A Day at the European Space Exposition 23-11-2021
Introduction
For almost two years, the world has been in lockdown due to the pandemic COVID19. For many of us, this has brought nothing but trouble and pain. As we have all been in lockdown, events had to be either cancelled or be performed online, where the latter gave a unique opportunity to meet like-minded people in the space sector and beyond.
I personally have a history in the space sector and the Space Exposition Europe in Bremen (Germany) was a great event to meet many of the great and fantastic people from all over the world! Adhering to many rules and regulations (mouth masks, 3G, distance, et cetera), I was able to join for just one day and, luckily, stay COVID-free. I had the time of my life!
The Event
“Space Tech Expo Europe returns to Bremen - a centre of space excellence. The free-to-attend exhibition and conference is Europe's premier B2B Space engineering event for spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle and space-related technologies, drawing attendees from across the supply chain for civil, military and commercial space” – as stated on the official website; and it was much more! Many people do not know this, but about half of the space resources are spent for the benefit of people on Earth. To consider all the benefits of an industry roughly equal in size to the wine industry.
The stigma on the space industry is absolutely absurd when considering that the space industry is combating many struggles on Earth through monitoring campaigns for, as an example, toxic compounds and CO2 but also through the monitoring of deforestation and natural disasters. Observations from space have resulted in human safety, cleaner air and water travels, global positioning systems (GPS) which many people use on a daily basis.
All of this is just a start as this is not even including rapid developments in additive manufacturing (and/or 3D printing), medical technologies (MRI), solar panels, LED and nutrients for plants or network capabilities. Events such as the Space Tech Expo Europe are a wonderful way to remove the stigma and I can highly advise any enthusiast of space and nature to participate.
Meeting the People
From New Space companies like Leaf Space and Space Cargo Unlimited, the larger companies like AAC Clyde Space, and ISISPACE to the NL Space Campus, many were there for a chat!
The consumption of both coffee and knowledge was high and absolutely worth it! The NL Space Campus, under the lead of Mrs. Esther Peters, was there advocating the potential of joining forces on a single campus and the benefits of joined research: A science campus for space research. Some amazing ideas were proposed and I cannot wait to see them become reality.
I had another great talk, with Space Cargo Unlimited’s Mr. Achim Schwarzwälder, about the potential of space environments for plants and biotechnology. Many do not know this, but their mission WISE has shown some great promises about early flowering (and other great traits). In essence, this could reduce plants breeding time by decades and have earlier access to markets with products, and this may not be limited to grapes.
Conclusions
I have said it before and I will say it again: It was a wonderful event with many great companies and people. Everyone is extremely kind and they all take the time to explain what they do and how it will benefit everyone on Earth (and beyond). No, I have no benefit of a lovely rocket engine but it makes a great photo!
About the author: Arno den Toom is passionate about space biology with an extensive background in gravity simulation, quality management, and life sciences.
Expertise and intelligence with strong ability for conceptual thinking, not limited to the task and always prepared to support and educate others.
Through cross-disciplinary role his experience is with; quality assurance, technology development, business intelligence, planning, project management, and various process controls & optimisation.
