New Space revolution, clean aviation, multi-messenger astronomy… In recent times, the aeronautics and space sectors have been experiencing radical advancements, which are of economic and scientific interest to CERN Member States. Thanks to its remarkable technologies, facilities and know-how, CERN plays a crucial role in aerospace.
Aerospace and particle physics share many technical similarities in terms of operational environments. Both sectors need components capable of functioning in harsh radiation environments, extreme temperatures and high vacuum conditions. Moreover, they both need to be able to handle large amounts of data quickly and autonomously.
Performed in orbit around the Earth to avoid atmospheric effects, fundamental physics missions in space have much in common with CERN’s underground experiments. Many synergies exist, in particular between particle and astroparticle physics experiments, including but not limited to detection capabilities.
Maximising the positive impact of its research on society is integral to CERN’s mission. Aerospace applications carry strong opportunities in areas such as human and robotic exploration, long-distance transportation, climate change and environment monitoring, disaster prevention, advanced telecommunication and geolocalisation.
Aerospace-related competences & expertise:
- Radiation monitoring and dosimetry
- Radiation-hardened components
- Radiation-tolerant systems
- Superconducting and cryogenic systems
- Thermal management, advanced materials and processes
- Big data handling and analysis tools
- Irradiation and cryogenic testing facilities
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