural parts with improved
properties and reliability

Particle reinforced Understand particle motion and Homogeneous dispersions in metal Cast parts of light metal with
composites aggregation mechanisms matrix composites improved stiffness and high
thermal conductivity

Crystal Growth

Crystal growth of electronic Understand the influence of gravity Improve the quality and High sensitivity X-ray detectors
and photonic materials from on the crystal growth process and homogeneity of crystals of for medical diagnostics
a melt or the vapour phase produce benchmark samples compounds such as GaAs, ZnSe,
CdTe etc.

Crystal growth of biological Monitor and control the process in Identify the drug inhibiting an Fast drug design on the basis of
macromolecules order to grow high quality crystals active molecule the detailed structure of the
suitable for detailed structure target molecule
determination

Particle Technologies Understand particle nucleation, Production of nanoscale particles Advanced nanomaterials
growth, aggregation and dispersion Coating of optical surfaces
mechanisms

Energy Production and Management

Heat and mass transfer Validation of theoretical models for Understanding of the basic rules of Enhanced oil recovery and
multiphase flows, boiling mechanism, processes energy production techniques
flows in porous media

Combustion Basic understanding of droplet and Accurate models of energy Low consumption, low pollutant
spray vaporisation production and propulsion processes emission engines and power plants

Biotechnology and Medicine

Biology and physiology Role of gravity at the molecular level, Molecular and cellular control of Drugs modulating cell activity
on cell physiology, and on gene expression, of cell and proliferation for applications
developmental processes differentiation and proliferation in agronomy and medicine

Tissue engineering Cell-cell relations and tissue Controlled tissue development, Organotypical materials, artificial
differentiation in stable, controlled intelligent bioreactors, organotypical organs, and implantable
fluidic systems conditions intelligent curing devices

Medicine and health care Better understanding of gravity effects Undertstanding of mechanisms Therapies for osteoporosis and
on metabolism and physiology leading to diseases and validation of wound healing, health monitoring
preventative and therapeutic and analytical techniques
countermeasures

7
Materials, Crystals,
Fluids and Combustion
The more precise measurements of
thermophysical properties possible under
microgravity can be applied in numerical
models to optimise and control material-
forming processes – solidification and
high-precision casting, for example. This
has already led to the introduction of
lighter, higher strength materials offering
a wide range of industrial applications in
the automobile, aeroplane and consumer
goods industries. This was made possible
by the improvement in foundry and
casting technologies and processes,
which increasingly rely on numerical
modelling for optimisation and control.
Measuring the thermophysical properties
of metallic melts is emerging as an area
offering rapid transfer into industrial
practice. Most properties of metals and
alloys, such as mechanical strength,
creep resistance, ductility and wear
resistance, are determined by their
microstructure. In turn, controlling the
microstructure is very important for
quality control and the design of new
8
advanced materials for specific
technological applications. For example,
the control of crystal nucleation and
growth is essential during melt
processing for casting, welding, single
crystal growth and directional
solidification. In addition, the heat flow
and the fluid flow must both be known
and controlled. The basis for
understanding and predicting transport
phenomena and their coupling with
microstructure formation lies in
knowledge of the thermophysical
properties.
Production routes for materials with
lower wear and friction and higher
strength have been identified from space
research. These materials are finding
applications as advanced slide bearings
in car engines and in the fabrication of
safety-relevant cast parts for cars and
aircraft.
Topical Team: ‘Thermophysical
Properties on Fluids’
The research programme
prepared by this ESA Topical
Team aims at the accurate
measurement of
thermophysical data for
various materials of interest
to industry. These include
metallic glasses,
multicomponent alloys (Fe-
based, Al-based) and single-
and poly-crystalline materials.
The team has conducted a
large survey on the needs of
the European
metal industry for accurate
data, and received
overwhelming support for
this initiative.
Topical Teams: ‘Convection and
Pattern Formation in Morphological
Instability during Directional
Solidification’ and ‘The Influence of
Steady and Alternating Magnetic
Fields on Crystal Growth and Alloy
Solidification’
These teams are investigating the
mechanisms that control the formation
of microstructures during casting
processes. We can expect
improvements in the performance and
reliability of advanced materials, such
as light alloys and superalloys used
in the aircraft industry. A number of
research project are under
evaluation, all involving major industrial
consortia.

Topical Team: ‘Metastable States and

Phases’
The Team deals with the formation of
microstructures in undercooled metals
and alloys. Solidification experiments in
the German TEMPUS electromagnetic
levitation facility were carried out in
1994, providing containerless processing
for tightly controlled experiments for
parametric mapping. For some materials,
this technique can be used only in
microgravity.
In general, significant progress has been
made in understanding and modelling
the crystal-growth process. A specific ESA
MAP Project is dealing with the growth
of cadmium telluride (CdTe) and
related compounds. An experiment
performed aboard the Space Shuttle in
1998 will allow the crystal quality and
resulting sensor performance to be
correlated with the growth conditions.

The contacts established by these teams
with European metallurgical industries,
foundry and casting companies,
aluminium- and steel-producing
companies, glass industries, numerical
software developers, providers of
measuring techniques and end-users
from processing industries have resulted
in a large number of proposals for new
teams and projects with significant
industrial partnership.
The ultimate objective is to improve the
processes for production of high-quality,
large single crystals. CdTe and (Cd, Zn)Te
semiconductors can be used as X-ray
detectors operating with only 1% of the
radiation dose required by conventional
X-ray films. They have a broad potential
for applications in medical X-ray imaging
systems (dental, mammography,
dosimetry). Other application areas are
electro-optical switches in advanced

9
 This non-exhaustive list includes European companies
interested in partnering planned teams covering the
research topics addressed in this section, preparing and
conducting industrially-oriented projects aboard Space
Station, or which are already actively participating by
identifying and defining process parameters of industrial
interest, providing materials, samples for the experiments
and participating in the evaluation of the results:

ABB Kernkrafttechnik (CH), Acofluid (F),

ACOM s.r.l. (I), Advanced Accoustics
GmbH (D), AEG Infrarot Module (D), Alcan
Int. Ltd (UK), AMI Ducoco GmbH (D), Analog
Speed Instr. GmbH (D), Agrotec (F),
ASCOMETAL-CREAS (F), Aubert & Duval (F),
BEOS (D), Bosch GmbH (D), British Steel Ltd
(UK), CALCOM (CH), CERAMEL s.p.r.l. (LUX),
CEZUS (F), CIME-BECUZE (F), CORECOM
Pirelli Cables (I), Creusot-Loire Ind. (F),
CRISA (E), Crismatic (F), Degussa (D), DMT
Technologie (I), Dunaferr Acelmüvek (HU),
Edisoft (P), EFU Umformtechnik (D),
Eisenwerk Brühl (D), Engelhardt-Compagnie
des Metaux Precieux (F), ENI Chem (I),
Federal Mogul (D), Flamatel S.p.A. (I),
Freiberger Compound GmbH (D), GEC-
Marconi (UK), Guhring o.H.G. (D),
Helmholtz-Inst. f. Biomedizinische
Technik (D), Hoogovens B.V. (NL),
Innovative Products & Processes (D), Inst. f.
Giessereitechnologie (D), IP&P (D), IRSID (F),
Liquid Research Ltd (UK), Magyar Alu (HU),
MAGMA Giessereitechnologie (D),
Materials GmbH (D), Netsch Gerätebau (D),
Novo-Control GmbH (D), OHB (D), Osprey
Metals Ltd (UK), Panacol-Elosol GmbH (D),
Péchiney (F), Plansee AG (D), Rapid
Production GmbH (D), REOSC (F), Rolls-
Royce (UK), S&CC (F), Saint Gobain (F),
Sandvik Steel AB (S), SATELEC (F), Schenk
Sintermetall GmbH (D), Schott GmbH (D),
Schwermetall AG (D), Siemens KWU (D),
SIKORA Industrie Elektronik (D),
SNECMA (F), Speed Form GmbH (D),
SSAB (S), H.C. Starck GmbH (D),
Swissmetall SA (CH),
TFB Feingusswerk (D),
Techmeta (F), Thermo-Calc AB (S),
Thyssen-Krupp Stahl AG (D),
Titan Alum. Feinguss (D),
Three-Five Services (F),
Unilever (UK),
VAW Aluminium (D),
Vakuum Schmelze (D), VDG (D),
Wieland Werke AG (D),
Zeiss (D), ZENECA (UK).

10
telecommunications; photorefractive
crystals in ultrasonic sensors for non-
destructive testing equipment; substrate
material for infrared sensors. The
industrial partners in this project cover
this very large field of applications.
Improvements in the numerical modelling
of silicon crystallisation is of industrial
interest to foster application of large-scale
semiconductors in integrated circuits.
Industrial manufacturers of germanium
(Ge) and gallium arsenide (GaAs)
semiconductor raw materials have shown
interest in joining related ESA Topical
Teams and application projects.
Topical Team: ‘Equilibrium and
Dynamic Properties of Adsorbed
Layers’
This team is studying the effects of
surfactants on the surface tension of
liquids. Surfactants affect fluid properties
such as the stability of foams and
emulsions, liquid bridges and thin films.
They influence the dissolution of one
liquid in another, the floating capabilities
of particles on liquid surfaces, and
fluid/fluid interface relations. A first series
of space investigations using a dedicated
instrument was performed in 1998. The
results triggered the interest of other
companies dealing in the industrial
problems of coatings (painting, printing),
oil recovery, and environmental clean-ups.
The team identified further applications of
this research in cooperation with the
food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical and
chemical industries.
Topical Team: ‘Double Diffusive
Instabilities with Soret Effect’
This team is addressing the complex
coupling between heat and mass
diffusion processes in liquids. This can
best be studied in detail in microgravity
freed from convection, sedimentation
and buoyancy. Understanding these
fundamental phenomena has direct
applications, for example, in the
development of models for oil reservoirs
and in avoiding Hot Spot Drying in
industrial fruit juice and milk evaporators.
They also relate to industrial surface
treatment techniques such as Electron
Beam Evaporation.
Topical Team: ‘Magnetic Fluids: Gravity
Dependent Phenomena and Related
Applications’
Experiments in microgravity provide a
better understanding of the magnetic
flow control in magnetic fluids. In
partnership with leading industries in the
field, this team is designing a magnetic
fluids experiment facility to investigate
thermal transport processes in ferrofluids.
Potential applications include magnetic
fluids in cooling devices (e.g. for high-
power transformers, and the damping
and cooling of loudspeakers), thin-film
bearings, sealing of rotating shafts, and
in techniques for cancer therapy
(magnetic fluid hypothermia).
11
 The industrial demand for protein
crystallisation in space will strongly depend
on the ability to process large numbers of
samples. With access to the Space Station,
European companies will have this capability.
Another promising area for commercial
applications is the growth of high-quality
protein crystals, enzymes and other
biological macromolecules. The space
research conducted so far in Europe
provides a solid base for further work and
a number of pharmaceutical companies
are becoming involved. Larger and better-
structured crystals grown in space yield a
higher accuracy in the determination of
their molecular structures through X-ray
diffraction analysis, leading to new
pharmaceutical drugs. Another application
area is the production of enzymes, used as
detergents in separation processes.
Understanding the fluid physics in crude
oil reservoirs and having precise
measurements of the diffusion coefficient
of oil mixtures allows the development of
reliable models for predicting oil reservoir
production capabilities and planning oil
field exploitation. ESA’s DCCO/SCCO
(Diffusion Coefficients in Crude
Oil/Soret Coefficients in Crude Oil) MAP
project, together with its Canadian
partners, has already performed several
experiments in space and is preparing
further flights with active participation by
the European and Canadian oil industries.
Enhanced oil recovery is also expected
through new separation technologies for
oil-water emulsions. European oil
industries are associated as partners in
new projects now under evaluation.
12
Topical Team: ‘Foams and Capillary
Flows’
This team is dealing with the stability of
foams used during oil recovery, but has
extended its activities to foams relevant
to the chemical, food, car, insulation and
cosmetics industries.
European oil industries are also showing
great interest in the improvement of
Zeolite synthesis, as well as in the design
and production of new zeolites for
petroleum processing and oil
refinements.
European companies prepared to
participate in proposed teams or already
included in current projects are:
CONDEA Augusta (I), Elf Aquitaine
(F), ENI Tecnologie (I), Inst. Français
du Pétrole (F), MultiChem Ltd (UK)
and Shell (NL).
Microgravity investigations of the
complex process of combustion are
helping to develop more accurate
numerical models, contributing to
improvements in combustion efficiency.
In microgravity, the effects of buoyancy-
driven convection are removed.
 and gas-turbine combusters, a topic of
particular interest for car and aeroengine
manufacturers.

