martes, 3 de mayo de 2016

Lockheed Looks to Eliminate Northrop Grumman's Lead in Drones - Motley Fool [feedly]


Motley Fool

Lockheed Looks to Eliminate Northrop Grumman's Lead in Drones
Motley Fool
Northrop Grumman's X-47B program was all ready to take off -- then it got canceled. Image source: Northrop Grumman. In their place, the Navy now wants to build not just two, but potentially a whole fleet of carrier-launched drones capable of conducting ...

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New small launch vehicles [feedly]

New small launch vehicles
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/New_small_launch_vehicles_999.html

Recent reports indicate there are roughly 20 launch vehicles that are either ready or under development around the world designed to serve the small satellite market for payloads weighing up to 1,000 kg. However, judging from history, not all of these will be successful. Nevertheless, the level of interest and financial commitment associated with creating new options for small satellite manufact

Textron Systems trials VTOL kit on Aerosonde fixed wing UAV



Textron Systems Unmanned Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) business, announced today the successful demonstration of the Aerosonde™ Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) enabled with Hybrid Quadrotor™ technology – allowing the system to take-off and land vertically to significantly increase mission flexibility.

With assistance from Latitude Engineering and Cloud Cap Technology, the Textron Systems’ proof-of-concept work combines the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities of a multi-rotor platform with the efficiency, speed and endurance of the Aerosonde SUAS fixed-wing aircraft. With the addition of VTOL capabilities, the system retains service proven capability within a smaller more portable footprint.

“With its size, endurance and power, as well as experience in harsh environments from desert heat to the Arctic air, the Aerosonde SUAS has already proven its multi-mission capabilities,” said Vice President of Small/Medium Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems David Phillips. “Now, with the potential to add VTOL capabilities, the mission possibilities are almost endless. The system could be launched from the smallest operational areas – adding an array of applications both on land and at sea.”

Textron Systems’ highly reliable and multi-mission capable Aerosonde SUAS has amassed more than 130,000 flight hours in commercial and military operations around the world. The system incorporates the purpose-built Lycoming EL-005 Heavy Fuel Engine for benchmark-setting reliability and performance. The Aerosonde system is a multi-mission capable UAS that offers the ability to simultaneously support electro optical/infrared full motion video, communications relay, Automatic Identification Systems, and intelligence payloads within a single flight.

China Eastern spends USD10b on aircraft


China Eastern Places $9.9 Billion Order for Boeing and Airbus Planes
Bidness ETC
The nation sees the development of the airline industry a vital part for its economic growth. The country is also heavily investing in its own state-owned aircraft, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) C-919, as well as encouraging ...
China Eastern Airlines to buy 35 planes from Airbus and BoeingDaily Mail

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TTR Weekly
China Eastern spends USD10b on aircraft
TTR Weekly
State-owned Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) has already delivered its first domestically-made regional jet, and rolled out a narrow-body C919 plane in November. In the long term COMAC aims to produce an even larger wide-body jet in ...

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First prototype of the multirole Ka-62 helicopter takes to the air


Press release

The first prototype (OP-1) of the medium multirole Ka-62 helicopter took off at Russian Helicopters’ Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company (part of State Corporation Rostec) on April 28. The lift in a hover mode was part of the factory flight testing and was completed successfully.

The OP-1 Ka-62 was launched to evaluate its overall performance and to test its main power supply systems and avionics. The helicopter was operated by test pilots from the Kamov Design Bureau, which is the main developer of the Ka-62. Previously, the rotorcraft has successfully passed a series of tests in a ground-based racing mode.


"This is a very significant event for the Russian Helicopters holding company and a due result of our work", - said the holding company’s CEO Alexander Mikheev. - "The new Ka-62 will complement the civilian versions of the honoured and most produced helicopter in the world - Mi-8/17, and it will fill a high demand niche in the class of helicopters with a 6-7 ton take-off weight."

The Ka-62 is designed for a wide range of tasks. Its main purposes include transporting passengers, rescue operations, and use in the oil and gas sector. With a spacious and comfortable cabin, this helicopter is ideal for corporate travel. The Ka-62’s high power to weight ratio allows to operate it in a wide range of altitudes. The Ka-62 can be used in hot climates and above water.



