The sky’s the limit for new jobs and opportunities as Ireland prepares to enter the space industry with the launch of its first satellite.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar confirmed yesterday he had signed a letter of understanding and legal documents that will allow the country to launch its first- space mission in the new year.
The satellite, which has been designed and built by academic staff and students at UCD, will be launched in January or February.
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Mr Varadkar said the project was a “major milestone” and space has “untold opportunities” for economic education and scientific development.
He added: “This is a big moment for the Irish space sector as this is Ireland’s first mission into space.
“It has huge spin-off potential for Irish businesses and universities.
“We have increased our financial contribution to the European Space Agency which is paid back in multiples in terms of contracts for Irish aviation and aerospace companies.”
Over the last 20 years, Ireland has invested around €300million in space projects.
Additional funding worth €1.5million was allocated during last month’s Budget.
Minister of State Damien English said any financial investment put into the programme is earned back through contracts with
companies who recreate jobs in Ireland. He added: “It has really paid off.”
UCD, meanwhile, said the cost up until now is around €1.5million, with the ESA funding the launch, the Irish Research Council paying for nine team members.
Science Foundation Ireland and the Department of Enterprise also provided funds.
Professor Lorraine Hanlon, director of the Eirsat-1 project and the UCD C-Space Centre, said work is already under way on a second satellite.
For now attention is focused on the first mission launch from French Guiana.
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