European Space Agency - ESA

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;

  1. ESA mandatory programmes including the ESA General Budget and the Science Programme,
  2. 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)

Click here to eMail this person Tony McDonald
Tel: +353 1 7272464


For information on:

  • Launchers Programmes
  • Scientific Programme
  • Human Spaceflight / Exploration                                             
  • ESA Education Programme

Click here to eMail this person Bryan Rodgers
Tel +353 1 7272471


For information on:

  • Earth Observation                                                                 
  • GMES Programmes
  • Seventh EU Framework Programme - NCP for Space theme
Click here to eMail this person Barry Fennell
Tel: +353 1 7272562

Last updated 16/12/2009