PARIS, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The European Space Agency has launched an initiative to increase interaction among it, European universities, research institutes and industry.
Through its Networking/Partnering Initiative, the ESA is offering to support research conducted by institutes and universities in advanced technologies with space applications.
The goals of the project are to enhance research for space applications, taking advantage of new developments in such technologies as in the nano and microtechnology domains.
Proposals accepted by the NPI will be offered support in a number of areas, including funding and access to ESA research and technology facilities.
ESA officials say technologies developed for space often have significant spinoffs for non-space applications and some of the very advanced technologies developed by universities and research institutes have potential for use in space.
But in recent years, the gap between space technologies and technologies used in industrial or domestic applications has widened. ESA officials noted. For instance, the advanced technology embedded in some portable phones, digital cameras and home computers far exceeds some of the technology used in satellites.
The ESA said it hopes the initiative will strengthen the link among space institutions, universities and industries.
