- business with esa
Support to industry &
Business with ESA
Your Road to Success with ESA
Your journey starts with Space Exchange Switzerland (SXS). Engaging with the space sector, and with the European Space Agency (ESA), involves specific frameworks and processes that may be new to some industries and stakeholders.
SXS provides practical support to help you understand how ESA operates and how to engage with it effectively.
- collaboration
Why collaborate with ESA
- Access to expertise
ESA gives access to a wide network of European technical experts. This can be useful when making technology choices or understanding trade-offs between different solutions.
- European perspective
Working with ESA helps position your activities within a broader European context and increases visibility across the space sector.
- Long-term development
ESA programs are often designed to support development over time, not only short-term projects.
- SXS support
What SXS does for you
- Guidance on ESA processes
SXS helps you understand how to approach ESA, how to initiate a first contact, and how to navigate its structure and programs.
- Connections with partners
We support you in identifying and connecting with European partners and potential customers relevant to your activities.
- Access to insights
We provide information on technologies, market positioning, and key challenges in the sector. This includes benchmarking and input from industry.
- Support for positioning
Based on your current situation and objectives, we help you clarify where you stand and how to position your activities within the space ecosystem.
- support
SXS supports to the Swiss delegation at ESA through participation in key advisory groups and boards, including the THAG (Technology Harmonisation Advisory Group) and the CTB (Component Technology Board). This involvement supports the representation of Swiss interests in European space technology discussions.
Technology Harmonisation Advisory Group
The Technology Harmonisation Advisory Group supports the coordination of technology priorities across ESA Member States. It contributes to aligning national and European activities, identifying gaps, and defining common roadmaps for future developments.
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Component Technology Board
The Component Technology Board is responsible for the formulation of strategic programs and work plans for technology research and development in the area of European EEE space components. It is also responsible for the harmonization and co-ordination of the collectively funded European space component and technology research and the related development, evaluation, qualification and quality assurance activities.
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Expand your network and find the right business partner
As a national platform, SXS is connected to a broad network within the space community. This network includes industrial, institutional, and research actors across Switzerland and Europe.
Deborah Müller
Industrial relations
ETH Zürich
Julien Bonnaud
Industrial relations
EPFL
Here to support you
The SXS team, including Julien Bonnaud and Deborah Müller, helps you identify the right partners for your project – whether industrial collaborators, customers, or technology partners. Through its extensive network, SXS connects you with key stakeholders across the Swiss space ecosystem.
- technology harmonisation
What is Technology Harmonisation?
Technology Harmonisation within the European Space Agency is a coordinated process between ESA, its Member States, and industry. Its objective is to align technology development efforts across Europe in order to:
Purpose and Approach
01.
The Technology Harmonisation maps European space capabilities. Meanwhile, it asseses the technological needs in Europe in order to identify strategic gaps and dependences.
02.
A report called Technology Harmonisation Dossier is edited and open for consultation to European Stakeholders. State of the art, key issues, European needs, market intelligence and a roadmap are listed in this document.
03.
Finally, a roadmap is jointly proposed and agreed to answer the European strategic needsand provide a shared framework. These roadmaps define strategic targets to reach within 5 years (« where we want to be »), according the actual stage of our technologies/products (« where we are today »).
04.
Julien Bonnaud explained this approach in a previous interview from our “FOCUS SPACE” series. Let’s now hear him share his mentoring role in supporting Swiss stakeholders and strengthening their position within the European space landscape
Harmonisation process phases
Identification technology areas
ESA proposes new topic based on strategic needs and stakeholder input,
First draft document preparation
ESA draft the THD outlining the state of the art, ongoing activities, gaps and Strategic Roadmap.
Harmonisation meetings
ESA proposes new topic based on strategic needs and stakeholder input,
Review & Validation
All the feedbacks are integrated in the THD, finalised and validated together with THAG Delegates.
Implementation
Harmonised results guide ESA and Member States’ planning and investments.
Cycle 1
- Actuators Building Blocks for Mechanisms
- Pyrotechnic Devices (within release mechanisms)
- Printed Circuit Boards and Electronic Assembly Technologies
- Additive Manufacturing
- Micro and Nano Technologies – MEMS Pressure Sensors, MOEMS and RF-MEMS
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Cycle 2
Ground Station Technology
On-Board Computers, Data Handling Systems and Microelectronics
Avionics Embedded Systems
On-Board Software
Radiation Environment and Effect
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get in touch
- key references