‘Combustion Synthesis’ is the theme of

another ESA Topical Team, whose
microgravity research is expected to
provide the project’s industrial partners
with the basis for control and
optimisation of the combustion process.

Car and aeroengine producers and

industrial fire-research departments
interested in participating are: ABB (CH),
Aerospatiale (F), BASF-Fire Department
Examples of combustion research in (D), Bayern-Chemie GmbH (D), BMW-
microgravity with relevance for industry Rolls Royce AeroEngines (D), Daimler-
include turbulent combustion of pre- Chrysler (D), Degussa-Hüls AG (D),
mixed gases, and the vaporisation and ENEL (I), ESYTEC GmbH (D), Fiat (I),
auto-ignition for droplet and spray IST GmbH (D), Istituto Malari (I), MAN-
combustion. Nutzfahrzeuge AG (D), MTU (D),
Norwegian Fire Research Lab (N),
The ‘Droplet-Particles-Spray-Cloud Quanta System Srl (I), Rolls Royce
Combustion’ and ‘Flame-Vortex (UK), SEP (F), Shell International (NL),
Interactions’ Topical Teams are dealing Siemens KWU (D), SNECMA (F).
with the optimisation of combustion
processes. The ultimate aim is to
contribute to reductions in fuel
consumption, pollution and cost.
Possible applications are efficiency
improvements for any fuel combustion
engine (cars, domestic or industrial
burners, power plants and aircraft gas
turbines).

Another application area is the study in

microgravity of the fire extinguishing
process. This will lead to more reliable fire
protection and fire extinction methods.

The study of soot formation under

microgravity conditions may lead to soot
reduction and lower emissions from
combustion engines, particularly diesel
engines, gasoline direct injection engines

13
Biotechnology and
Biomedical Applications

Bioengineering in space is a very accelerated in vitro engineered bone-

dynamic and rapidly evolving high-tech tissue model for the evaluation of
area offering near-term prospects for trabecular bone architecture and bone
creating marketable products and turning quality evaluation. The ERISTO team
investments into profitable returns. comprises 10 European partners,
Experiments in space allow effects including academia, clinical centres and
masked by gravity to be studied, thus industries. An ESA-developed bone
providing a better understanding of basic densitometer used and validated during
biological processes at the cellular and the Euromir-95 mission is now on the
molecular levels. market in a
commercial version.
Bioreactors in space These ESA-initiated activities include: In the longer term,
active participation by the European
provide – through better diagnosis
biotechnology and biomedical industry;
better control under and treatment of
transfer to industry of the knowledge
microgravity – gained through space experiments; the osteoporosis are
improved growth of fostering of new commercial products. expected.
3-dimensional
tissues, and cell and ESA Topical Teams
organ cultures, opening up new ways to working with European industrial
prevent and treat diseases. Current space partners to identify space-relevant
research, particularly by US companies, biotechnology areas are:
includes growing skin and liver tissues
and cancer tumours in laboratory ‘Controlled Tissue Development in a
cultures. This has prospective applications Bioreactor’
for transplantations of artificial tissues The requirements for a miniature
and organ-like structures, and production membrane bioreactor for growing
of pharmaceutical agents. Better organo-typical functional tissues in a
understanding of growth mechanisms of controlled 3-D micro-environment will be
biominerals and bioactive substrates will defined by this team. This could
lead to the development of a new eventually lead to a pharmaceutical
generation of biomaterials for implants. device for in vitro tissue growth of skin,
liver and brain nerve cells, serving for
Results from plant tissue culturing in high-throughput screening of drugs.
space bioreactors will have applications
in agriculture. Biomolecular self-assembly ‘Nutrition’
for biosensor and bio-chip generation is This activity focuses on nutrition for
another commercially interesting area, preventing and treating diseases
with applications in environmental analogous to the physiological
monitoring and clinical diagnostics. modifications observed in
weightlessness. Possible medical
The ESA MAP Project ERISTO applications: design and use of
Osteoporosis (loss of calcium and nutrients for people with specific dietary
trabecular structure in bones) focuses on needs, especially in the ageing
the study and development of an population.

14
 Immobilisation Osteoporosis: Those at Risk

No risk
Athlete

Hyperdynamics

Healthy mobile adult

Normal activity
Sedentary desk-bound adult

Postmenopausal sedentary person

Elderly sedentary person
Hypodynamics Astronaut
Fracture or injury (isolated limb immobilisation)
Prolonged bed-rest High risk
Paraplegia

‘Biomonitors’ Cell Topical Team (‘Elucidation of the

This team is dealing with biological
environmental monitoring and
diagnostics for space and terrestrial
applications, and measures for the
assessment and managing of
environmental risks.
‘Tissue and Cell Engineering’
This team will focus on tissue
engineering in a reduced gravitational
field for a variety of tissues. Application
areas include: growth of pseudo-
organs and tissues for clinical
transplantation.
‘Microbial Contamination
Monitoring and Control’
This team intends to investigate the
microbial evolution in confined systems
such as the Space Station, testing
instruments and procedures to identify
and neutralise microbial hazards.
Potential applications: food industry,
medical and environmental fields.
‘Microencapsulation (Cells and
Drugs)’
This Team is dealing with ways to
exploit the microgravity environment in
order to better understand the physical
processes of microcapsule formation
and the mass-transfer mechanisms in
microcapsules. This knowledge is
required to develop efficient
microencapsulation methods.
Applications: controlled drug releases;
encapsulation of living cells;
immobilisation of biocatalysts, artificial
seeds.
Mechanisms of Eukaryotic Cell
Gravisensity’)
This team is studying the role of gravity at
the cellular level. Applications: agriculture,
medicine.
Plant Topical Team (‘Perception of
Gravity, Signal Transduction and Gravi-
response in Higher Plants’)
Applications: possible improvement of
transgenetic plant strains.
Links between the existing and proposed new
biotechnical research teams and interested or currently
cooperating companies include:
ADERSA (F), Bavarian Nordic Research (D), Bayer AG (D),
Biomaterial GmbH (D), Biomaterials (UK), Bertin & Cie (F),
Brace GmbH (D), Byke Gulden (D), Carlo Gavazzi (I), CCM
(NL), Cell Concept (D), Celler Pflanzen & Gewebekultur
(D), Clondiag Chip Techn. (D), Consortium f.
Elektrochemie (D), Cortex Biophysik GmbH (D), Dierks & P.
System. (D), ELA Medical (F), EPSa (D), Ergotest Techn. AS
(N), Escubes (D), Glaxo Welcome Ware (UK), Glott GmbH
(D), Hoffmann La Roche & Böhringer (CH/D), Industrias
Quirirgicas de Levante SL (E), Inotech AG (CH), Intospace
GmbH (D), Invitro Systems & Services (D), Iontech SA (E),
Kayser-Italia Srl (I), La Vision GmbH (D), Lab. Innothera
(F), Laffit SA (E), Dr. Lange GmbH (D), LEMI (F), MEDES
(F), Merck (D), Meredos GmbH (D), Millenium Inc. (CND),
Molmed (I), Morcher Optics (D), MSTB Ltd (UK), Nilstar (I),
Nisco Engin. Inc. (CH), Norvartis (CH), Novotec GmbH
(D), NTE SA (E), OHB (D), PARI GmbH (D), Pronovo
BioMedical (N), Rhône Poulenc (F), Sacher Lasertech. (D),
SAPA (S), Scanco Medical AG (CH), Schering AG (D),
Siemens (D), SKF (S), Stork BV (NL), Sulzer Medica (CH),
Surgival Co SA (E), SWD Saatzucht (D), Swedish Ind. Des.
Inst. (S), Viso Medical (CH), YoYo Techn. AB (S)

15
 Medical Care
and Health Services

The medical field has benefited from

medical research in space, including the
countermeasures developed to monitor
and maintain astronaut health –
preventing the weakening of many body
systems and remotely diagnosing
possible illnesses. Space research results
and space medical methods are helping
to improve the quality of our health care
systems on Earth. Some techniques have
found applications in our daily lives.

The astronauts’ need to maintain physical

and mental fitness has led to specific
physiological, nutritional, psychological
and pharmaceutical measures, which are
also being applied in terrestrial health
services.

