Artificial intelligence, propulsion systems and batteries top wish lists at the European Space Agency and European Defence Agency
"Moons of the giant planets," one of ESA's themes in its Voyage 2050 plan. Photo credits: ESA
Artificial intelligence, propulsion technologies and batteries are among the areas where innovation is most needed to maintain the competitiveness of Europe’s space sector, the European Space Conference heard last week.
“Looking to the next years, we have some real fundamental technologies we have to develop,” said Carole Mundell, director of science at the European Space Agency (ESA).
ESA is already looking decades ahead with its Voyage 2050 plan, which sets out the science and technology it will need for its missions from 2035 until 2050. Top of the list are propulsion technologies, especially high-power thrusters.
“We need to get out to the distant regions of the solar system,” Mundell said…
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