Lower Austria strengthens space research: Great growth awaited!

Lower Austria strengthens space research: Great growth awaited!

In the Lower Austrian space landscape, a lot is happening. A recently carried out delegation trip to the European Space Organization (ESA) in the Netherlands has further deepened the relationships between Lower Austria and the ESA that have been growing for years. Under the leadership of deputy governor Stephan Pernkopf, the test technology heart of the ESA, the ESTEC (European Space Research and Technology Center) in Noordwijk was also visited. Here, satellites come to a close look before their great commitment in space for tests on vibrations, heat and cold. A model in the 1:10 scale of a satellite was particularly impressive because it illustrates how complex and exciting space travel is.

The temperatures that are exposed to satellites in space can vary extremely - from minus 270 degrees to plus 100 degrees in the case of sunlight. A maximum of five meters large parts can be found in the special test chambers of the ESTEC. The reason for the Lower Austrian visit was not just the consideration of these important test facilities. Pernkopf used the opportunity to explain the reasons for the continuous investments of Lower Austria in space research: Technologies from space travel are increasingly finding its way into our everyday life, creating economic advantages and high -quality jobs and are essential for research in Europe to be able to clarify security issues.

space hub and new initiatives

Wiener Neustadt has developed into a hot spot in space research in Lower Austria, especially in recent years. Around 20 companies and around 1,500 jobs were created here in the area of ​​space research and aviation technology. An outstanding example is the Wiener Neustadt University of Applied Sciences, which has been offering a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering since 2012. Together with the research company Fotec, the small satellite Pegasus was shot in space in 2017, which burned out in 2024. Fotec received over 12 million euros in ESA development orders and will continue to work as a partner in projects.

The latest developments include the foundation of the "ESA Phi-Lab Austria" at Vienna Airport in Schwechat. This center will act as an important excellence center for upstream technologies. The initiative, which is equipped with a budget of 11.2 million euros for the first four years, should not only strengthen the space industry, but also promote new ideas and products. Enpulsion, a company for ion drives, is already located at the location, and the focus is on the rapid implementation of prototypes in areas such as new materials and innovative drive systems. This brings great opportunities for companies in the region, emphasizes Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.

A look into the future

The cooperation between ESA and Lower Austria is underpinned by the membership in the advisory board of the ESA-Labs. ESA General Director Josef Aschbacher emphasizes the growth potential in the space sector. He praises the partnership and sees a wonderful way to bring space technologies to everyday life in the support of start-ups and innovative projects.

A look at the possibilities that ESA offers shows the wide range of career opportunities. Professionals from the areas of engineering, science, IT and many other sectors are sought, with an international exchange being promoted. The entry into the ESA offers a variety of advantages, from competitive salaries to comprehensive health services, reports the ESA.

Lower Austria's commitment to space research is not only a look at the stars, but also an investment in the future that will affect us all. There is something in the area of ​​space travel - and Lower Austria has a good hand to take this opportunity.

For more information on space research in Lower Austria, you can do the articles from Kurier and Austria in space as well as the career side of the ESA Visit.