Telemonitoring, telediagnosis and non-

invasive and ambulatory health
monitoring systems have been

The space environment offers an accelerated view of the ageing

process. A better understanding of the problem in space will
lead to countermeasures against similar problems on Earth.
Fitness, recreation and health maintenance techniques
developed for astronauts are already employed by preventive
and rehabilitation medicine on Earth.
developed. Lightweight miniature
telemedical instrument packages, which
collect health data parameters (including
audio and video) for wireless
transmission, are used to conduct remote
health examinations. Smart, non-invasive
sensors provide long-term recording and
monitoring of physiological status, such
as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory
rate, oxygen uptake and blood analysis;
these instruments are now commercially
available. The medical instrumentation
industry is a rapidly expanding market
with high revenue expectations.
Space research in physiology, biology
and animals down to the cellular level
continues to provide important results,
with applications for improving our
health on Earth. For example, certain
physiological changes in the human
body observed in space are similar to
those caused by ageing on Earth:
• weakening of bones, and loss of
muscle mass and strength;
• weakening of the cardiovascular
system;
• weakening of the immune response
system (e.g. problems of wound
healing);
• balance disorders;
• metabolic disorders;
• disturbed sleep.

16
 CNES

It can be expected that space medicine research will continue to

yield valuable applications in clinical health services, advance
medical care delivery and lead to pharmaceutical products and
advanced medical instrumentation.

medicine (heart failure patients),

treatment of orthostatic intolerance.

Fluid and Kidney Topical Team (‘Fluid

Balance and Kidney Function’)
Potential applications: improvements in
treatment of patients with kidney and
heart failures; technology development:
non-invasive biosensors.

ESA Topical Teams with medical

application areas are:

Bone Topical Team (‘Bone Biology in

Spaceflight’)
Potential applications: osteoporosis
treatment, bone surgery.

Muscle Topical Team (‘Skeletal Muscle

Weakness caused by Spaceflight
Conditions’)
Potential applications: rehabilitation
medicine (after trauma), preventative
medicine (physical deconditioning in the
elderly population).

Cardiovascular Topical Team

(‘Cardiovascular Physiology’)
Potential applications: rehabilitation

17
Services from the Space Station

The Space Station with its many
laboratories and external mounting sites
offers excellent opportunities for
introducing new services on a
commercial basis, aimed at the general
public or at specific end user groups.
Potential applications cover
communication and navigation services;
imaging services from optical cameras;
multispectral digital video and infrared
sensing; environmental monitoring;
meteorological observations.
considerable. After demonstrating the
expected improvement in accuracy over
the ground-based version by a factor of
10-100, applications would include
improved frequency standards and time
synchronisation on a global scale. In the
longer term, incorporating it in global
positioning satellites would provide a
quantum leap in position and distance
determination services, one of the fastest
growing areas of commercial
communications applications.

The first pilot demonstration for a

commercial service is the Global
Transmission Services (GTS) broadcasting
system, which is already partially installed
on the Russian Service Module. This
module will be launched as the third
major Station element in a few months’
time. After successfully demonstrating
reception and conversion by ground
users of accurate time and location data,
a service provider company will take over
and sell services such as worldwide
wristwatch synchronisation or car theft
protection to the end user.

A project using the Internet to

disseminate near-realtime local Earth
images from a multispectral digital
camera mounted aboard the Station is
under consideration. Utility applications
range from disaster monitoring, natural
resources observations and prospecting
to using pictures from a user’s own
hometown and its environment on the
Internet.

The commercial applications potential for

the European cold-atom clock that will be
tested on the Station from 2002 is ESA/D. Ducros

18
Services from the Focus intelligent
infrared sensor system, expected to be
added to the Station in 2003 to locate
and monitor forest fires, volcanic
eruptions and major industrial fires, could
be sold to public and private customers
such as local fire departments, insurers
and oil industries. Focus is being studied
in a public/private partnership, involving
European aerospace and non-aerospace
industries.
Physics, chemistry and geography lessons
paid for and transmitted from the Space
Station by TV networks can be envisaged
for the future. In the longer term,
support to film productions and art from
space can also be expected.
The Russian Service Module (left) carries
the Global Transmission Services
system. Inset: the GTS antenna installed
on the Service Module.
19
II: ISS Utilisation by
Aerospace Industry
A testbed for advanced technologies

By its very nature, space technology

research probes the limits of what is
technically feasible. In preparing the
ground for future space programmes, it
creates new techniques and products
which are then adopted for future space
missions or which find their way into
future commercial applications. In-orbit
demonstration is an essential ingredient
of the R&D effort: it completes the
qualification process of new
technologies. Because the space
environment can be difficult to simulate
on Earth – and, in some cases, impossible
– many R&D activities can be performed
only in space. An orbiting platform is the
most effective location for some of these
technology experiments.

Technology experiments on the

International Space Station will benefit
the European space programmes and
aerospace industries in a number of
ways. Technologies developed and tested
on the Station, as well as the knowledge
gained from the engineering research,
will be used to reduce the cost and
improve the performance of future ESA
and commercial activities in space.
Using the ISS as a
Testbed for Technology
Today, there is no permanent in-orbit
testbed for technology offering agencies
and industry with regular, long-term and
affordable access to the space
environment. Current opportunities are
on the Space Shuttle, Mir and as
piggyback payloads on some larger
satellites.
The ISS will provide this in-orbit
technology testbed, offering facilities
such as the European Technology
Exposure Facility (EuTEF) to provide users
with low-cost and rapid access to space.
Numerous potential technology users for
the Station have already been identified,
both in support of the Agencies’
programmes and from industry. In
response to ESA’s Early Utilisation
Announcement of Opportunity, 48 of the
more than 100 proposals came from the
technology area. 18 technology
proposals have been selected for flight in
the initial period.
Examples of benefits of technology
experiments performed on the Space
Station are described below.
Improving performance and reducing
costs of other space missions
A wide variety of technology
demonstration activities on the Station

20
will yield valuable advantages for future
commercial and publicly-funded
spacecraft. Industry is particularly
interested in using the facilities because
in-orbit testing speeds up the innovation
process and the time-to-market, offering
companies a unique advantage for
selling their products (‘space-proved’).
In-orbit testing improves the market entry
chances, for example, with tests of
products involving gravity-relevant
processes (such as two-phase flow and
capillary loops) and new technologies.
Improving technologies and gaining
knowledge for use on Earth
Technology experiments conducted on
the ISS will also be applicable to uses on
Earth. There are numerous examples in
which technologies developed for space
systems have been successfully
transferred into the non-space industrial
sector. For example, new technologies
for spacecraft thermal coatings are
applicable to more durable paints on
Earth. Station activitives such as
microbiological monitoring sensors,
waste management and recycling may
have industrial applications. ESA will
actively promote the transfer of
ISS-developed technologies to the non-
space industrial sector.
Technology R&D
Development Areas
There are many technical fields in which
engineering research or technology
development activities aboard the
International Space Station will be
appropriate. Some examples are
described below.
Electric Power
The ISS will be the site of extensive
research on the long-term effects of the
low-Earth orbit environment on electric
power generation systems, components
and subsystems, and in-space testing of
new electric power technologies, such as
advanced photovoltaic power generation
systems, and energy storage devices
(including batteries, flywheels, and solid-
state thermal storage).
Much of this research conducted on the
ISS will be relevant to the space
commercial market, potentially reducing
costs and extending lifetimes. The results
of this research can equally well be
applied to Earth. Advanced solar cells,
batteries and flywheels can help in the
development of electric-powered
automobiles.
21
 The ISS will serve as a testbed for life support
technologies. (Alenia Aerospazio)

Robotics

The Space Station will function as a site

for testing and improving the ability of
humans and robotic systems to work
cooperatively in space. Research will
focus primarily on the development of
robots functioning as capable, reliable
and intelligent agents that respond to
higher level commands from humans.
Their performances will be verified under
space conditions.

Much of the technology required for a

remotely operated robotic system in
space is identical to that required for
terrestrial applications. Consequently,
there will be good opportunities for
applying new robot technology
developed in space to terrestrial systems,
where they can be used for deep-sea
exploration, hazardous waste clean-up
and other activities in environments too spacecraft demand this type of thermal
hazardous for humans. control system.

Thermal Control Research on the Space Station into the

Crucially important for future space
applications, the ISS will serve as a site
for testing the in-orbit performance of
advanced thermal components such as
two-phase loops, advanced capillary
evaporators, small centrifugal pumps,
rotatable thermal joints, controllable
radiators and advanced high
performance heat-pipes.
The functional verification, determination
of performance limits and study of
interactions between several such
thermal components combined in a
thermal bus under actual working
conditions is a priority. Increasing thermal
dissipation requirements on future
long-term effects of the space
environment on thermal control
subsystems will apply only to space
systems flying in a similar orbit. However,
research in such areas as the lifetime of
coolers and the performance of fluid
systems in weightlessness will be widely
applicable and could enhance the
performance, reduce the costs and
extend the lives of other spacecraft. This
research is expected to lead to the
development of new technologies usable
on Earth.
Life Support
The ISS will function as a laboratory in
which controlled environmental life

22
 The Debris In-Orbit Evaluator (DEBIE,
the detector is shown at bottom left) will
monitor the meteoroid and space
debris environment of the ISS.
support systems can be tested and
improved. The technologies involved
include atmosphere revitalisation, water
purification and recovery, and biological
systems. These experiments can be used
to improve the crew’s environment and
to reduce the logistics requirements for
consumables. This will allow increasing
amounts of these consumables to be
recycled instead of being transported
from Earth. The need for advanced life
support technologies is particularly great
for missions beyond Earth orbit, for
which resupplying consumables will be
extremely costly and in some cases (such
as Mars missions) impracticable.
Advances made in water treatment and
purification systems achieved by
experiments on the Space Station can
potentially be used in remote and
underdeveloped areas of the world.
Space Environment and Effects
The Station will be used to verify models
of the space environment, including space
debris and micrometeoroid models, and
models of the thermal, radiation, atomic
oxygen, plasma and ultraviolet
environments in low-Earth orbit. Limited
tests on the effects of materials exposure
to the space environment can be carried
out on the ground but their in-orbit
validation is required – which can then be
used in turn to optimise and improve the
ground approach.
An important aspect of the space
environment is the effect of radiation.
Exposing electronic components, sensors
and other technologies to the Station’s
energetic particle radiation environment
will address related effects. Examples of
what might be tested are neo-commercial
32- and 64-bit microprocessors, high-
density memories, Application-Specific
Integrated Circuits (ASICs), analogue
components and opto-electronic
components.
A major problem with using advanced
electronics in space is expected to arise
with energetic protons from the radiation
belts, cosmic rays and energetic solar
particles. This problem is not only
confined to space operations, but is also
known to affect electronic systems in high-
flying aircraft. This opportunity will allow
technologies of interest for operations in
these environments to be flight-tested and
their behaviour to be compared with
expectations from ground-based testing.
23

The measured effects will be correlated
with the data from the nearby
environment monitors and those from
the ground test campaign. Data received
from these experiments are also required
for evaluating the radiation hazard to the
astronauts.
Communications
The ISS will serve as a testbed for
technology issues of importance to
commercial communication satellites,
including phased array antenna
deployment and testing, in-orbit radio
frequency environment characterisation
24
for electromagnetic interference, high-
data rate communications, complex
onboard processors for asynchronous
transfer mode signal processing, high-
temperature superconductors, optical
communications and deployable antenna
structures.
Communications technology tested on
the Station will be used in commercial
spacecraft, improving their performance
and giving participating companies a
competitive edge in a multi-billion dollar
business. Technologies such as optical
communications could also have a
significant impact on deep-space
communications. Optical high-rate
communications networks that optimise
power efficiency and minimise power
consumption will be important to power-
limited applications, such as underwater
networks.
Propulsion
The Space Station will serve as a testbed
for advanced space propulsion systems,
particularly low-thrust systems. These
include electric, chemical and hybrid
propulsion, and waste gas propulsion
systems. These systems can be tested on
either a dedicated testbed or on self-
contained deployable/retrievable test
units. Low-thrust technology developed
and tested on the ISS will be widely
applicable to orbital transfer stages and
to other spacecraft. Advanced propulsion
systems will make it possible to use
smaller and cheaper transfer stages, and
could greatly improve spacecraft reliability
and lifetime. Advanced propulsion
systems developed on the ISS will also
lower the costs of future interplanetary
missions.
25
 There is already an increasing demand for in-orbit technology testing by
the European space industry. Growing competition in the commercial
space market is driving space industry to invest in this market. Precursor
mission opportunities are already being provided to meet this demand
and fill the gap before full ISS operations are under way.

