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Power from space

Bremen, 23 September 2003

* Milestone for future solar power supply directly from space
* EADS SPACE Transportation demonstrates precise power transmission by means of laser technology
* Presentation during the International Astronautical Congress IAC in Bremen

With the development of a high-precision control system for energy transmission by means of lasers, EADS Space Transportation has achieved a first milestone in the field of future solar power supply directly from space. The algorithm specifically developed for this purpose will allow for the first time to precisely transmit energy and data onto an object, according to EADS SPACE Transportation during a press conference held in Bremen on Tuesday.

Using ground simulation facilities, engineers and researchers were able to furnish evidence that thanks to the new technology energy-transmitting laser and receiver - in this case a moving micro-rover, which in a larger version is also intended for use on future space missions - can automatically and exactly keep contact with each other. Frank Steinsiek, manager in charge of the Solar Power Infrastructure (SPI) project: "This will not only allow accurate energy transmission to the receiver on Earth by means of free-flying orbital structures. Laser transmission will also enable us to supply manned and unmanned missions with power in those areas in space where solar cells do not produce and supply energy. We are opening up a huge potential for spaceflight and life on Earth alike."

In a next step, EADS SPACE Transportation will suggest the installation of a laser unit for energy transmission on the International Space Station. Vision, however, is going even further. "Future developments will range from free-flying laser platforms in various orbits to the establishment of a power plant in the gigawatt range at an altitude of 36,000 kilometres. We can also imagine that in future spaceships do not have propulsion systems of their own but will be supplied with solar energy by laser stations in space, just like robots and rovers on the Moon and Mars," says Hartmut Müller, responsible for future concepts at EADS SPACE Transportation.

According to Müller, more than EUR 600,000 have already been invested in the development of the SPI technology. EADS SPACE Transportation financed two thirds of this amount from own resources while one third was spent by the Free Hanseatic city of Bremen within the BEOS project concerning the establishment of an operation and utilisation centre for the International Space Station.

During the 54th International Astronautical Congress IAC (to be held in Bremen from 29 September to 3 October 2003), the project will be presented to a wider specialised audience for the first time.

EADS SPACE Transportation was established in June 2003 by merging the German Astrium Space Infrastructure and the French EADS Launch Vehicles. EADS SPACE Transportation is the European specialist for space transportation, manned spaceflight and ballistic missiles for France's nuclear deterrent forces. In 2002, the company achieved a turnover of EUR 1.4 billion with a labour force of 5,000. EADS SPACE Transportation has sites in Bremen, Friedrichshafen, Ottobrunn and Lampoldshausen as well as in Les Mureaux near Paris, in St-Médard-en-Jalles near Bordeaux and in Kourou, French Guiana.

Bremen, 23 September 2003

Your contacts

EADS SPACE Deutschland
Dr. Mathias Spude
Telefon: 0421-539-5710
Fax: 0421-539-4534
e-mail: mathias.spude@space.eads.net

EADS SPACE Transportation
Kirsten Leung
Telefon: 0421-539-5326
Fax: 0421-539-4534
e-mail: kirsten.leung@space.eads.net