posted 05-04-2010 03:09 PM               

Both airshows are show cases for the major aerospace firms and often have the latest hardware on display.

posted 07-19-2010 03:52 PM               

Nothing space-related in the photo set (or on their website), but perhaps still to come.

posted 07-19-2010 04:32 PM               

First day of Farnborough air show

The Farnborough International Air Show opened to blue skies and trade visitors today. Highlights included innovative passenger aircraft, a supersonic car and a dedicated Space Zone showcasing space technology and its importance to the world.

Visitors to the ESA exhibition are able to discover how space can improve our understanding of the Universe and Earth as well as improve the quality of our lives. The exhibition also highlights how space can help to foster European innovation, growth and employment.

The main event in the Space Zone today was aimed at space entrepreneurs. ESA representatives were on hand to give visitors an opportunity to learn about the funding available from ESA for entrepreneurs, space companies keen to diversify and businesses wanting to adapt space technology.

Frank Salzgeber, head of ESA's Technology Transfer Programme Office, says technology transfer is a two-way process. "There is no space technology," he says. "There are areas where space has a demand for space technology and times when technology developed for space can have much wider benefits."

As well as having a long record in supporting spin-offs from the space industry, ESA has launched a new venture capital fund to help finance business development.

The agency also recently opened a new research centre in the UK. This facility, at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, has a remit that includes developing key UK strengths in space. It will work closely with space industry to develop new technologies and seek wider benefits from space.

"Farnborough is a great opportunity for us," says Dr Salzgeber. "The players are all here and you can meet them all in one go."

posted 07-22-2010 07:01 AM               

Space Day at Farnborough air show

Space helping to rebuild the economy and drive economic growth were the central themes of Space Day at the Farnborough air show on Wednesday.

Key addresses for the Space Day conference were made by David Willetts, UK Minister of State for Universities & Science, and Mariastella Gelmini, Italian Minister for Education, Universities & Research.

The UK's space minister spoke of his optimism for the future of the space sector. Outlining the UK Government approach to space, Mr. Willetts said that space had the ability to inspire and enthuse future generations of scientists and engineers.

"Like millions of people across the world, I've been stunned by those awe-inspiring images from the [ESA] Planck telescope of the oldest light in the cosmos - light emitted some 13.7 billion years ago," he said.

Mr. Willetts also highlighted the importance of space for economic growth and development: "I want to see the best ideas from space contributing to improvements in transport, to the building of a smart energy grid, to providing mapping facilities for the emergency services and other users.

"Integrating space data to create new commercial services is a key thrust of the new ESA programmes we're supporting."

Mariastella Gelmini, currently the Chair of the ESA Council at Ministerial level, summed up what many people felt: "Space is the true future of humankind, man needs to face new challenges and reach new goals."

"Space science and human spaceflight push back these boundaries of knowledge," she told delegates.

Italy's minister for space welcomed the creation of the UK Space Agency and stressed the importance of cooperation of all Member States to reinforce Europe's role as a key player in the global scene.

Mrs. Gelmini reiterated Italy's long-standing role in the space adventure and the commitment of the Italian government towards a sector that is providing tools to face global challenges.

The role of space in helping countries to recover from recession was also a theme pursued by ESA's Director General, Jean-Jacques Dordain.

With every government in Europe looking to reduce expenditure, Mr. Dordain said that ESA was taking action to save money wherever possible. He urged countries across Europe to think ahead and keep investing in space: "It is particularly important in times of crisis to invest in the future.

"These programmes are the light that will come in five years, ten years. The outstanding achievements we are getting now are coming from projects started five or ten years ago."

The Space Zone at Farnborough features stands, displays and presentations from the space sector. One of the stands is hosted by the Italian space agency, ASI, a key partner in many ESA programmes.