A survey commissioned by the British National Space Centre (BNSC) has shown that UK space research centres are, in general, alive to the possibilities for spinning-off the fruits of their research into wider terrestrial applications - with medicine a major beneficiary.
Of the 98 companies and universities who participated in the survey, nearly a third reported success in finding novel applications for the innovative sensors, materials, software or other technology they have developed in support of the UK, European, US or even Russian space programmes.
Amongst the spin-offs reported, Matra Marconi Space, Europe's largest space company, is evaluating carbon-fibre composites, developed for spacecraft structures, for use as long-life lightweight surgical bone implants, whilst a scientist from Brunel Institute for Bio-engineering has adapted unique 'memory metals' developed as switches and actuators for microgravity experiments in space for use as bone and arterial clamps in orthopaedic and cardiovascular surgery, triggered by body heat. Faint image detectors, developed for instruments such as the Hubble Space Telescope for searching out distant astronomical objects, have been adapted by AstroCam in Cambridge and Photek in Hastings, into instruments capable of probing the darkest recesses of the human cell, which are already extending the boundaries of medical research.
UK companies have featured prominently in the Technology Spin-Off Programme both as technology donors and recipients of spin-off with both Photek and Brunel benefiting from ESA's assistance. Although not a major money-spinner in the UK to date, spin-off has generated useful income to companies working in an area which is by nature prone to fluctuations in funding.
AromaScan, a recently floated company on the unlisted stock market, has benefited greatly from significant ESA support at the research stage of its Polymer-based 'Artificial Nose' sensor, shortly to fly on a Euromir space-mission, which Aromascan is developing for a range of markets, whilst Matra Marconi space (formerly BAe Space Systems Ltd) is currently investigating possibilities for a diversification programme for its passive microwave detector technology originally developed for a remote sensing satellite and now seeking applications as a high-performance gas detector in the aerospace, medical and food processing fields. Both companies have high expectations for these technologies which owe much of their development to space research.
ESA Software Standards (PSS-05), which have been commercialised through the ESA Technology Transfer Progamme in 1993, have now been sold in over 2,600 copies world-wide by the publishing house Prentice-Hall. ESA is already benefiting from royalties from the sales. This month the supporting 'ESA Software Guides' will go into commercial production and are likely to generate similar sales figures. Spacelink Europe are now in initial negotiations with Prentice Hall over the ESRIN-developed supporting software which will allow users to log and monitor the implementation of the Software Procedures as projects develop.
Helped by interest and contacts established by Spacelink Europe through the ESA technogy transfer programme, a Brunel researcher has established a spin-off-company to exploit the commercial possibilities for a shape memory alloy (SMA). The company, Anson Medical, is currently negotiating a multi-million pound investment with a UK venture capital company, and will concentrate initially on the surgical uses of SMA as bone staples, soft tissue fixture devices and arterial clamps. Anson Medical is currently widening its links with a range of UK research hospitals to promote its novel concepts.
The launch phase of the Ariane rocket generates extremely high local temperatures and this has led to the development, by Aérospatiale (F), of a family of fireproofing materials known as Aerocoat which protect sensitive equipment in the rocket and ensure that it continues to function. Aérospatiale has now, through licence collaboration with APS, made the technology available for any appropriate ground-based use where excellent thermal protection is a necessity. Already several applications have been identified for Aerocoat. These include applications by the French railway company SNCF for the protection of sensitive equipment in the trains used for the Channel Tunnel link and, by Gaz de France, for the protection of lead gas pipes in cellars and other locations.
It has been widely known for some time that the heavy sub-atomic particles in cosmic rays can disrupt the functioning of very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits. This effect has caused concern to designers and operators of space-borne electronic systems. To detect and measure the effect of cosmic rays, AEA Technology have developed for the United Kingdom Defence Research Agency (DRA) a cosmic radiation effects and activation monitor (CREAM), versions of which have been flown successfully in the NASA Space Shuttle.
More recently, it has been realised that the penetration of cosmic rays and their secondary emissions into the atmosphere can disrupt the functioning of aircraft avionics systems, particularly those operating at altitudes above 40 000 ft (12 km). The risk of a disastrous failure grows with the increased application of electronics to the primary control functions of a fly-by-wire aircraft and its fuel system. There is also growing concern for the effects of prolonged exposure of cabin crew to cosmic particles at high altitudes.
These effects are more pronounced during periods of high solar sunspot activity. An airborne version of CREAM has been developed and fitted to Concorde, where it regularly monitors cosmic radiation on the transatlantic passenger run. The information obtained is currently being used to assess and quantify the risks to both avionics equipment and human beings, with a view to developing safety criteria for both. Other aircraft manufacturers are now also considering fitting cosmic-ray monitors to their aircraft.
The protection of electronic equipment from electromagnetic interference is often necessary. Although the discipline of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) was originally confined to the engineering of equipment intended for aerospace and other rugged applications, national administrations have become increasingly aware of the need for wider application of EMC engineering practices, in some cases backed by legislation.
The increase in, and the widening of, the scope for applications of electronic and electrical apparatus in systems has led to a steady increase in the amount of unwanted electromagnetic emissions. These can cause mutual interference between electrical and electronic apparatus and their harmful effects on communications systems can be particularly disruptive.
A common measure for reducing electromagnetic interference is the application of discrete filters at points where electrical power and signals enter or leave an equipment. Driven by weight considerations, Framatome Connectors (F) developed for the Ariane launcher a wide range of connectors, in which filters are integrated into the connector itself. As well as a saving considerable weight, the connectors also optimised the filtering functions with a simple implementation. Not only aerospace companies have been quick to see the advantages of a combined filter and connector, since Framatome also used this technology in the Channel Tunnel in 1991.
In June 1995, Belgium took over the Presidency of the European EUREKA Programme and indicated, in its action plan, its will to increase coordination with other European Programmes and Organisations. The overall aim of EUREKA is to strengthen European competitiveness and productivity by promoting cross-border cooperation in the research and development of products, processes and services aiming at non-military world markets. Since all fields of advanced technology are concerned, it appears natural for EUREKA to establish a link to the know-how and high technology which has resulted from activities carried out by ESA. Cooperation between ESA and EUREKA should create an appropriate environment in which the know-how of space technology could be applied to meet the needs of European industry in other non-space areas to improve its competitiveness.
Patent applications have been filed for a system called 'Skyplex' which relates to a digital satellite broadcasting system transmitting signals following the MPEG-2 standard. Invented by C. Elia and E. Colzi of ESTEC, Skyplex gives each broadcasting centre its own direct uplink to the satellite, eliminating the need for an intermediate connection to a central uplink station. An experimental Skyplex payload will be flown on Eutelsat's Hot Bird 4 satellite. The invention will be protected by patents both within and outside Europe.
For information on all patent matters please contact:
Mr. P. A. Kallenbach,
Legal Affairs, ESA Head Office,
8- 10 rue Mario Nikis,
75738 Paris Cedex 15, France.
Preparing for the Future Vol. 5 No. 4.