A gaggle picture from the seventh International Quantum Technology Conference of the European Space Agency, hosted on the Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH) in Iraklio, Crete, earlier in October. ESA’s objective is to create higher gear for future space missions, says Dr Kyriaki Minoglou.
Satellites and space know-how could appear far-off from us, however it’s a lot nearer than we expect and inside every part we do. The seventh International Quantum Technology Conference of the European Space Agency (ESA), hosted October 7-9 on the Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH) in Iraklio, Crete, illuminated new paths for the event of space know-how. More than 150 convention members from everywhere in the world gathered on the island to debate subjects which can be on the forefront of innovation within the subject of quantum applied sciences.
The convention proceedings opened with greetings from Dr Josef Aschbacher, ESA director common, Dr Kyriaki Minoglou, head of the Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division at ESA, and FORTH President Vassilis Charmandaris.
“Quantum technology has been booming recently and has many applications in space, in a number of sectors: in Earth observation, in space exploration for new planets and black holes, in telecommunications. We are looking for technological upgrade solutions for each sector separately, but also as a whole. Our goal is to create better equipment than what we had when we sent the space machines out there: cameras with better resolution, GPS with greater precision, sensors more sensitive to the gravitational fields of the Earth and other planets. All of this will help the development of research,” Dr Minoglou tells Kathimerini.
But what does all of this need to do with our life on planet Earth? “Especially in our sector, the development of science and quality of life go together. For example, we are going to make our communications much more secure. Overall, satellites today are used in many aspects of our lives: with their help we communicate, travel, pay, book a taxi, but also see sudden changes in the weather, receive warnings about natural disasters, monitor climate change, develop security at all levels,” she explains. “All of this could not exist in its current form without the development of space technology.”
Dr Minoglou started her research on the Department of Electrical Engineering of the Polytechnic School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, accomplished her PhD on the Demokritos National Center for Scientific Research, continued for a postdoctoral place in Belgium, and ended up at ESA with its pioneering scientific work. The division that Minoglou presently heads is multifaceted and pivotal for space know-how. It consists of the evolution of telescopes and cameras, the event of appropriate robotic autos, reminiscent of these that may go to the moon and different planets, but additionally research on life in space, beginning with the lifetime of astronauts on spacecraft and the administration of all associated points, from vitamin to waste.
“ESA is doing a great job. Today, it is a pioneer in Earth observation satellites, such as Sentinel,” says Minoglou. That is why it will be important for Greece to additional develop its cooperation with the European Space Agency.
“Our country has significant benefits from its participation in ESA. The money we give as a subscription is returned and, moreover, it is an investment in the future. Programs are coming to research centers, universities, companies, etc. Young scientists are finding work and starting their careers very creatively and at a high level. There are already several contracts with Greek research groups, but we are lagging behind in industry,” she provides.
“In previous years, three important observatories in Greece – Helmos, Skinakas on Crete and Holomondas in Halkidiki – were upgraded with funds from the Recovery Fund. These observatories became optical, meaning they can have optical communication via laser and participate in corresponding programs,” she says.
For instance, in July, the Aristarchos telescope on Mount Helmos, along with the observatory in Kryoneri, Corinth, took half in a main NASA and ESA experiment, the place optical broadband communication was achieved with a spacecraft at a distance of 300 million kilometers from Earth.
ESA’s option to host and arrange the seventh Quantum Technology Conference on Crete, in collaboration with FORTH, “is clear recognition of the institution’s position as a strong partner,” Dr Minoglou says. “Its pioneering research and world-class facilities are crucial for the development of technologies that can shape the future of our missions.”
The existence of the Skinakas Observatory was additionally a purpose for selecting Iraklio, in addition to the truth that on Crete there are a number of younger scientists who’re already collaborating on European Space Agency applications.
Within the framework of the convention, FORTH and ESA signed a memorandum of intent for cooperation, aiming to strengthen current joint initiatives within the fields of quantum know-how, data know-how, astronomy and astrophysics.