The European Space Agency (ESA) promotes co-operation among European States in space research, technology and applications. Currently ESA has 18 Member States and a co-operation agreement with Canada.
Ireland's membership of ESA permits Irish companies and research teams to bid for ESA contract development work in a range of space programmes including;
- ESA mandatory programmes including the ESA General Budget and the Science Programme,
- ESA optional programmes in which Ireland participates:
- Satellite Communications Programme (ARTES)
- Satellite Navigation Programme (GALILEO, GNSS Evolution Programme)
- Space Transportation Programmes (Ariane V Development Programme), Future Launchers Preparatory Programme
- Earth Observation Envelope Programme (EOEP)
- General Support Technology Programme (GSTP)
- Space Science Experiment Payloads (PRODEX)
- Life and Physical Sciences Programme (ELIPS)
Support for Companies
Enterprise Ireland provides a source of expertise for Irish companies in developing and executing their respective space strategies. Enterprise Ireland also acts as a point of reference for the international space industry wishing to identify relevant sources of space-related expertise withing Ireland.
Useful Links
How to do business with ESA
European Space Agency
ESA Tendering Website (EMITS)
Additional information
TV3 Interview with Irish company Cortona 3D - their ESA contract & the benefits of engaging with ESA
Technology Ireland article on ESA 2009 | 239 KB | PDF format | Published 07/2009
Ireland's Space Industry Capabilities 2009 | 2228 KB | PDF format | Published 10/2009
From Space Technology to Global Markets | success stories outlining the achievements of Ireland's industry in the European Space Programme, leading to commercial success in global markets | 1009 KB | PDF format | Published 12/2005
Contacts
For information on:
- Industrial policy matters
- Technology programme (GSTP)
- Telecoms Programme (ARTES)
- ESA Satellite Navigation Programmes (Galileo, GNSS)
 |
Tony McDonald
Tel: +353 1 7272464 |
For information on:
- Launchers Programmes
- Scientific Programme
- Human Spaceflight / Exploration
- ESA Education Programme
|
Bryan Rodgers
Tel +353 1 7272471 |
For information on:
- Earth Observation
- GMES Programmes
- Seventh EU Framework Programme - NCP for Space theme
|
Barry Fennell
Tel: +353 1 7272562 |