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Russian Helicopters, (part of State Corporation Rostec), is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Moscow. The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world. Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. In 2014 its IFRS revenues increased 22,8% to RUB 169,8 billion. Deliveries reached 271 helicopters.



Rostec Corporation is a Russian corporation established in 2007 to support development, manufacturing, and exports of high tech defense and civilian products. It includes 663 companies. Today these companies are grouped in 9 defense and 6 civilian holdings. There are also 32 directly controlled companies. Such famous brands as AutoVAZ, KAMAZ, Russian Helicopters, VSMPO-AVISMA and others are on Rostec’s portfolio. Rostec companies are present in 60 constituencies of the Russian Federation, and export products to over 70 countries. In 2014 Rostec’s revenue amounted to 964,5 bln. rubles. Its tax liabilities exceeded 147,8 bln. rubles.

Forecast: Service Industry Using UAS To Hit $8.7 Billion By 2025 [feedly]

Forecast: Service Industry Using UAS To Hit $8.7 Billion By 2025
http://aviationweek.com/awinbizav/forecast-service-industry-using-uas-hit-87-billion-2025

Commercial services using UAS are gaining traction in a variety of industries, including film and media, oil and gas, insurance, public safety, agriculture and others.

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U.S. Army Seeks Micro UAS To Extend Squad Awareness [feedly]

U.S. Army Seeks Micro UAS To Extend Squad Awareness
http://aviationweek.com/defense/us-army-seeks-micro-uas-extend-squad-awareness

U.S. Army seeks microUAS to extend squad awareness
Development of pocket-sized UAS attracts Army interest for the benefits it could provide to squad intel.

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Italy has authorised to test fly an optionally piloted variant of a Tecnam P92



Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, has authorised the country’s CIRA aerospace research centre to test fly an optionally piloted variant of a Tecnam P92 Echo S light sport aircraft.

Flight Global: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/enac-authorises-testing-of-optionally-piloted-tecnam-424748/


CIRA's press release:





Thanks to a fruitful technical cooperation with the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), CIRA has achieved the Permit to Fly (PTF) for its Optionally Piloted Aircraft named FLARE, derived from a TECNAM P92 ECHO S.

The permit, valid for one year, has been issued on the basis of the system and safety documentation produced by CIRA in accordance with the recent ENAC NAV32E regulation relevant in-flight testing activities.

In particular, CIRA has coordinated a complex technical effort which included maintenance, design and changes to the basic aircraft and its systems, producing the necessary documentation to ensure the compliance to the CS-VLA (Very Light aircraft) regulation.

With the release of the PTF, which occurred after an intense ENAC audit, CIRA has acquired a flying platform to be used for low cost and high efficiency technology validation able to operate in full compliance with aviation rules.

The first experimental campaigns, starting from April 19, will be dedicated to the development of autonomous flight technologies, traffic separation by ADSB and weather-satellite data acquisition systems. CIRA plans to use FLARE in future for the development of aero-structural innovative technologies such morphing wing as part of the Italian Aerospace Research program (PRORA).

Tecnam P2010 enhancements achieve FAA approval



Tecnam announced today that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had validated three major enhancements to the Tecnam P2010 4-seater general aviation aircraft; GFC700 autopilot integration to the G1000 flight deck, a Garmin G500 avionics option, and certification to use MoGas

The FAA completed its review of the subject level 1 major change(s) in close cooperation with both EASA and the Tecnam Design Office on April 18th, resulting in the issuance of FAA approval Type Certificate No. A00066CE.

The revision validates the use of the GFC 700 autopilot, fully integrated with the G1000® glass flight deck. The GFC 700 is an AHRS-based automatic flight control system that provides flight director, autopilot, automatic and manual electric trim capabilities which brings a high level of digital sophistication to general aviation flight controls.

The validation of the Garmin G500 Suite, as an alternative to Garmin G1000, affords customers even more choices and options. This new G500 configuration also includes an EIS System based on the EDM930. Primary COM/NAV/GPS is the GTN 650 touchscreen navigator while the secondary COM/NAV source is provided by Garmin GNC 255. A GTX 33 remote mode-S transponder is controlled via GTN 650 touchscreen display with ADF and DME available as optional NAV aids.

