N° 18–2011: ESA at the Paris Air Show relevant to the media

ESA’s dedicated pavilion can be found between the full-size models of the Ariane 1 and Ariane 5 launchers.

Space provides indispensable technologies and services for a knowledge-based society and increases our understanding of our planet and Universe. The pavilion will emphasise how space applications and technologies are at the origin of new services for our society, key to fostering European growth and employment.

The ESA pavilion at Le Bourget is open throughout the week of the Air Show, and will host several presentations and events.

The key events of media interest are listed below. The overview will be updated before the opening of the show. Consult www.esa.int for the latest information.

All events will be held in the ESA pavilion, unless otherwise noted.

Throughout the exhibition, Media Relations will be available to connect members of the media with ESA experts.

Monday, 20 June

• Signature of Administrative Arrangement between ESA and the European Defence Agency (EDA)

  The Arrangement will cover the cooperation between ESA and EDA through the coordination of their respective activities. The cooperation will explore the added value and contribution of space assets to the development of European capabilities in crisis management and the Common Security and Defence Policy.
  Time: 12:50–13:30

   

• Director General press briefing

  Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of ESA, will update media on the latest developments and achievements.
  Time: 15:30–16:45
  A webcast of the event will be available at www.esa.int

   

• EGNOS roundtables (co-sponsored with CNES and Thales Alenia Space)

  The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) improves the accuracy of satellite-based navigation systems. This first pan-European satnav system was declared in March usable for the critical task of vertically guiding aircraft during landing approaches, a first for space-based navigation signals.
  Two roundtables will be held, both open to media. The first, “EGNOS, A Service of the European Union for Civil Aviation” is oriented towards users and operators of the service. The second, “Perspectives of Evolution for EGNOS Infrastructure: with Galileo What Will be on the Horizon in 2020–2030” will tackle the systems’ prospects and development.
  Time: 15:30–18:00
  Location: Room 3 of SIAE

Tuesday, 21 June

• Release of first data from CryoSat

  ESA’s CryoSat is Europe’s first satellite dedicated to the study of ice. Results from measurements performed during the first year of the mission will be presented.
  Time: 11:45–13:30
  A webcast of the event will be available at www.esa.int

   

• Agreement for building IXV and its ground segment

  ESA’s Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) will test a range of enabling systems and technologies for atmospheric reentry, a European cornerstone for a wide range of space applications, including space transportation, robotic servicing of space infrastructure, and exploration. The agreement with prime contractor Thales Alenia Space Italia for building the vehicle and ground segment will be announced.
  Time: 15:30–16:00

   

• EGNOS aviation experts available for media (co-sponsored with CNES and Thales Alenia Space)

  The various partners involved in deploying and managing EGNOS for use in civil aviation will gather in an event open to media.
  Time: 17:00–18:00

Wednesday, 22 June

• Presentation on advanced materials and energy research on the International Space Station (ISS)and other microgravity platforms

  Within the EU’s Sixth and Seventh Framework Programme (FP6/FP7), ESA is conducting research on the ISS into materials (metals, composites) and energy conversion for the benefit of space and terrestrial applications. The presentation will showcase results from this research.
  Time: 10:00–11:00

   

• Signature event: High-Thrust Engine Project for Next-Generation Launcher

  Liquid propulsion is a candidate for the main propulsion of Europe’s next-generation launcher. A contract will be signed to pave the way for the development towards Engine and Subsystems Preliminary Design Reviews for a next-generation launcher first stage liquid engine demonstrator.
  Time: 11:15–11:45

   

• Announcement and signatures of contracts for Galileo ground segments

  Two contracts being signed cover all the elements controlling the Galileo satellite constellation as well as the systems underpinning Galileo services.
  Time: 15:00–15:30

Thursday, 23 June

• Presentation on the ATV-2 mission and the ATV programme

  ATV Johannes Kepler will complete its mission with a planned destructive reentry on 21 June. The talk will address the mission’s achievements and the status of the future ATVs.
  Time: 15:30–16:30

   

For further information:

ESA Media Relations Office

Tel: media@esa.int

Fax: +33 1 53 69 76 90