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
"Eye in the Sky" - published in the Jan/Feb issue of Technology Ireland - A new European initiative aims to exploit observation data from satellites. This article reports on the opportunities it presents to software and data companies. click here to download the article 268 KB pdf format
TV3 Interview with Irish company Cortona 3D - The company discuss their ESA contract & the benefits of engaging with ESA on TV3's Ireland AM.
"Irish companies working with the European Space Agency published in the July/August 2009 issue of Technology Ireland - About 70 companies have participated in European Space Agency programmes over the past decade. Anthony King talks to some of Ireland's part-time space crusaders. Click here to download the article | 239 KB | PDF format | Published 07/2009
Directory of Ireland's Space Industry Capabilities 2009 - Ireland has been a member of the European Space Agency since 1975 and participates in a range of ESA Programmes. Click here to download Ireland's Space Industry Capabilities 2009 | 2228 KB | PDF format | Published 10/2009
From Space Technology to Global Markets - A collection of 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
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Barry Fennell
Tel: +353 1 7272562 |