From the initial design concepts for the P2010 Tecnam sought to offer its customers a non-100LL fuel alternative. The selection of Lycoming IO-360M1A to power this next generation four-seater was mainly a result of its capability to burn alternative fuels other than 100LL. The approval of this major design change by FAA sets an important milestone on Tecnam’s “green transition” as the first worldwide aircraft manufacturer able to obtain such a wide, flexible and non single-brand related choice, as well as the first GA manufacturer capable of obtaining approval for use of automotive fuel on IO-360 Lycoming engine.

All Tecnam General Aviation, 2 and 4 seats, single and twin engines aircraft, are ready for a lead free future now.

Shannon Yeager, Tecnam USA Inc. Sales Director said: “We are excited to offer our potential US based customers a beautiful and stylish aircraft with its state-of-the-art avionics and alternative fuel that will satisfy the most demanding of private owners and the budget conscious Flight Schools ”

Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. Acquires the Business of Premier Engineering & Manufacturing Inc.




May 02, 2016



Augusta, Ga. – Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company,
through its TUG Technologies Corporation subsidiary, has acquired the assets and business of Premier Engineering & Manufacturing Inc. of Marinette, Wis., a leading manufacturer of de-icers for the aviation industry.

Premier Engineering & Manufacturing’s operations will continue as part of Textron Specialized Vehicles’ Ground Support Equipment (GSE) business, which includes products manufactured under the TUG™ and Douglas™ Equipment brands. Premier’s line of de-icers will complement the existing TUG and Douglas product lines, which include towbarless and conventional aircraft pushbacks, baggage and cargo tractors, belt loaders, air-starts and mobile HVAC units.

“We are excited to welcome Premier to TUG and Textron Specialized Vehicles,” said Kevin Holleran, president and CEO of Textron Specialized Vehicles. “Premier’s line of de-icers expands our already robust GSE product offerings, and allows us to offer our customers in the aviation industry a more complete line of proven, reliable and versatile products from leading brands in the GSE sector.”

Premier’s workforce of more than 50 employees will continue to operate from its Marinette facility. Premier founder Jerry Derusha will continue to serve as Director, Operations for the Premier business.

“It is an honor to join TUG and Textron Specialized Vehicles and become a part of Textron, with its long heritage and legacy of leadership in aviation,” Derusha said. “This acquisition provides Premier’s business with additional resources and expertise to expand our product offerings, grow our business worldwide and ultimately better support our customers.”

###

About Textron Specialized Vehicles
Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of golf cars, utility and personal transportation vehicles, and ground support equipment. Textron Specialized Vehicles markets products under the E-Z-GO®, Cushman®, Bad Boy®, TUG™, Douglas™ and Premier™ brands; Its vehicles are found in environments ranging from golf courses to factories, airports to planned communities, and theme parks to hunting preserves.

Carter Aviation Seeking Partners For UAS Business Development [feedly]

Carter Aviation Seeking Partners For UAS Business Development
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=4a1433eb-95ac-4bd1-886d-fd2bd12e250d

Company Says Slowed Rotor/Compound Technologies Could Have Applications In The Unmanned Market Carter Aviation Technologies, LLC (Carter) has explored interest in its Slowed Rotor/Compound (SR/C) technologies for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the past. Carter has formed teams and partnerships and even secured UAS study contracts with its SR/C technology, but has yet to produce a UAS demonstrator.

3D printing goes to war [feedly]

3D printing goes to war
http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printing-military-feature/42384/

From the bow to the bunker buster to the hydrogen bomb, new technologies have changed the face of warfare, and 3D printing looks set to be just as revolutionary. It's been around since the 1980s, but as key patents expire and access to the technology becomes more readily available, its effects on the military promise to be considerable – though the biggest and most immediate impact may be from a surprisingly humble quarter.