In-orbit technology testing will be an important field of industrial

utilisation for the International Space Station.

The report reproduced in the following pages is the contribution of

European space industry to the ISS utilisation plan. It was independently
produced by EUROSPACE, the Association of European Space Industry,
without ESA involvement, and gives a good indication of the interest that
the ISS programme is generating in European space industry.

Companies participating in the EUROSPACE report were: Aerospatiale (F),

Alcatel ETCA (B), Alenia Defensa (I), Alenia Spazio (I), Contraves Space
(CH), DASA-RI (D), DSS (D), EDF (F), Fokker Space (NL), Galileo (I),
Intospace (D), Kayser-Threde (D), Matra Marconi Space (F), OHB (D),
Sabca (B), Telespazio (I), Verhaert (B) and Vitrociset (I).

26
 Appendix

EUROSPACE report on

Industrial Utilisation of the ISS

by European Space Industry
 Industrial Utilisation of the ISS
by European Space Industry

Contents

1. Scope of the Report

2. Introduction
3. Assumptions
4. Working Group Action to Solicit Proposals
5. Proposals received
6. Discussion
7. Conclusion
8. Appendix A. Summary of the proposals received
9. Appendix B. Brief description of the proposals
10. Appendix C. Industrial use of the ISS by European Space Industry. Example of a
scenario

1. Scope of the Report

This report is the contribution of European space industry to the plan for the utilisation of
the Space Station.

Considering that the routine phase of the Space Station utilisation is still few years ahead
this industrial initiative might look premature. European space industry however believes
that this effort is an essential step to approach the technical, legal and commercial issues
associated with the proposals presented, in a pragmatic manner.

The majority of the experiments listed in the report have an “ industrial “ character. The
companies concerned have submitted the proposals on the understanding that before being
approved for flight the Agency would organise a formal selection procedure.

The proposals presented have been collected by EUROSPACE as part of the effort
associated with the joint ESA-Space Industry Working Group in the period from
September 1998 to January 1999. The Working Group had the objective to identify
potential industrial proposals for the utilisation of the Space Station. Such proposals could
focus on space technology and also on any other application field of interest for space
industry. In addition to the industrial proposals, the Working Group also had the task of

i
identifying the programmatic and legal access conditions that would be required in order to
turn the proposals into firm commitments for the companies concerned.

17 companies, with 57 proposals have participated in the preparation of this report.. More
proposals could be transmitted to Eurospace in the near future. These figures give an
indication of the interest that the ISS programme is generating in European space industry.

2. Introduction
Reducing costs and improving the performance of future missions will require continuing
engineering research and technology development. In-orbit testing is an essential part of
the Research and Development (R&D) effort: It represents one of the possible ways to
complete the qualification process of new technologies or pilot services, thereby ensuring
an effective preparation for future programmes or commercial activities in space. The
International Space Station promises to provide quick and low cost access to space. If this
promise is kept, a significant industrial user community will be prepared to use the Space
Station to test new technologies, new services, and new processes.

3. Assumptions

It is assumed that that the Agency will adopt a policy for the access to the Space Station
whereby all experiments will fit in one of the following three categories:

⇒ Scientific Research Experiments: for such experiments both the development costs and
the flight costs are expected to be covered by public funding. In particular the
development costs would typically be covered by the experiment sponsoring Agency
or programme, while the flight costs, including integration and operation, would be
covered by the Space Station programme.
Typically, in this case selection of the experiment implies peer review
⇒ Industrial Experiment: the development costs of this experiment would be covered in
part or totally by the company concerned, while the flight costs, including operation
and integration, would be covered by the Space Station programme.

In many cases companies proposing an experiments in this category would oppose

selection by peer review. The degree of motivation of the company, as demonstrated by its
eagerness to contribute to the funding, would tend to be a selection criterion.

⇒ Third party experiments or commercial experiments: experiments originating from

Member States not participating in the ESA Space Station programme, or commercial
experiments, would be charged the totality of the flight costs.

This report is mostly concerned with the industrial proposal, where it is expected that
industry concerned would participate in the development cost of the experiment.

It is also assumed that the industrial users will have access to the standard laboratory
support equipment and multi-user facility for pressurised and un-pressurised experiments.

ii
4. Working Group Action to Solicit Proposals

To solicit proposals for the Space Station utilisation, EUROSPACE has sent a letter to all
the industrial members of the European space community.

The proposals solicited could be in a preliminary form and non-committal. The companies
however were asked to specify the conditions under which they would have been ready to
turn the preliminary proposals into firm commitments. Such conditions for example could
have been related to access rules, limited time to flight, intellectual property rights and
possibility to repeat the experiment within a certain time period.

This report includes only a summary of each proposal received. The summary has been
agreed with the company concerned. In this way the Working Group has respected the
confidentiality rights of the companies that have contributed to this report The full text of
the proposals would be made available to ESA should the necessity of consultation arise.

The proposals are grouped by categories. For each category the report elaborates the type
of conditions under which they can realistically be implemented.

iii
 5. Proposals received

5.1. Categories of the industrial proposals

The proposals received have been grouped in the following five categories:

1. Technology demonstration for the commercial market

2. Demonstration/First Implementation of services

3. Technology demonstration for Agency funded missions

4. Technology demonstration for the ISS enhancement

5. Services to Space Station users

This grouping of proposals is useful in view of the different requirements in terms of

access conditions.

5.2. List of the Proposals received

(17 companies have submitted proposals. They have been identified by C1, C2 etc..)

CATEGORY I

Technology demonstration for the commercial market

1. Fluid loop experience in space (C2)

2. Instrument demonstration in space (C2)
3. Technology in space (C2)
4. Equipment demonstration in space (C2)
5. Bi-phase capillary loops for thermal control of satellites (C11)
6. Fluid management (C1) (Could also be IV or III)
7. Laser communication experiment (C1)
8. Ion thruster tests (C1) (Could also be Cat III)
9. Experimental verification of a new generation sun sensor (FSS-NG) (C4) (Could also be Cat III)
10. Experimental in-flight verification of a high efficiency visible focal plane array (C4) (Could also be Cat III)
11. An integrated package for the experimental verification of a new generation earth sensor on the ISS (C4)
12. Optical links, inter-orbit communication, in-orbit testing (C5)
13. Solar arrays, high efficiency solar cells, in-orbit testing (C6)
14. Commercial Protein Crystallisation for Industrial Utilisation (C3)
15. Deployable radiator with two phase capillary loop (C10)
16. Smart Structure for antenna in orbit (C10)
17. Composite antenna structures (C10)

CATEGORY II

Demonstration/first implementation of services

1. Early operational testing of a hyperspectral imager instrument, including hardware and software testing (C1)
(Could also be Cat III or I)
2. Utilisation of ISS as a monitoring platform for space weather, space debris, and other environmental aspects
(C1) (Could also be Cat IV or III)
3. Trapped radiation belt environment monitoring for scientific and industrial applications (C7) (Could lead to Cat
II application)
4. Fine Tuning of Earth Observation Missions in the field of environment monitoring and risk management :
INDUSTRIAL RISK (C15)

iv
5. Fine Tuning of Earth Observation Missions in the field of environment monitoring and risk management :
LANDSLIDE RISK (C15)
6. Archaeological Researches (C15)

CATEGORY III

Technology demonstration for Agency funded missions

1. Technology demonstration for different components and subsystems (e.g. Electrical, thermal etc..) (C1)
2. Materials Behaviour assessment under space conditions (C3) (Could also be Cat I)
3. Evanescent wave based sensors networks (C4) (Could also be Cat I)
4. Energy storage demonstrator (C7)
5. Demonstration of wireless energy transfer by microwave (C17)
6. Dpl-10 diode pumped laser , in-orbit testing (C16)
7. Active stabilisation of optical elements (C10)
8. Smart structure for optical telescope (C10)

CATEGORY IV

Technology demonstration for the ISS enhancement

1. Usage of co-orbiting instrument platform (e.g. Astrospas) for undisturbed observation objective and tests (C1)
2. Inflatable structures (C1) (Could also be Cat III)
3. Virtual information management (C1) (Could also be Cat I)
4. Fast (capillary pressure tensiometer ) (C4)
5. The laser ultrasonic diagnostic : LUD (C4)
6. Spatial multi-user bioreactor (C4) (Could be category V?)
7. Robotics, tactile sensing system (precursor mission SPACEHAB) (C6)
8. On-board validation of a training method for staff operating in long-term space missions (C9)
9. Collaborative Science experiment (C10)
10. Columbus external contamination monitoring experiment (C10)
11. On-Board Training System development testing and validation (C10)
12. Evaluation of crew work-load for ergonomic development tool (C10)
13. COLLAGEX (C10)
14. Optical Tomograph for Solution crystal growth and fluid physics (C10)
15. On-orbit mechanical environment quality vs equipment ageing (C10)
16. Active noise control (C10)
17. Cryogenic free superconducting magnet (C10)
18. Education in space (C2)
19. Autonomous experiment in space (C2)
20. Immuno-laboratory (C1) (Could be category V)
21. Protein crystallisation (C1) (Could be category V)
22. Combustion and particle laboratory (C1) (Could be category V)

CATEGORY V

Services to Space Station users

1. All services including commercial operations (C13)

2. Technology exposure facility (TEF) industrial operation (C8)
3. CEBAS, multi-user facility, industrial operations (C14)
4. Demonstration of Microgravity Research Supporting Services (C12) (Could also be Cat II)
5. Solution growth facility (SGF) , industrial operation (C5)
6. Car low fuel mission (C1) (Could also be Cat IV)

v
6. Discussion
6.1. Category I. Technology demonstration for the commercial market

6.1.1. Nature of the Proposals listed

The proposals in this category include:

• In-orbit testing of spacecraft platform equipment and payload instrumentation

• Longer-term activities such as virtual information management and commercial protein
crystallisation. These activities are of interest for the non-space market.

