Safer cars through the application of space science
A European space agency (ESA) conference is to look at how advanced space technologies can be used to improve the safety and performance of Europe's cars. The 'technology exchange between space and automotive industry' event will take place in Darmstadt, Germany on 6 November, and will highlight how spin-offs from space innovation are being applied to European automobiles. Dr Ulf Merbold is the ESA's utilisation promotion manager, and explains that: 'Space technology deals with the challenging conditions of launching and space operations. These extreme environments are drivers for innovative solutions, which can the be applied elsewhere.' Examples of such technology transfer already exist. A dampening system developed to protect satellite payloads during launches was used by a formula one motor racing team to reduce the vibrations that its drivers have to endure during a race. Standard road vehicles will benefit from improved braking systems based on a new carbon composite material designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of the Ariane rocket nozzle. The practice of finding other applications for space science is being taken up in other countries as well. A 'sensor skin' developed by the Canadian space agency to improve the tactile sensitivity of orbital construction robots will be used to create intelligent car bumpers. The skin will allow the bumper to detect what kind of object it has collided with and adapt accordingly. If it detects a hard obstacle - like a wall - it will remain rigid, if it hits something soft - like a human - it will crumple. Another key innovation area where scientists hope to find earth-based applications is in the field of power sources. Space technology is at the cutting-edge of solar power cell research, and it is hoped that an effective means of powering cars in this way can be found. The automotive industry is just one of the areas where ESA has found other applications for its technology, and in the past decade they have transferred over 120 innovations into other areas. The 150 delegates at the conference will be hoping that they can find ways to further increase that total.