.. Continue Reading 3D printing goes to war

SpaceX Gets First GPS Launch Contract



Elon Musk’s company breaks the monopoly Boeing and Lockheed Martin have held on military space launches.

http://www.flyingmag.com/spacex-gets-first-gps-launch-contract

La aplicación para presentar las declaraciones de cumplimiento de los operadores de trabajos aéreos ya está disponible en la sede electrónica de AESA

  • A partir del 21 de abril los operadores están obligados a presentar una declaración de cumplimiento de requisitos


La sede electrónica de la Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA) ya tiene disponible la aplicación para que los operadores de trabajos aéreos presenten la declaración de cumplimiento de los requisitos exigidos al operador por el artículo 5.6 del Regalmento Europeo 965/2012, que tal como se establece en el anexo III Parte ORO.DEC.100, tiene carácter obligatorio a partir del próximo 21 de abril.

El referido reglamento establece que a partir del 21 de abril de 2016 aquellos operadores que deseen realizar operaciones especializadas con carácter comercial, hasta la fecha conocidas como trabajos aéreos, deberán cumplir con los requisitos establecidos en el Reglamento (UE) 965/2012, de la Comisión de 5 de octubre, por el que se establecen requisitos técnicos y procedimientos administrativos en relación con las operaciones aéreas en virtud del Reglamento (CE) 216/2008 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, en adelante Reglamento (UE) 965/2012.


https://sede.seguridadaerea.gob.es/SEDE_AESA/LANG_CASTELLANO/TRAMITACIONES/DECLAR_RESP/

ADM Sevilla cuenta ya con 464 empresas inscritas de 28 países, un 9,5% más que en 2014, siendo francia el país extranjero que más aporta, con 57 firmas





Andalucía triplica sus exportaciones aeronáuticas a Francia en la última década, con 385 millones en 2015, siendo el primer mercado internacional


Francia volvió a ser en 2015 el primer mercado para las ventas aeronáuticas andaluzas en el exterior, con 385 millones de euros, que suponen el 25,4% del total. Precisamente el país galo es que más compañías tendrá participando en Aerospace and Defense Meetings Sevilla 2016, siendo ya 57 las que ha inscrito hasta la fecha, 12,3% del total de 464 empresas de todo el mundo que ya han certificado su participación en ADM, cuando aún faltan 12 días para el 10 de mayo, que abre sus puertas.

Este registro supone un 9,5% más de empresas inscritas en el III ADM Sevilla de las que participaron en su segunda edición, en 2014 (420), y un 61% más de las que lo hicieron en la edición inicial de 2012 (288). De esta forma, la cita organizada por la Consejería de Economía y Conocimiento, a través de Extenda y la empresa Abe-BCI, se consolida como el mayor evento de negocio del sector aeroespacial de España, avanzando también en el carácter internacional del mismo, que cuenta ya con 208 empresas extranjeras apuntadas, el 45% del total de inscritas, de las que 57 proceden de Francia, que suponen el 27,4% de las extranjeras.

Malasia fue en 2015 el segundo mercado aeronáutico para Andalucía, con 253 millones de euros, el 16,6% del total, al multiplicar por 107 la cifra del año anterior. En tercer lugar se encuentra México, con un incremento aún más espectacular, al multiplicar su cifra por 263, hasta los 129 millones (8,5% del total); y Turquía, con 125 millones (8,2% del total).

No obstante, pese a la fuerte irrupción de algunos destinos en el negocio aeronáutico el año pasado, destaca la importancia de otros mercados por su consolidación en el tiempo, como es el caso de Alemania, que sumó 121 millones (8% del total y baja 11%) o por la mejora de las relaciones comerciales, como Reino Unido, que multiplicó por tres sus ventas en 2015.


Se triplican las ventas a Francia en la última década
Andalucía exportó en 2015 material aeronáutico a Francia por valor de 385 millones de euros, un 19,3% más que el año anterior y tres veces más que en 2006. Esto convierte a Andalucía en la segunda comunidad autónoma en ventas al país galo, con el 44% del total nacional, sólo por detrás de la Comunidad de Madrid, y confirma al país vecino como el primer destino de las exportaciones del cluster andaluz, con el 25,4% del total.

