For almost 10 years, Poland has become an increasingly important player in the space sector. Although the companies operating in this industry are far from the US entities, Polish engineers specialize in several industries and they will most likely determine the potential of Poles in this market. Poland is building small research satellites, and working on an ecological propulsion for space rockets. Polish IT specialists are recognized experts in the field of software development.
“In 2012 we joined the European Space Agency and since then we have been building our know-how. Poland specializes in several niches. These niches are, among others small satellites, up to 60–120 kg. These are the so-called robotic systems. Robots that can move around Mars, other planets or the Moon, as well as robots that are used in missions outside of the celestial bodies. These are, for example, grippers that can be used to catch other satellites” – says Dr. Grzegorz Brona, President of the Management Board of Creotech Instruments.
Polish engineers also specialize in small propulsion, so-called green propulsion for satellites. They are based on hydrogen peroxide, i.e. hydrogen peroxide in a high concentration. In September, at the International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce, Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation presented the directions of development of the ILR-33 Amber rocket. It is to be able to reach speeds of 1.3 km / s and lift loads weighing up to 10 kg to a height of nearly 100 km. The rocket is powered by perhydrol in a concentration of over 98%, which makes it an ecological project, because the fuel consists of the same elements as water.
Polish scientists also work on several space missions.
“Next year we’re going to Jupiter. Our systems, incl. antenna systems will be on the JUICE probe, which will study the moons of Jupiter, looking for, among others, conditions conducive to the emergence of life. In two years, the Proba-3 probe is flying towards the Sun. Its purpose is to study the solar corona. It is a system of two spacecraft, one of which flies around the other, occluding the sun from time to time, therefore the other spacecraft can take a picture of the solar corona. Our engineers work, among others above the on-board computer of this system. Then, in 2029, the Comet Interceptor probe is to take over and examine a short-term comet” – lists Dr. Grzegorz Brona.