Revolutionizing Space Technology: The Partnership Between Emerson’s Test & Measurement Business Group and ESA

Emerson’s Test & Measurement Business Group, formerly known as NI, has recently collaborated with the European Space Agency (ESA) to create the pioneering Open Innovation Laboratory in Debrecen, Hungary. This innovative establishment is poised to revolutionize space system development and testing by implementing advanced strategies aimed at reducing costs and minimizing risks. The partnership also aligns with the industrial policy goals of the Hungarian government.

Located within Emerson’s Test & Measurement offices in Debrecen, the Open Innovation Laboratory will be accessible to projects that meet specific criteria set by the ESA’s Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP). It is equipped with state-of-the-art modular instrumentation and application software, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the space market.

Ritu Favre, the group president of Emerson’s Test & Measurement business group, has expressed her enthusiasm for the new lab, emphasizing its role in accelerating innovation within the space industry. She highlighted the importance of comprehensive test strategies in the early stages of development, stating that they can help engineers avoid late-stage problem discovery, which often leads to significant cost overruns and delays.

Furthermore, Rafael Lucas Rodriguez, head of ESA’s NAVISP Technical Programme Office, highlighted the productive relationship between the ESA and Emerson’s Test & Measurement Business Group. He expressed confidence in the laboratory’s ability to pave the way for new market opportunities and innovative Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions and services. The laboratory’s focus on enabling technologies, such as Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) test systems, has the potential to replicate the operational environment for subsystems under test.

One of the key highlights of the laboratory is its modular instrumentation and application software, including the Wideband Multichannel Phase Aligned Transceiver (MPA) System, S-Parameters, pulse-to-pulse stability, power added efficiency measurement, and the capability to emulate a Wideband Satellite Link. This cutting-edge technology will play a crucial role in transforming the design of complex satellite system-of-systems.

The facility also aims to focus on RF/microwave payloads based on wideband and active multi-beam antenna, on-board digital processor, and regenerative software defined radio. These efforts are geared towards addressing the rapidly evolving infrastructure for Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions. The laboratory will provide industry players with the necessary tools to test and prototype new technologies, particularly in emerging market areas such as Controlled Radiation Pattern Antennas (CRPA) to provide resilient positioning to the users.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Emerson’s Test & Measurement Business Group and the European Space Agency represents a significant milestone in the advancement of space technology. The establishment of the Open Innovation Laboratory in Debrecen signifies a major step forward in accelerating innovation and driving the development of advanced space testing strategies. This partnership has the potential to unlock new opportunities and shape the future of the space industry.