6.1.2. Conditions expressed regarding category 1

6.1.2.1. Freedom of commercial projects

Commercial projects may violate the traditional understanding of space organisation.

Commercial enterprises naturally do not tend to respect geographical boundaries
• Of markets : they expand their markets
• Of deliveries and services : they buy at the best conditions
• Of research opportunities : they go to the best sites
• In the Space Station : they will look for the best conditions : an international, Europe-
based company will not automatically select the European part of the ISS for its
purpose.
In addition :
• A European-funded programme may be of benefit for a non-European industry
• Research project are not discipline-oriented, but problem-oriented, with the
consequence that:
• More than one facility may be required to solve a problem
• The required facilities may belong to different agencies.

6.1.2.2. Schedule requirements :

Demonstrations of the projects proposed by the European space companies are often
needed relatively early (1999 for a flight model of fluid loop e.g.), which requires that
precursor mission be organised, for example on SPACEHAB or satellite platforms,
including small platforms (when no retrieval is needed).
In certain cases (EO observation instrument, for example), the time schedule can be more
extended but precursor flights are nevertheless desirable.

Certain long-term items do not suffer from the long delays before the station will be
operational.

In any case, firm commitments regarding launch dates proposed to industrial users and lead
times are needed.

6.1.2.3. Confidentiality/ Proprietary rights

Confidentiality requirements in commercial applications are drastic and condition the

readiness of investors to bring money.
Confidentiality may concern:
• Customer identity
• Experiment content

vi
 • Experiment sample material
• Experiment results

Several types of situations may exist.

The first situation concerns highly confidential tests and demonstrations.

Platform equipment and payload instruments in this case are supposed to remain company
proprietary. Results of demonstrations should be confidential and not disseminated to other
companies. In certain cases, the concept itself is to be kept confidential.

The second situation concerns tests and demonstrations of a less confidential nature, for
which the ISS is used as a test bed. In this case also, the objective of the company is to gain
advantages in cost, performance over the competition, and confidentiality is to be
guaranteed.

The third situation is that in which companies are looking for partners for a study
or for the development of some instruments or technologies. In such cases, confidentiality
rules cannot always be applied very strictly, but have to be accommodated on a case by
case basis.

Finally, there are the consequences of cost sharing with ESA. If ESA shares the cost, it can
be envisaged that proprietary rights are also shared with ESA, on a basis that is to be fixed
on a case by case basis.

6.1.2.4. Selection Process

For most cases the ESA selection process must remain confidential and based on a pure
industrial approach sustained by a clear business plan showing the interest of the test. Peer
reviews are not acceptable.

It must also be taken into account that in certain cases, industry will be in competition with
academia.

6.1.2.5. Cost and Funding

Funding is expected from the following sources:

• User industry is supposed to contribute directly for its own experiments.
• Support from ESA and/or EU programmes

It should be noted that in the past (in the Spacelab Programme e.g.) costs were so high that
industries were reluctant to engage into ventures that had a commercial potential, and that
were considered excessively risky at the costs requested. ESA and the public authorities
(National Space Agencies, the European Commission etc…) are thus expected to provide
their support, for example by funding all or part of the launch costs, or the cost of the
adaptation to space conditions.

For the most immediate preparation of commercial programmes, industry can be expected
to be ready to contribute more of the costs, but it is important that the proposed funding
schemes will make ISS competitive as a test-bed with alternative approaches such as
ground tests or utilisation of small satellites.
Also, since it is possible that industry may well be in competition with projects fostered by
academia, clear rules should be established that guarantee that both types of organisation
will be treated fairly.

vii
6.2. Category II. Demonstrations/First implementation of services

6.2.1. Activities listed

Several demonstrations have been identified at this stage.

Services tested or demonstrated with regard to earth observation and space environment
monitoring. It is expected that proposals will be put forward in the field of
communications.

6.2.2. Conditions expressed

6.2.2.1. Schedule

Services, especially those aimed at the general public (in communications e.g.), cannot
wait for the full development of the ISS for demonstration. The utilisation of ISS must
therefore be included in a global scenario encompassing early demonstration possibilities
on-board platforms, or on-board the early elements of the space station.

6.2.2.2. Funding

Service providers could be willing to support the cost of the development of the payload
and of the ground terminals used. They would however require support from governmental
funds for transport to space and accommodation on the ISS.
In the case of applications for a more restricted community, support from governmental
funding would be requested, also for the early development of the instrumentation installed
on-board the station.

6.2.2.3. Confidentiality and Selection Process

These should be decided on a case by case basis.

6.3 Category III .Technology demonstration for Agency funded missions

6.3.1. Nature of the proposals Listed

The proposals in this category include:

• Technology developments and demonstrations of systems and equipment that can be

used for scientific spacecraft but also, for commercial space programmes
• Scientific payload elements
• Sensors
• Advanced energy systems
• Laser technology

6.3.2. Conditions expressed regarding category 2

6.3.2.1. Schedule Requirements

Schedule requirements are as a rule less strict than in the case of commercial
developments. Some of the proposals are for the relatively long term (e.g. energy transfer
in space), but others are not, because companies are also subject to competition in the non
commercial programmes.

viii
6.3.2.2. Confidentiality/Proprietary rights

In principle, technologies and instruments developed are due to remain the property of the
companies having developed them. The situation is, in principle, less severe regarding this
criterium than in the case of commercial products (Category I) There are however
exceptions. In addition, several of the activities proposed can be regarded as pertaining to
Category III and/or to Category I.

As a matter of fact, most of the proposals received to date are confidential. Some are even
highly confidential to the point that even the information that a company is working on the
concept is confidential.

6.3.2.3. Funding

Co-funding by the companies is envisaged in certain of the proposals, i.e.: those that
concern the development of equipment that could be installed on many satellites.
For certain equipment however, the proposal received is classic (i.e. ESA is expected to
provide the complete funding).
For purely scientific proposals (payloads of payload elements), funding is expected to
come from various scientific institutions, ESA is expected to complement this by
supporting adaptation and launch costs.

6.3.2.4. Selection Process

With a few exceptions, companies consider that the selection process by ESA must remain
confidential and based on the competence of the company and the interest of the activity
proposed. Peer reviews could be accepted in certain cases but not all.

6.4. Category IV Technology demonstration for ISS enhancement

6.4.1. Nature of the proposals Listed

The proposals in this category include:

• Development of enhancements (Inflatable Structures, Robotics, Virtual Information

management, measuring methods, establishment of test-beds, including with the use of
co-orbiting platforms) , some of which have a commercial potential.
• Activities regarding the enhancement of the efficiency of the crew (training, helmets..)
• Activities on-board specialised laboratories in the ISS (some of which, maybe for
customers which are the space companies themselves, or a department of their mother
companies – or are for other customers) have in general been classified under Category
V. Most of them are proposed with the prospect of initiating a service.

6.4.2. Conditions expressed

6.4.2.1. Schedule requirements

In principle, the activities are proposed on-board the European part of the station, but not
always. Certain companies made it clear that they could start their proposed activities on
other parts of the station if the conditions offered are more advantageous. Many large
companies have non-European partners.

ix
In many cases, precursor missions are recommended.

6.4.2.2. Confidentiality/Proprietary rights

Certain developments are to remain property of the companies, as well as certain activities
on board specialised laboratories.
The measure in which confidentiality is required is to be dealt with on a case by case basis.
Due to the long lead time, confidentiality should be less an issue than for other categories
of applications. A certain number of proposals require a co-operation with other companies
anyway.

6.4.2.3. Funding

Most of the listed proposals foresee industrial investments to develop the hardware, while
it is expected that the mission costs, as a minimum, will be sustained by the Agency. The
bearing of the mission costs by ESA is considered at present necessary to make ISS
competitive with respect to other space-based technology teste-beds.

6.4.2.4. Selection Process

The companies originating proposals are entitled to expect some degree of priority in the
selection process.

6.5. Category V. Services to Space Station users

6.5.1. Activities listed

Under this category have been listed all proposals in which a company offers a service on
board the ISS (or possibly on-board one of the precursor flights such as SPACEHAB or
other space laboratories).
There are 8 such proposals. In three of them it is not completely clear whether the promoter
company wishes to sell an equipment (in which case, the proposal would pertain to
Category I) or to offer a service.

6.5.2. Conditions expressed

The proposals under category V are perhaps less characteristic of what is expected from
European space companies in the context of the preparation of the ESA plan of utilisation
of the ISS. The conditions under which such proposals are made are those that can be
expected from service providers working on a commercial basis or in partnership with
ESA. There is no need to present them in detail in the context of the present report.

Note 1. Safety issues

In view of the complexity of some proposals, industry might require the support of ESA in
some cases to obtain the safety certification of the payload.

Note 2.

The classification of some of the proposals in only one of the five categories might be
imprecise. The classification is based only on the arbitrary judgement of the Working
Group on the information contained in proposals

x
7. Conclusion

7.1. Preliminary character of the work performed

The proposals listed in this report constitute a preliminary approach of the industrial views
concerning utilisation of the ISS by Space Industry. They constitute only a snapshot of the
situation, a demonstration of the interest of space industry. It is expected that more
proposals will be brought forward in the next months. Such proposals should naturally not
be excluded because they are not included in the present list.

It is presently not possible to define in detail, the effective projects that will benefit from
the Space Station. However, the content of the present report makes it clear that European
space industry is working very seriously on the definition of these activities.

The purpose of the proposal listed below is to show directions in which European space
industry considers it possible to utilise the International Space Station. Obviously, to
finalise such proposals, costs, schedule, support, legal aspects will have to be defined. It is
clearly not possible at the present stage to associate consistent cost and other figures to the
proposed experiments.

The idea adopted by the European space industry is that ESA has to establish access rules
for the Space Station that makes it attractive for industry.
The present report is viewed by the space industry as a first step in a dialogue with ESA
that will become more and more action-oriented in the coming months.

