The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
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Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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This programme features a revolutionary concept car moulded from space plastics is on its way from the Netherlands to the World Solar Challenge, a race for solar-powered vehicles across Australia, taking place in November.
The 'Alpha Centauri Nuna' car is expected to be the most effective solar vehicle ever built, capable to drive at 160kph and more. Powered only by the sun, it relies heavily upon high-performance plastics developed for satellites. Also the car's solar cells use space technology as they are based on those used to power the International Space Station
Designed by a team of Dutch students from the Universities of Delft and Amsterdam, the car is being co-sponsored by the Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe (APME), the European Space Agency ESA and the Dutch energy company, NUON.
The 5-minute A-roll contains split audio with an English guide track and is complemented by a longer B-roll with clean international sound.
Camera script
A-roll voiceover
This unique, European car may hold the solution to reducing harmful car exhaust emissions. Made largely of plastics, the car will make its international debut racing in this year's World Solar Challenge in Australia in November.
The solar-powered car, called 'Nuna', has been designed and built by a group of Dutch students. With support from the European Space Agency and the Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe, Nuna brings cutting-edge space technology down to Earth.
ITW Mr Fritz Gampe, Technology transfer engineer, ESA:
We are using plastics in space very often, mainly to reduce the weight of our satellites and our space capsules, of our space machines in general; this is due to the fact that every kilogramme launched into orbit costs us about 30,000 euros per kg and therefore we have to come up with lightweight solutions and here plastics play a big role.
Over 30% of the car is made from plastics, including its solar cells, batteries, tyres and motor