Cádiz y Sevilla son las provincias que concentran la práctica totalidad de las ventas andaluzas a Francia. La primera, con un total de 333 millones de euros (86,4% del total de 2015), registró un crecimiento del 14,8% respecto al año anterior, de forma que ha triplicado sus ventas desde 2006 (279,7% más). Por su parte, Sevilla vendió productos aeronáuticos a Francia por valor de 52 millones de euros (13,6% del total), lo que significa un incremento del 59% con respecto a la cifra del año anterior y multiplicar por cuatro la de 2006, que fue de 12,9 millones de euros. Las empresas malagueñas también realizaron ventas menores en 2015, por un valor total de 247.000 euros, un 47% más que el año anterior. 

Por productos, la principal partida exportada a Francia en 2015 fue la de ‘Partes de aeronaves’, con 385 millones de euros (99,9% del total del año), que experimentó un crecimiento del 19,3% respecto al año anterior; mientras que la de ‘Paracaídas, dirigibles y giratorios’ sumó 247.000 euros, un 47% más que el año anterior.


La industria en ADM
ADM Sevilla 2016 cuenta con el patrocinio especial de Airbus Group, el mayor fabricante europeo del sector; de Alestis, Aernnova y Aciturri, los tres únicos fabricantes de aeroestructuras de primer nivel de España (Tier 1), y de la empresa andaluza Sofitec especializada en el desarrollo de aeroestructuras y componentes en composites y materiales metálicos. Igualmente, cuenta con el apoyo del sector, tanto en el ámbito nacional, con Tedae (Asociación Española de Empresas Tecnológicas, de Defensa, Aeronáutica y Espacio), como regional, con Hélice, Cluster Aeroespacial Andaluz

Entre los participantes de esta tercera edición, destaca la presencia de 41 grandes contratistas y Tiers 1, entre los que se encuentran los grandes fabricantes mundiales, como Boeing, Airbus Group, Bombardier y Embraer, y fabricantes de primer nivel, algunos de ellos franceses, como Latecoere o Safran.

Alemania alcanza los 120 millones de euros en exportaciones

Alemania es otro de los grandes mercados para Andalucía de la última década, y el segundo país extranjero que más empresas aporta a ADM Sevilla2016, con 28 compañías, el 13,5% del total de extranjeras. Destaca la participación del Tier 1 (fabricante de primer nivel) germano Premium  Aerotec GMBH o de la filial de helicópteros de Airbus Airbus Helicopter Deutschland GMBH.

Andalucía exportó en 2015 productos aeronáuticos a Alemania por valor de 121 millones de euros, lo que supone un crecimiento del 23,2% en la última década, tiempo en el que siempre se ha mantenido entre los cinco grandes mercados de la aeronáutica andaluza. 

Andalucía es la segunda comunidad exportadora a Alemania, con el 17,9% del total, sólo por detrás de Madrid, concentrando Cádiz el 92% de las ventas el año pasado (112 millones de euros), seguida de Sevilla, que sumó el resto de las exportaciones, con 9,1 millones. 

La importancia del mercado alemán para las empresas aeronáuticas andaluzas también se refleja en la habitual participación de éstas en la feria ‘ILA Berlin Air Show’, una de las tres citas aeroespaciales más importantes de Europa, junto a la francesa Le Bourget y la inglesa Farnborough, que tendrá lugar en el Berlin ExpoCenter Airport de Berlín, del 31 de mayo al 1 de junio. 


Andalucía triplica ventas a Reino Unido
Reino Unido es igualmente otro mercado de máximo interés para el aeronáutico andaluz, del que participarán siete empresas andaluzas, y hacia el que las empresas andaluzas acudirán en julio para participar de la mano de Extenda en Farnborough International Airshow. El objetivo es seguir incrementando las cifras de negocio en un mercado hacia el que, aunque se han triplicado en el último año, aún hay un gran margen de crecimiento, al cifrarse en 7,5 millones de euros en 2015.

Entre las empresas británicas que estarán presentes en ADM Sevilla 2016, destaca la participación de GKN, uno de los grandes fabricantes de equipos originales (OEM) del mercado británico.