7.2. Conditions for commercial utilisation by Space Industry of the

International Space Station

Space industry is willing to utilise the ISS support for various experiments as outlined in
the present report. Suggestions or proposals from space industry can however only become
reality when preliminary conditions are defined. These conditions are related to three main
areas of interest:
• Legal environment,
• Programmatic,
• Financial concerns.

A. Legal Environment

Legal conditions for utilisation of the Station must be clearly defined in accordance with
the level or participation of the space industry to the funding of the project.
Since space industry is expected to participate with its own funding significantly in
proportion to the total cost of the experiment, then space industry must obtain guarantees
concerning:
• The ownership of industrial property rights for any findings resulting from such
experiment aboard the ISS, whatever the location of the experiment on board;
• The protection of any previous or background expertise, even when disclosed for
reasons of safety or management of the experiments to ISS partners. This guarantee
must also protect against infringement of the rules by other ISS partners,
• The strict limitation of responsibilities of the supplier of the experiment, in case any
damage would be incurred to the ISS as a consequence of the experiment. This
responsibility must be strictly limited to the on-ground preparatory activities without
any responsibility for damages for any in-flight activity, in-flight being considered as
starting when the experiment is loaded into any carrier for transportation to the ISS,

xi
• The rules of indemnity of industry in the case where the experiment has been damaged
since responsibility was taken over by the ISS authority.

B. Programmatic

It is very important for space industry to have full visibility of the process of selection of
the experiments for on board activity, thus including:
• Criteria for establishing the traffic plan to and from the ISS, the utilisation plan and
rules or priorities for late proposals to be selected for commercial applications,
• Rules to be applied in the case the traffic plan or utilisation plan would be
modified/adapted for any reason. These rules must include financial burden
reimbursement (see c), and rules for establishing the priorities for re-programming,
Nature of the rules of safety to be applied for the experiments. These rules must be
established extensively and not be modified in order to allow, for a selected
experiment, to fly without being down-selected for safety reasons during the pre-flight
qualification review.
• Nature of the commitments taken by the ISS Authority when an experiment is selected
concerning the respect of the flight schedule and the delivery of interfaces resources
(electric power, cooling, DMS, crew resources etc.). This commitment must lead to
indemnity in the case it would not be respected.

Moreover, it is or paramount importance for any industrial or commercial utilisation of the

ISS to know when it will fly and to reduce the delay between the selection of the
experiment and the flight. A delay of less than 3 or even 2 years is a condition for having
committed customers;
This delay has to be reduced in the case of experiments using pre-existing facilities on
board of the ISS (as furnaces, crystal growth facilities, etc.) In such case, a delay of less
than one year is mandatory.

C. Costs and financial rules

ESA and the ISS must define the rules to be applied worldwide for subsidising the
commercial experiments to be selected. These rules would benefit from being identical for
all the different partners of the ISS, to avoid competition.

It is important that the process of co-funding by ESA or the other partners be transparent.
The level of co-funding or subsidisation must be sufficient to motivate space industry to
come aboard the ISS. In most cases, an on-board experiment can be accommodated also on
other carriers (satellites, SPACEHAB, etc.) or replaced by simulation or computation. ISS
utilisation must be considered as being in competition with these other means of
investigation.

Of course, if the participation of ESA is too large, then the number of experiments will be
high and the budget of ESA will not be able to support all the proposals. In that case, the
process of selection can be a Peer Review.

It is also important to establish the rules with respect to the geographical returns.
The role that the National Agencies will play in this process is also important.

If the principles are fair and reasonable, then, the commercial utilisation of the ISS will be
a success. If the rules are unclear or not transparent, or vary for different users of the ISS,
then some difficulties will occur, since it could even be considered as an infringement of
the general rules of fair competition of the World Trade Market.

xii
 8. Appendix A

Summary of the proposals received.

Degree of Possibility of Commercialisation Used by Possibly

Confidentiality Co-funding possible the space operated by
(1) company the space
company
originating
the proposal

CATEGORY I

Technology demonstration for the commercial

market

Fluid loop experience in space (C2) F Y Y

Instrument demonstration in space (C2) F Y Y
Technology in space (C2) F Y Y
Equipment demonstration in space (C2) F Y Y
Bi-phase capillary loops for thermal control of satellites C Y Y
(C11)
Fluid management (C1) (Could also be Cat IV or III) F Y Y Y
Laser communication experiment (C1) C Y Y Y Y
Ion thruster tests (C1) (Could also be Cat III) C Y Y
Experimental verification of a new generation sun C Y
sensor (FSS-NG) (C4) (Could also be Cat III)
Experimental in-flight verification of a high efficiency C Y
visible focal plane array (C4) (Could also be Cat III)
An integrated package for the experimental verification C Y
of a new generation earth sensor on the ISS (C4)
Optical links, inter-orbit communication, in-orbit testing F Y
(C5)
Solar arrays, high efficiency solar cells, in-orbit testing F Y Y
(C6)
Commercial Protein Crystallisation for Industrial F ? y Y
Utilisation (C3)
Deployable radiator with two phase capillary loop (C10) C Y Y
Smart Structure for antenna in orbit (C10) C Y Y Y
Composite antenna structures (C10) C Y Y Y

(1) Confidentiality :S : Sensitive. Proposal may not be distributed

C: Detail confidential. Title may be communicated.
F: Partners welcomed

xiii
 Degree of Possibility of Commercialisation Used by Possibly
Confidentiality Co-funding possible the space operated by
(1) company the space
company
originating
the proposal

CATEGORY II

Demonstration/first implementation of service

Early operational testing of a hyperspectral imager F Y Y Y Y
instrument, including hardware and software testing
(C1) (Could also be Cat III or I)
Utilisation of ISS as a monitoring platform for space C Y Y Y
weather, space debris, and other environmental aspects
(C1) (Could also be Cat IV or III)
Trapped radiation belt environment monitoring for C No Y
scientific and industrial applications (C7)
Fine Tuning of Earth Observation Missions in the field C Y Y Y
of environment monitoring and risk management :
INDUSTRIAL RISK (C15)
Fine Tuning of Earth Observation Missions in the field C Y Y Y
of environment monitoring and risk management :
LANDSLIDE RISK (C15)
Archaeological Researches (C15) C Y Y Y

Degree of Possibility of Commercialisation Used by Possibly

Confidentiality Co-funding possible the space operated by
(1) company the space
company
originating
the proposal

CATEGORY III

Technology demonstration for Agency funded

missions

Technology demonstration for different components F Y Y Y

and subsystems (e.g. Electrical, thermal etc..) (C1)
Materials Behaviour assessment under space F ? Y Y Y
conditions (C3) (Could also be Cat I)
Evanescent wave based sensors networks (C4) (Could C Y
also be Cat I)
Energy storage demonstrator (C7) S Y Y
Demonstration of wireless energy transfer by F ? Y Y Y
microwave (C17)
Dpl-10 diode pumped laser, in-orbit testing (C16) C Y
Active stabilisation of optical elements (C10) Y Y Y
Smart structure for optical telescope (C10) Y Y Y

(1) Confidentiality :S : Sensitive. Proposal may not be distributed

C: Detail confidential. Title may be distributed
F: Partners welcomed

xiv
 Degree of Possibility Commercialisation Used by Possibly
Confidentiality of Co- possible the space operated by
(1) funding company the space
company
originating
the proposal

CATEGORY IV

Technology demonstration for the ISS enhancement

Usage of co-orbiting instrument platform (e.g. F Y Y Y Y

Astrospas) for undisturbed observation objective and
tests (C1)
Inflatable structures (C1) (Could also be III) C Y Y
Virtual information management (C1) (Could also be I) C Y Y Y
Fast (capillary pressure tensiometer ) (C4) C Y
The laser ultrasonic diagnostic : LUD (C4) C Y
Spatial multi-user bioreactor (C4) (Could be C ? Y Y
category V?)
Robotics, tactile sensing system (precursor mission F Y Y
SPACEHAB) (C6)
On-board validation of a training method for staff C Y Y
operating in long-term space missions (C9)
Collaborative Science experiment (C10) F Y
Columbus external contamination monitoring C Y Y
experiment (C10)
On-Board Training System development testing and Y Y
validation (C10)
Evaluation of crew work-load for ergonomic Y
development tool (C10)
COLLAGEX (C10) F Y
Optical Tomograph for Solution crystal growth and fluid C Y
physics (C10)
On-orbit mechanical environment quality versus Y Y
equipment ageing (C10)
Active noise control (C10) C Y
Cryogenic free superconducting magnet (C10) F Y
Education in space (C2) C Y
Autonomous experiment in space (C2) C ? Y Y
Combustion and particle laboratory (C1) (Could be C Y y Y
category IV)
Immuno-laboratory (C1) (Could be category IV) F Y y Y
Protein crystallisation (C1) (Could be category IV) F Y y Y

(1) Confidentiality :S : Sensitive. Proposal may not be distributed

C: Detail confidential. Title may be communicated
F: Partners welcomed

xv
 Degree of Possibility of Commercialisation Used by Possibly
Confidentiality Co-funding possible the space operated by
(1) company the space
company
originating
the proposal

CATEGORY V

Services to Space Station users

All services including commercial operations (C13) F Y Y

Technology exposure facility (TEF) industrial F Y Y
operation (C8)
CEBAS, multi-user facility, industrial operations F Y Y
(C14)
Demonstration of Microgravity Research Supporting C Y Y
Services (C12) (Could also be Cat II)
Solution growth facility (SGF) , industrial operation F y Y
(C5)
Car low fuel mission (C1) (Could also be Cat IV) F Y Y Y

(1) Confidentiality :S : Sensitive. Proposal may not be distributed

C: Detail confidential. Title may be communicated
F: Partners welcomed

xvi
 9. Appendix B

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSALS RECEIVED

CATEGORY I

Technology demonstration for the commercial market

1. Fluid loop experience in space (C2)

Telecommunication satellites are increasingly demanding in heat power transport and thermal
dissipation. Thus the classical use of thermal devices such as heat pipe and radiator becomes
irrelevant for the overall thermal control of the spacecraft.
The use of fluid loop as a passive thermal device becomes imperative to fulfil future thermal needs
for telecommunication and constellation satellites, and also for accommodating future payloads on
the ISS Express Pallets.
The main objective of the project is to characterise the in-orbit behaviour of a fluid loop type in
order to define the performance variation due to micro-gravity environment and to confirm its
autostart capability at low heat load.
The proposed experiment (fluid loop, condenser and evaporator) will be integrated on a carrier
with the necessary test support devices

2. Instrument demonstration in space (C2)

The evolution of space business increases the market for the utilisation of specialised instruments
for earth observation, which may cover a wide variety of missions.
One of the key issues is the overall demonstration and performance of the instrument. The ISS is
well adapted to this test bench approach by offering a quick access to space using the Express
Pallet adapter.
The objective is to benefit from the ISS capabilities, i.e.: to install and operate the instrument in a
real space environment resulting in an effective in-orbit proof of the design.
Such demonstration is clearly associated with the business development of observation instruments
that consequently may be proposed to users, either on a dedicated platform (small satellites), or as
a single equipment to be accommodated on behalf of the customer.

