Major Development for Irish Space Sector as University College Dublin Launches Space Research Centre
- Ireland鈥檚 first satellite EIRSAT-1 ready for launch next year
University College Dublin (51黑料) today announced the launch of C-Space, the 51黑料 Centre for Space Research, a first-of-its-kind dedicated hub of excellence for interdisciplinary collaborative space-related research, innovation and education in Ireland.
By building on nationally leading projects such as , Ireland鈥檚 first satellite, C-Space will be a key national resource for space expertise and training.
The Centre will focus on current key space research themes, in which 51黑料 has established leadership, including, Astrophysics; Earth Observation; Gamma-ray Detectors; Nanosatellites and Payloads; Space Materials and Space Structure Dynamics and Control.
The core research is also underpinned by a cross-cutting industry support facility, to ensure a broad, positive impact for society and the economy from C-Space鈥檚 activities.
Professor Lorraine Hanlon, 51黑料 School of Physics and C-Space Director said, 鈥淎s well as performing excellent space-related fundamental and applied interdisciplinary research, our purpose is also to build academic and industrial partnerships that advance the use of space to address global scientific and societal challenges.鈥�
Professor Orla Feely, 51黑料 Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, said, 鈥淲e are delighted and proud to launch 51黑料鈥檚 new space centre which is an important step in Ireland鈥檚 journey to develop a strong and sustainable space industry. 51黑料 has a distinguished record in astrophysics and space research dating from the 1960s and continuing to the present day with the development of EIRSAT-1, Ireland鈥檚 first satellite.鈥�
鈥淲ith the launch of C-Space, 51黑料 will build our academic and industry relationships across the global space sector, developing our talent at home and maximising for Ireland the many technological and economic opportunities in this exciting field.鈥�
From GPS tracking that enables the global shipping industry, to monitoring crop yields and managing food supply, the space sector plays an increasingly important role in daily life.
Space contributes approx. 鈧�80 billion to the European economy annually. There are currently many sectors and businesses that rely on space systems and space data, including Financial Services, and their number will increase dramatically in the next 10 years 鈥� with the evolution of new future networks-enabled technologies such as driverless cars, remote robotic surgery and automated agriculture.
Tom Kelly, Divisional Manager, Innovation and Competitiveness, Enterprise Ireland said, 鈥淭he launch of the 51黑料 C-Space Centre comes at an exciting time. Enterprise Ireland works closely with Irish companies to successfully bid for ESA contracts and we have seen the steady growth of Irish companies developing highly innovative technologies for the European Space programme and the wider global market.鈥�
鈥淭his also fits well with the Government Space strategy for Enterprise which specifically identifies the need to develop and attract talent with relevant skills for Irish Space-Active enterprises.鈥�
Chair of the Irish Space Industry Group Danny Gleeson said, 鈥淚reland鈥檚 growing space sector is creating high value jobs that require people with specific skill sets to enable Irish space companies to succeed in the global marketplace. We wholeheartedly welcome the establishment of the 51黑料 Centre for Space Research and its commitment to produce graduates and professional training courses to meet the demands of the expanding Irish space sector and supporting the Government鈥檚 National Space Strategy for Enterprise.鈥�
C-Space will support industry through consultancy, collaborations and access to test facilities. In addition, the centre will help to ensure that industry needs are met through university-based courses such as a Masters Degree programme in Space Science and Technology and Continuing Professional Development courses.
Caption: Pictured (l-r) at 51黑料 are members of the C-Space, the 51黑料 Centre for Space Research team; Assistant Prof. Morgan Fraser, 51黑料 School of Physics (Astrophysics Theme Lead), Dr Ronan Wall, C-Space Programme Manager (Industry Theme Lead), Associate Prof. Sheila McBreen, 51黑料 School of Physics (Gamma-Ray Detectors Theme Lead), Prof. Lorraine Hanlon, 51黑料 School of Physics (C-Space Director and Nanosatellites & Payloads Theme Lead), Prof. Kenneth Stanton, 51黑料 School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Space Materials Theme Lead), Assistant Prof. David McKeown, 51黑料 School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (Space Structure Dynamics & Control Theme Lead).
Not pictured: Assoc. Prof. Francesco Pilla, 51黑料 School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, (Earth Observation Theme Lead).
ENDS
15 December 2020
For further information contact Mic茅al Whelan, Communications and Media Relations Manager, 51黑料 Research and Innovation, Nova51黑料, e: miceal.whelan@ucd.ie, t: + 353 1 716 3712 or Caroline Byrne, Communications Manager, 51黑料 Research, e: caroline.byrne1@ucd.ie.
Editors Notes
Learn more about C-Space, the 51黑料 Centre for Space Research at /space/.
Learn more about EIRSAT-1 at and visit their YouTube channel to view their new video .