ESA… An Awarding Proposition (Event)

[SatNews] Numerous life-changing technologies have emerged from space.

Now it’s time to promote European spinoffs to enter the Space Technology Hall of Fame honoring the scientists, engineers, innovators and businesses behind these advances for our society. Established in 1988 by the Space Foundation in cooperation with NASA, the hall of fame has so far recognized 65 technologies, including medical applications, new materials, communications and civil protection. Any technology developed anywhere in the world for use in space and then transformed into a terrestrial application or a commercial product can be nominated for the 2012 induction.

“Europe is a principal source of innovation and technology transfer,” says Kevin C. Cook, Space Foundation Director of Space Awareness Programs. “We look forward to receiving what will undoubtedly be outstanding nominations from our many European friends and colleagues.”

More than 260 space technologies have spurred applications in non-space sectors through ESA’s Technology Transfer Programme Office since it opened for business in the 1990s. On average, 17 new transfers are added each year and around 50 start-up companies using space technologies and services have benefited from ESA’s Business Incubation Centres. ESA encourages European individuals and companies to submit proposals for the Space Technology Hall of Fame 2012 to acknowledge those who are improving our lives on Earth through space. Nominations for the 2012 selection can be submitted until August 31, 2011. The winners will be announced in the autumn and will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at an awards ceremony at the 28th National Space Symposium in April 2012.