3. Technology in space (C2)

The evolution of technology used in space applications makes the assessment of performance on
ground more critical and requires the development of a specific test approach to be demonstrated.
In particular, the vibration control devices, the active isolator, the ultra stable structure for an
optical bench, etc. have to be demonstrated, leading to complex and costly tests devices. The
project is to build a generic installation and to use it for in-orbit testing.

4. Equipment demonstration in space (C2)

The project aims at using the ISS as a service provider for testing industrial equipment like
deployable antennas, electrical propulsion devices, etc.

5. Bi-phase capillary loops for thermal control of satellites (C11)

No communicable data.

xvii
6. Car low fuel mission (C1) (Could also be Cat IV)

Programme to contribute to the development of engines having a significantly reduced fuel

consumption.

7. Fluid management (C1) (Could also be IV or III)

Self-explanatory

8. Laser communication experiment (C1)

Self-explanatory

9. Ion thruster tests (C1) (Could also be Cat III)

Self-explanatory

10. Experimental verification of a new generation sun sensor (FSS-NG) (C4)

(Could also be Cat III)

Experimental verification of a New Generation Fine Sun Sensor of (FSS-NG) on the International
Space Station. In-orbit testing on the Space Station is of primary importance for sensor
certification, allowing the instrument to be tested under operational conditions, both from the
environmental point of view and attitude precision determination. Both NASA and ESA have
stressed the importance of the utilisation of the ISS for space instrumentation testing. These tests
are particularly significant for Europe due to the limited availability of suitable satellite test
platforms.

11. Experimental in-flight verification of a high efficiency visible focal plane

array (C4) (Could also be Cat III)

The possibility to use the ISS could give the opportunity to perform an in-orbit test of the selected
device and of the relevant FPA electronics.

12. An integrated package for the experimental verification of a new generation

earth sensor on the ISS (C4)

Self explanatory

13. Optical links, inter-orbit communication, in-orbit testing (C5)

No Detailed Data communicated.

14. Solar arrays, high efficiency solar cells, in-orbit testing (C6)

No Detailed Data communicated.

15. Commercial Protein Crystallisation for Industrial Utilisation (C3)

This is a project preparing the commercialisation of protein crystallisation and crystallography. As

this project is situated upstream of industrial µG utilisation, the corresponding ground services are
being implemented first. The services offered will be aimed towards commercial clients requesting
X-ray structure determination of protein and other bio-macromolecules. Key features of this offer
are access to first-rate scientific infrastructure and research personnel, fast reactivity and assured

xviii
 confidentiality. Potential clients include large and medium-scale European companies in the field
of pharmaceutics and biotechnology.
Full turn-key services are implemented to include all steps of the process, modulated by the needs
of a specific client (protein crystallisation, data collection and treatment, structure solution and
interpretation, as well as molecular biology for initial protein expression).

16. Deployable radiator with two phase capillary loop (C10)

Demonstrate performance of Two-phase capillary loop for the thermal control of high dissipation
miniaturised RF components with stringent temperature stability requirements.

17. Smart Structure for antenna in orbit (C10)

To verify the effects of the orbital environment on the composition of smart materials (as
minimum: piezos and shape memory) with composite materials and metallic structures.
The test can also verify the effect of the high-energy radiation and particles on the control signals

18. Composite antenna structures (C10)

To verify the effects of the orbital environment on structures made by composite materials using a
resin system that is cured by high-energy particles.

xix
 CATEGORY II

Demonstration/First implementation of service.

1. Early operational testing of a hyperspectral imager instrument, including

hardware and software testing (C1) (Could also be Cat III or I)

Preparation of commercial utilisation of hyperspectral imaging for earth observation.

2. Utilisation of ISS as a monitoring platform for space weather, space debris,

and other environmental aspects (C1) (Could also be Cat IV or III)

Programme to take advantage of the long-term presence of man in orbit as well as the increased
sensitivity of systems to monitor space weather, space debris, near earth objects, ISS environment
corresponding to ISS activities.

3. Trapped radiation belt environment monitoring for scientific and industrial

applications (C7) (Could lead to Cat II application)

Electronic Satellite Subsystems are often damaged by high-energy charged particles present in the
solar wind and in the trapped radiation belts. A test-bed for the qualification of electronic
components and shields is proposed that monitors the radiative environment. The use of two
particle telescopes makes it possible to measure the East-West Anisotropy and hence to determine
the atmospheric scale height.

4. Fine Tuning of Earth Observation Missions in the field of environment

monitoring and risk management : INDUSTRIAL RISK (C15)

Prediction and observation of toxic cloud evolution

5. Fine Tuning of Earth Observation Missions in the field of environment

monitoring and risk management : LANDSLIDE RISK (C15)

Detailed cartography of exposed areas to landslide risk

6. Archaeological Researches (C15)

Use of non-invasive techniques for archaeological research.

CATEGORY III

Technology demonstration for Agency funded missions

1. Technology demonstration for different components and subsystems (e.g.

Electrical, thermal etc.) (C1)

Self-explanatory

xx
2. Materials Behaviour assessment under space conditions (C3) (Could also be
Cat I)

The knowledge of the ageing of such materials in a space environment is of prime importance for
the definition of all space platforms and vehicles, and particularly for those with a long operational
life.
The project defines an experiment to be developed in order to assess the behaviour of various
materials when placed in a space environment. Material candidates for this testing are those
typically directly exposed to space environment in space applications, for instance thermal
protection, microdebris and meteoroid protection, structural composite materials, etc.

3. Evanescent wave based sensors networks (C4) (Could also be Cat I)

The project addresses the problem of monitoring environmental variables with the use of a sensor
system based on surface sensitive changes utilising integrated and quantum optics principles.

The aim is to overcome the complexity and proliferation of sensing systems, which are based on
the measurement of different chemical and/or physical parameters and which present negative
features such as overweight, power consumption, complex architecture, necessity for crew
operation, insufficient electromagnetic compatibility, requirement for frequent sampling,
intrinsically unsafe devices, etc..
4. Energy storage demonstrator (C7)

No communicable data.

5. Demonstration of wireless energy transfer by microwave (C17)

Still to be defined with precision, on the basis of existing reports- possibly in co-operation with
ESTEC.

6. Dpl-10 diode pumped laser , in-orbit testing (C16)

No Detailed Data communicated.

7. Active stabilisation of optical elements (C10)

The objectives of the experiment to be performed on the ISS are:

§ Qualification of a system for the active stabilisation of the distance between optical markers with
sub-nanometric accuracy;
§ Verification of techniques for the coherencing and cophasing of a Fizeau-type optical
interferometer by means of the active stabilisation system.
The utilisation of the ISS for this purpose will allow the following results to be obtained:
§ The qualification of the system for operation in space
§ The verification of the active stabilisation system performance in an environment characterised by
a wide spectrum of disturbances acting on the optical interferometer
The verification of the possibility of cophasing an optical interferometer for astronomical
observations operating on a wide spectral band for an extended time period.

8. Smart structure for optical telescope (C10)

Objective of the proposed technological experiment is to demonstrate the utilisation of smart

structures for the isolation of an optical payload from a noisy spacecraft environment and to
qualify an active vibration suppression system.
The ISS is a very suitable testbed to perform this test activity because of the wide spectrum of
disturbances generated by its attitude actuators and by the crew activities.

xxi
 CATEGORY IV

Technology demonstration for the ISS enhancement

1. Usage of co-orbiting instrument platform (e.g. Astrospas) for undisturbed
observation objectives and tests (C1)

Self-explanatory.

2. Inflatable structures (C1) (Could also be III)

Demonstration of the inflatable procedure with small objects on the ISS (internal or external),
testing of hardening in space, demonstration of functions.

3. Virtual information management (C1) (Could also be I)

Virtual display of experiment data or information of procedures or manuals in an astronaut helmet

or training glasses

4. Fast (capillary pressure tensiometer ) (C4)

A plethora of industrial and natural processes involve bubbles or droplets where surface tension
effects, and in particular the dynamic components of these, play an important role. An upgrading
of the FAST tensiometer could investigate other interesting phenomena for industries: Emulsions,
Coalescence, Chemical reactions in Bubbles and Drops. Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Oil industries
shall really earn extremely useful investigation tool by the use of this facility.

5. The laser ultrasonic diagnostic : LUD (C4)

LUD (Laser Ultrasonic Diagnostics) is a multi-year project aimed to design and develop an
experimental device, unaffected by high temperature working conditions, able to provide a real-
time monitoring of the fluid dynamics, temperature fields, nucleation, melting and solidification
processes in opaque fluids, that’s to observe and measure the metallurgic real-time evolution of
metallic alloys formation in a microgravity environment.

The proposed activity is to apply LUD on furnace facilities, on ISS, which have been designed
with suitable interfaces.

6. Spatial multi-user bioreactor (C4) (Could be category V?)

The experiments performed on cells in space, and therefore in microgravity environment, have
shown how important cellular functions can change: for instance, the metabolism, the genetic
expression, the differentiation, the reproduction velocity.
These results are of great importance both for fundamental research and for possible
biotechnological application in space with industrial and scientific follow-on on ground.
In the process chain for the cells studies, the Bioreactor is a fundamental element, being the
apparatus for the continuous growth of the cells.
Till now, several instruments were made for this purpose in the space environment, but essentially
miniaturised, for a limited cell culture process.
The activities proposed are to realise an automatic multi-user bioreactor in order to perform, on
board the station, in vivo cells growing three-dimensionally for long periods of time.

xxii
7. Robotics, tactile sensing system (precursor mission spacehab) (C6)
No detailed data communicated.

8. On-board validation of a training method for staff operating on long-term

space missions (C9)

The activity will be focused on the on-board validation of the system in the real environment with
a twofold purpose:
1. Support to on-board crew activities during ISS operational phase;
2. To achieve a space qualified system able to be used for the next long-term space missions.

