Strong cooperation with JAXA…Swiss technology shines in space development
Strong cooperation with JAXA…Swiss technology shines in space development
World-leading universities and research institutes with modern equipment and environments scattered throughout (Switzerland, Zurich University of Technology)
Space development is progressing in many countries, and the European Space Agency (ESA) is actively exploring many celestial bodies, including the moon and Mars. Among these, ESA member Swiss technology is the unsung hero supporting the project, and not only space-related companies but also research and development at universities is also involved in spacecraft development. It also has a close relationship with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and will be an important partner in promoting Japan's space development in the future. (Mamiko Iida)
Cooperation with JAXA on solar observation satellite The university participates in the exploration of Mercury
While research into cutting-edge technologies such as quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is progressing in Switzerland, efforts in the space sector remain largely unknown. Although Japan does not have any homegrown space projects, it has participated in large-scale international projects by providing technology to Europe and other countries as a countries participating in ESA, mainly in academia. Switzerland is home to top-ranked universities in the world, including ETH Zurich, where physicist Dr. Albert Einstein studied, as well as research institutes equipped with the latest equipment and environments , and is developing unique space exploration activities in Switzerland, which has excellent human resources. are gathering.
Seminar at the University of Bern. Researchers are making their own space-related parts
Although he is primarily involved in ESA projects, he also has strong ties to Japan and is also participating in JAXA-led projects. ETH Zurich has been involved in the development of successive solar observation and scientific observation satellites for more than 20 years, and will also focus on developing the next solar observation satellite, Solar C. Currently, we are developing a Solar-C-mounted instrument to measure ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, and we plan to deliver the instrument to Japan in the summer of 2025. Professor Louise Hara of the school ``Observing accuracy will be seven times better than with current solar observing satellites,'' the university said. I'm looking forward to actually observing the sun with Solar-C.''
The space components were built at the workshop at the University of Bern. used in various space missions
In addition, the University of Bern is mainly involved in international projects such as Japan, ESA and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Specifically, the researchers fabricate the device and the parts that will be mounted on it and fabricate them by hand in the university's workshop, which is equipped with machines such as lathes and ball mills. Additionally, testing equipment has been installed to test vibration resistance, allowing the university to complete everything from the prototyping phase of parts and devices through to actual usage in space. The mechanism is said to have originated from Swiss watchmaking technology. Just like in Japan, the importance of the manufacturing industry continues to this day, which is why we are able to contribute to space exploration, one of the branches of science and technology the most advanced.
High quality craftsmanship from a local company Used for the H3 fairing
The H3 rocket fairing was developed by Beyond Gravity
In addition to universities, Switzerland also has space companies that are essential for satellite and rocket development. Beyond Gravity develops fairings that are the front end of Japan's large H3 main rocket and Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket. The H3's fairing was mainly produced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, while Beyond Gravity was in charge of the fairing specifically for the new supply ship "HTV-X". Most of the development is robot-centric assembly line work, but all parts, such as sharp edges, are handled by hand. Even though work is automated, craftsmanship is still important in creating better products. The company's Dr. Sam Neuser explained the current situation, saying: ``We have completed two sets of H3 fairings and can ship them at any time. The Ariane 6 fairings were also completed, but due to development delays they were not completed. being kept in storage.” Swiss technology will protect HTV-X from vibrations during launch and play a role in delivering it to the International Space Station (ISS).
Sphinx Observatory at the Jungfraujoch Institute for Altitude Research. Currently, it does not function as an astronomical observatory but is used as a base to observe weather data.
Jungfraujoch Institute for Altitude Research. Currently, it does not function as an astronomical observatory but is used as a base to observe weather data.
It has a history of contributing not only to technical developments but also to astronomy. Switzerland has many high mountain ranges and mountain peaks that are ideal places to observe celestial objects. The Sphinx Observatory in Jungfraujoch (Jungfraujoch Institute for Altitude Research) is one of the highest astronomical observatories in Europe, located at an altitude of 3,572 meters. Observation and research of celestial bodies and the sun is carried out using a telescope with a diameter of 76 cm and a solar spectrometer. However, it does not currently function as an astronomical observatory but is instead used as a meteorological research facility, including observations of greenhouse gases and aerosols. Since the days the observatory was built, it has been visited by researchers from all over the world, mainly from Europe, so it has accommodation facilities and is fully equipped with a room small experiment. By using the facilities of those days, it continues to contribute to the latest results as a research institute in other fields.
International cooperation on climate change is supported by the government
Space exploration is a field that not only provides services such as communications and weather forecasts, but also improves the quality of human life and advances science and technology such as research on climate change. logistics, promoting digitalization and improving security. For this reason, the Swiss government has also positioned it as a key technology and drawn up its own space policy by 2023. The policy clearly states that cooperation with international partners is important and that support will be provided to Swiss-based ESA-related organizations and future tenders, which will result in the operation of Swiss-made equipment on board universe. David Blum, head of space at the Swiss Agency for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), said: “The number of researchers involved in space exploration in Switzerland and abroad is growing. increasing. The government wants to promote support for international organizations." cooperate through this policy.” I'm very enthusiastic.
However, as other countries accelerate their space development, it is likely that Switzerland will have to take independent actions in the future, such as launching large-scale space projects domestically. me. At ETH Zurich, former NASA Deputy Director for Science Thomas Zurbuchen has been appointed head of the Department of Space Systems to lead Switzerland's space development efforts. Mr. Zurbuchen emphasized, ``Space is an equal place and more countries should participate in space exploration. Switzerland's space exploration is just beginning. The future will be very important.''
In April, NASA announced that Switzerland had agreed to a deal for the US-led Artemis program. A breath of fresh air could be the catalyst that changes the course of Swiss space exploration.
Invite partners to see the activities of Pacific Group Company Limited.
FanPage: https://www.facebook.com/Pacific-Group
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PacificGroupCoLt
