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Two ESA Spark Funding Projects Set to Fly to the International Space Station with Astronaut Aleš Svoboda!

We are thrilled to announce some incredible news. Two projects, ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen, which originated from ESA Spark Funding, have been selected to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) with Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda! Big congratulations to all fantastic people involved for their incredible hard work and dedication to making these projects a reality! Your unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and turning bold ideas into groundbreaking innovations is truly inspiring. The ISS T-shirt and ICARUS ARMOR projects are not just technological advancements; they are a testament to your curiosity and perseverance.

The Selected Projects: ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen

Both ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen are now preparing for their exciting mission into space. These projects are more than just experiments—they are innovations that could revolutionize our understanding of space conditions and human performance.

ISS T-shirt
This project, a modification of the original Icarus Armor, will monitor astronaut stress levels using a novel thermodynamic metric. The ISS T-shirt is designed to provide real-time data on the astronaut’s physical and emotional state, which is crucial for ensuring optimal performance during long-duration space missions. By tracking these stress levels, the project aims to enhance astronaut well-being and mission success.

Icarus Armour Next Gen
The Icarus Armor Next Gen project takes the idea of stress monitoring a step further. This new iteration will create a personalized digital twin model to predict the cognitive performance of astronauts under cumulative stress. This technology is designed to improve astronaut safety by monitoring their mental and physical states in extreme environments, allowing for real-time adjustments and interventions to prevent fatigue and enhance decision-making.

ESA Spark Funding: A Launchpad for Innovation

The ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor projects were supported by ESA Spark Funding, which encourages collaboration between space agencies and local innovators to develop technologies that can benefit both space missions and terrestrial applications. The initiative is instrumental in enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in high-tech space exploration while creating solutions with a broader societal impact.

The Role of Aleš Svoboda in Testing and Innovation

Aleš Svoboda, a Czech astronaut reserve member, has played a pivotal role in testing these innovations. His participation in the testing campaign at the Brno University of Technology’s climate chamber provided invaluable real-world data on human performance under extreme conditions. This collaboration highlights the unique synergy between astronauts and ground-breaking research, ensuring that these projects are ready for the rigorous conditions of space.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Space Innovation

The selection of these projects is a significant achievement for the Czech space program and a proud moment for all those involved. With the mission expected to take place before the end of 2027, the ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen will be part of a larger suite of experiments conducted by astronaut Aleš Svoboda, paving the way for new technological advancements and enhancing our understanding of how humans can perform in space.

This is not just a victory for the Czech space industry but for global space exploration as well. The projects will contribute to critical research that may have applications both in space and on Earth, particularly in fields such as astronaut health, extreme environment monitoring, and worker safety.

A Proud Moment for ESA Technology Brokers

As ESA Technology Brokers, we are immensely proud to be a part of this remarkable achievement. We believe in the power of innovation and collaboration, and the success of these projects underscores the impact of our role in helping bring bold visions to life. We look forward to seeing these technologies reach new heights and contribute to future space missions.

Once again, congratulations to all the teams involved in ISS T-shirt and Icarus Armor Next Gen—you are making a real difference in the world of space exploration!

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Apply for Spark Funding!

Do you want to take your innovative projects to the next level?

We invite Czech companies to participate in the ESA Spark Funding technology transfer support program.

Main benefits of the program:

  • Leverage space technologies: Incorporate advanced space technologies such as materials, communication systems, sensors, and more into innovative products in your industry.
  • Secure funding of €75,000 for your project.
  • Speed up your project: The funding can cover costs for prototyping or expenses for market entry.
  • Support for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups: The ESA Spark Funding program is tailored for technology-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises and startups.
  • Quick completion: The program is focused on projects lasting 6 to 12 months.

Important information:

Don’t miss this opportunity to leverage space technologies and innovate your business!

Questions? Concerns? Contact us on SparkFunding@tc.cz.

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NATO DIANA Launches 2nd Annual Technology Challenges

The second annual technology challenges of the NATO DIANA defense accelerator have been launched, targeting support for technology companies and start-ups focused on breakthrough and emerging dual-use technologies with defense applications.

The call also highlights the technological domain of space, a vast and largely unexplored frontier with enormous potential for scientific discovery and technological innovation. Space-based technologies span climate change, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing, involving challenges in space exploration, satellite technology, and space-based communication systems and sensing. If your aim include any of those areas, do not hesitate to join.

Applicants can submit their projects worth up to EUR 300k until August 9, 2024, on the official DIANA website: https://www.diana.nato.int/challenges.html.

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ESA TB launches new call for ESA Spark Funding

The European Space Agency (ESA) Technology Broker has initiated a fresh call for Spark Funding in the Czech Republic. Designed to accelerate technology transfer from space to non-space sectors but also vice versa, Spark Funding offers €75,000 to SMEs, startups, and research institutions for an adaptation of space technologies. With a focus on fostering innovation and market entry, the funding able to support various projects, spanning diverse industries such as agriculture, energy, and healthcare. This time the deadline closes on the 5th September 2024.

Applicants are encouraged to engage with the Technology Broker before submission to ensure alignment with program objectives. Selected projects undergo evaluation by a specialized Tender Evaluation Board (TEB), with funding disbursed in two installments upon successful completion. ESA’s Spark Funding initiative underscores its commitment to driving technological innovation and fostering collaboration between space and terrestrial industries, propelling forward a future where space technologies address real-world challenges. Don’t hesitate to apply!

ESA Spark Funding dedicated page here.

For contacting us, use the SparkFunding@tc.cz email address or the Contact page.

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A database of space-tech with potential for terrestrial applications

The European Space Agency is preparing a database of space technologies with potential applications in the terrestrial technology sectors.

The purpose is:

  • to highlight the possibility of solving technological issues in terrestrial applications by using space know-how,
  • to offer a portfolio of specific space technology solutions,
  • and to accelerate cooperation between the space sector and the non-space industry.

ESA Technology Broker CZ invites companies that offer technological solutions for the space sector and are interested in offering them through the upcoming database to participate in an

online information meeting on 25.01.2024 10:00 – 11:00.

The meeting will present the benefits that the database will bring to space companies and the requirements for proposing their technology for entry in the database. Participating companies will be given the opportunity to arrange individual consultations aimed at entering specific technologies into the database.

For more information and to register for the information session, please contact Albert Bouchal via email bouchal@tc.cz.

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Get Space Inspired 2023 Information meetings

ESA Technology Broker invites those interested in participating in the Get Space Inspired 2023 competition to an information sessions, which will take place online

27.9.2023 15:00 – 16:00

2.10.2023 15:00 – 16:00

9.10.2023 15:00 – 16:00

16.10.2023 15:00 – 16:00

Use the link here to choose the date and register to the meeting.

The competition is open to any entities (companies, universities, research centres, individuals) based in the Czech Republic.

 

We look forward to meeting you!