9. Collaborative Science experiment (C10)

Prepare and perform Collaborative Science Experiments for micro-gravity payloads on-board of
the Columbus Laboratory, enabling the science home base on ground to co-operate with the
astronauts while executing the planned interactive experiments, with reactive science approaches

10. Columbus external contamination monitoring experiment (C10)

The experiment has two equally important chief objectives:

§ The validation of ESA contamination analysis software tools via the correlation of
contamination monitoring data and external contamination modelling results;
§ The achievement of real-time external contamination monitoring on Columbus EPF, as a
service to externally mounted contamination sensitive payload instrumentation (e.g. for the
determination of optics performance degradation and identification of out-of-spec
environmental conditions).
Validation of European contamination analysis software codes (ESABASE Out-gassing) has never
been achieved in similar flight conditions. Due to the “local” characteristics of the contamination
environment, the proposed objectives cannot be otherwise achieved, e.g.: via on-ground analytical
or testing activities, nor via differently located instrumentation.

11. On-Board Training System development testing and validation (C10)

The training of the ISS crew is an extremely demanding task, from both the organisation and time
point of view. The extension of the mission in scope and in length could need new requirements
for training and/or re-training activities on-orbit. The objective is therefore to develop, test and
validate on-orbit system to support on-board training. It will be realised by combining Virtual
Reality and other computerised training techniques. The system will be focused on training:
§ In the field of emergency and contingency operations;
§ For rehearsal of procedures particularly demanding (e.g. EVA or robotic arm procedures);
§ For payload and other elements for which training may not be completely executed on-ground.
Although development of this tool can be accomplished mostly on-ground, some applications (e.g.
rehearsal of EVA procedures) can be validated only with a flight experiment, due to unavailability
on-ground of a suitable environment for simulation of specific system features.

12. Evaluation of crew work-load for ergonomic development tool (C10)

Fatigue and comfort on board are very important key factors for a proper utilisation of the crew.
For this reason it is considered mandatory to improve the quality of the ergonomic tools being
utilised both for habitat and crew operation, similarly to what is currently happening in ground
applications. This is particularly important in view of the future missions, in which the crew will
live in zero-g and partial gravity environments.
Thus, it is proposed to perform a measurement campaign on a group of astronauts and to develop
an ergonomic simulation tool using a Neural Network approach (as already used in a Brite-Euram
Project currently running).

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13. COLLAGEX (C10)

Study of colloidal aggregation phenomena under micro-gravity; this field of investigation is of

great interest under both scientific research and industrial applications aspects.
The capabilities of the COLLAGEX facility provide the potential for application to other fields of
fluid physics experimentation, e.g. : protein crystallisation, zeolite crystal growth, phase
separation, etc.

14. Optical Tomograph for Solution crystal growth and fluid physics (C10)

Objective of the proposed technological experiment is the development of an optical tomograph,

based on innovative optical technologies, for three dimensional non-invasive measurements of
physical parameters related to the refractive index of transparent fluids (i.e. concentration,
temperature, density, etc.).
The introduction of new optical technologies in the design of the tomograph can allow us to
develop an instrument with more than six view directions.
The instrument is conceived as a multi-user facility to be inserted in the FSL experiment container.

15. On-orbit mechanical environment quality vs equipment ageing (C10)

The goal of this activity is to guarantee the micro-gravity and on-orbit vibro-acoustic quality
during the ISS operational lifetime by a constant mechanical environment monitoring of the main
disturbance sources.

16. Active noise control (C10)

To verify the performance of the newest acoustic active noise control based on electro-
mechanically treated films

17. Cryogenic free superconducting magnet (C10)

Objective of the proposed technological experiment is to acquire the necessary experience to

participate to the realisation of high performance magnetic facilities to be operated on board the
ISS or other space systems such as interplanetary manned vehicles. The applicability to the
manned vehicles stems from the fact that the high energy components of solar cosmic rays is
directional so that a shielding system based on a superconducting magnetic lens could reduce the
daily dose of solar cosmic rays, to the one delivered by galactic cosmic rays.
The necessity of the space environment to conduct the experiment is obvious, as the atmosphere
attenuates cosmic rays.

18. Education in space (C2)

No communicable data.

19. Autonomous experiment in space (C2)

No communicable data.

20. Combustion and particle laboratory (C1) (Could be category V)

21. Immuno-laboratory (C1) (Could be category V)
22. Protein crystallisation (C1) (Could be category V)

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 CATEGORY V

Services to Space Station users

1. All services including commercial operations (C13)

2. Technology exposure facility (TEF) industrial operation (C8)
3. CEBAS, multi-user facility, industrial operations (C14)
4. Demonstration of Microgravity Research Supporting Services (C12) (Could also
be Cat II)
5. Solution growth facility (SGF) , industrial operation (C5)
6. Car low fuel mission (C1) (Could also be Cat IV)
Programme to contribute to the goal to develop engines with a significant lower fuel consumption.

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10. Appendix C.

Industrial use of the ISS by European Space Industry

EXAMPLE OF A SCENARIO

In the following, a scenario based on the use of the Space Station by European Space Industry is briefly
developed.
The aim is to provide a broad illustration of how, in financial terms, Space industry is to use ISS for its own
benefit. This exercise also shows what a Space company has to lose should the ISS not exist, or not be
available for the proposed experiment. The last section provides some of the legal concerns such an
experiment will raise in a Company.
The scenario is real, albeit purposely vague in terms of the hypothesis used. Confidentiality requirements
preclude any precise and in-depth scenario appearing in the current report.
It must be emphasised that European Space industry has more to lose than US Space industry should there
be no Space Station available for technology experiment. This stems from the fact that US Space industry
has an easier and cheaper access to the Shuttle, and can therefore more easily conduct Space validation /
testing of satellite equipment with a commercial dimension.

Scenario:
The technology is an innovative form of cladding for radiators on board communication satellites. It has
very low weight compared to currently used systems. It is also much cheaper and has a higher level of
emissivity. It can be manufactured using different processes yielding a coating with long-term
characteristics that differ from each other. The technology will not be selected for commercial spacecraft
before it is flight-proven.
i. What are the technological objectives?
ii. What is there to gain in financial terms (Net Present Value or Return On Investment)?
iii. What is there to lose should the experiment not fly on ISS?
iv. Definition of technical, legal and financial requirements accompanying such a proposal to be
addressed to ESA.

The most difficult part of the exercise in answering these questions is the necessity for a market analysis,
based on a number of assumptions and a sensitivity analysis. This will allow the range of the impact of
these assumptions on financial gains to be assessed.

i. What are the technological objectives?

- To validate the concept in Space by demonstrating that its thermo-optical characteristics, having been
already determined on the ground, are confirmed at 400 km altitude over a period of several months;
- To assess which manufacturing process is the most suitable (SOL-GEL or CVD, for example);
- To flight-prove the concept for its immediate application in orbit, on-board communication satellites in
particular.

ii. What is there to gain in financial terms ?

- It will contribute to a weight reduction of approximately 50 kg per satellite. There are 20 satellites in
the constellation, so this corresponds to a total mass saving of 1000 kg, corresponding, in financial
terms, to about EURO 20M (@±20 kEURO /kg). This is the figure as seen from the customer
perspective and therefore constitutes a selling argument- see next two points.
- By providing a competitive advantage, it will contribute to orders for a near-future constellation of
telecom satellites and to individual satellite orders.
- It can be sold to satellite manufacturers including the parent company. This selling process generates
revenue. Determining the corresponding ROI (Return On Investment) is similar to computing the NPV
(Net Present Value) of the project, the goal being to make this technology marketable.
-
This is done on the basis of discounted cash flows. We suppose that the investment in the first year of the
project (year 0) is 400 kEURO,followed by 300 kEURO in year 1. The flight occurs in year 2 and that
expenses balance orders related to the technology, and that sales in years 3, 4 and 5 amount respectively to
200, 300 and 400 kEURO. The investment is all-inclusive and assumes that transport costs and use of
SPOE are covered by ESA. The life time of the project is taken to be 6 years, because it is deemed that a
new and better technology will be available on the market at that time. The NPV is then determined using

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an inflation of 3%. With a flight proven technology 2,5 years, at the latest, after the beginning of
investments, it can be seen that the technology therefore “generates” 101 kEURO of gross revenue. Tax
would then have to be applied for a more precise estimate of potential revenues. This rough estimate shows
that the operational interest of using the Space Station. Revenues generated, do not include the fact that the
technology surely contributes to winning satellite orders for another division of the same company.

0 1 2 3 4 5 Total
Project cash flow (kEURO) -400 -300 0 200 300 400
Discount factor (at 3%) 1 0.971 0.943 0.915 0.888 0.863
Present Value -400 -291 0 183 264 345 +101

The following table is an example of the same flight delayed by one year: Investment has to be kept up,
though at a slightly lesser level. All other things being equal, this rough estimate indicates that the project
generates a gross loss or NPV of 443 kEURO. This is the main reason that Space industry, and industry as
a whole, could be dissuaded from using the Space Station before flight opportunities are available in a
reliable schedule and in the not too distant future.

0 1 2 3 4 5 Total
Project cash flow (kEURO) -400 -300 -200 0 200 300
Discount factor (at 3%) 1 0.971 0.943 0.915 0.888 0.863
Present Value -400 -291 -189 0 178 259 -443

iii. What is there to lose should the experiment not fly on ISS?
Losses are a consequence of the time lag for the technology to be available for commercial use. This makes
proposals less attractive and less competitive when US competitors already have it flight-proven thanks to
the shuttle. As seen above, in terms of revenues, the time lag in delays themselves will decrease the ROI,
additionally resulting in a loss of competitive advantage on the satellite market. As previously mentioned,
this competitive advantage cannot be quantified in financial terms but the effects of better and flight proven
technology in a competitive bid are very tangible.
In general, there are presently so few flight opportunities for European Space Industry to test and validate
new technology in Space (such as small experimental satellites), that these cannot be considered as an
alternative to ISS for the time being.

iv. Some legal concerns accompanying such a proposal to be addressed to ESA

Securing the revenues estimated above assumes that a certain number of conditions have been fulfilled. In
particular, a certain level of confidentiality concerning the experiment and its results must be guaranteed. It
is assumed that ESA will fulfill its role of promoting and protecting European Space industry against US
competitors and the issue is therefore not considered to be a stumbling block.
Should a technology be patented, free access to ESA could be granted for a period of, say, 5 years. This
would mean that the patent could be used freely by ESA or its nominated European Prime Contractors on
ESA-funded projects over that period. This would obviously not apply to commercial projects.
The diffusion of knowledge and results gained following an experiment on the ISS must clearly be in line
with the legal rights of a company concerning the disclosure of background knowledge as opposed to ESA-
funded knowledge.
For technologies that are not patented, the ESA experiment selection process must guarantee a minimum
level of discretion concerning the hardware used, protocols and results. This is not necessarily in violation
of safety-related requirements. The proposing company should have the right to be present in the selection
meetings.

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