Affordable Space Challenge Workshop

The CEOI-ST held a Challenge Workshop on “Affordable Space” on Thursday 16th October 2014 in Bristol.  The workshop explored the technology needs and cost drivers for EO missions in the context of recognising the range of ESA and national missions that can be enabled by reducing cost.

Select presentations from the workshop are available via the links below:

Introduction and aims for the dayPaul Monks & Mick JohnsonCEOI-ST
What makes an ESA mission relatively or apparently expensive and how can this be reducedPhil Windred Head of Future Missions in ENS (EO, Nav and Science), Airbus, Defence and Space
The NSF Cubesat program - A model for the UK?Jolyon ReburnDeputy Head EOASD RAL Space
Using COTs components to reduce mission costs - facts, myths, advantages and pitfallsAndy BradfordDirector of Special Projects, SSTL
Affordable space a perspective from Defence SphereHarjinder S JollySpace Lead, DSTL

5 minute technology snapshots

300 GHz Waveguides – University of Birmingham

For a range of mission types the Workshop explored what drives cost and how this can be driven down. It looked at the challenge of “what role does technology and future technology development play in making space more affordable?”

The format included scene setting talks, followed by a breakout session with working groups to identify the main issues and potential solutions.