Por provincias, Sevilla la primera exportadora andaluza al país británico durante la última década, concentrando en 2015 la práctica totalidad de los 7,5 millones vendidos (el 99,9%) por la comunidad, lo que supone multiplicar por siete sus ventas desde 2006. El capítulo ‘Partes de aeronaves’ representó el total de los productos vendidos a Reino Unido el año pasado.


Apoyo institucional y del sector
ADM Sevilla 2016 significa un paso más en el desarrollo de la estrategia de apoyo a la internacionalización de un sector que la Junta de Andalucía viene impulsando a través de Extenda de manera individualizada desde 2005. Tras el éxito alcanzado en las dos primeras ediciones (2012 y 2014), ADM volverá a proyectar al aeroespacial andaluz como una industria de referencia en el ámbito mundial y a Andalucía en su conjunto como un enclave estratégico para la inversión de proyectos de industria compleja.

FIBES, Aerópolis y Tecnobahía serán los escenarios de este evento, que está financiado en un 80% con fondos procedentes de la Unión Europea, con cargo al Programa Operativo del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) de Andalucía 2014-2020. 

En su programa oficial, entre los días 10 y 13 de mayo, desarrollará sus tres primeras jornadas en FIBES: una primera, de conferencias y mesas redondas en torno a asuntos de interés de la industria aeronáutica y del espacio, y dos días de reuniones de negocios, con un último día de visitas a empresas, la FAL del A400M;  Aerópolis y Tecnobahía.

Second ExoMars mission moves to next launch opportunity in 2020

press release



2 May 2016

On 14 March 2016, the Roscosmos State Corporation and the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the jointly-developed ExoMars 2016 interplanetary mission, comprising the Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and the Schiaparelli lander, on a Proton rocket from Baikonur, thus marking the first phase in the European-Russian ExoMars cooperation programme. The success achieved by Russian and European experts involved in ExoMars 2016 is the result of long and fruitful cooperation. The ExoMars 2016 spacecraft are due to arrive at Mars in October 2016.

The second ExoMars mission involves a Russian-led surface platform and a European-led rover, also to be launched on a Proton from Baikonur. Russian and European experts made their best efforts to meet the 2018 launch schedule for the mission, and in late 2015, a dedicated ESA-Roscosmos Tiger Team, also including Russian and European industries, initiated an analysis of all possible solutions to recover schedule delays and accommodate schedule contingencies.



The Tiger Team presented its final report during a meeting of the Joint ExoMars Steering Board (JESB) held in Moscow. Having assessed the possible ways to ensure successful mission implementation, the JESB concluded that, taking into account the delays in European and Russian industrial activities and deliveries of the scientific payload, a launch in 2020 would be the best solution.



ESA Director General Johann-Dietrich Woerner and Roscosmos Director General Igor Komarov discussed the ExoMars 2018 situation. After considering the Tiger Team report and the JESB recommendations, they jointly decided to move the launch to the next available Mars launch window in July 2020, and tasked their project teams to develop, in cooperation with the industrial contactors, a new baseline schedule aiming towards a 2020 launch. Additional measures will also be taken to maintain close control over the activities on both sides up to launch.



The successful implementation of both ExoMars missions will allow Russia and Europe to jointly validate cutting-edge technologies for Mars entry, descent, and landing, for the control of surface assets, to develop new engineering concepts and service systems that can be used by other Solar System exploration missions, and to carry out novel science at Mars.



Both Directors General have reiterated their resolve to implement ExoMars programme successfully and step up Russian-European cooperation in Solar System exploration.



 
About the European Space Agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space.

ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.

ESA has 22 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, of whom 20 are Member States of the EU.

ESA has established formal cooperation with seven other Member States of the EU. Canada takes part in some ESA programmes under a Cooperation Agreement.

By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. It is working in particular with the EU on implementing the Galileo and Copernicus programmes.

ESA develops the launchers, spacecraft and ground facilities needed to keep Europe at the forefront of global space activities.

Today, it develops and launches satellites for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications and astronomy, sends probes to the far reaches of the Solar System and cooperates in the human exploration of space.

Learn more about ESA at www.esa.int