FUTURE APPLICATIONS OF MICRO NANO-TECHNOLOGIES IN-SPACE SYSTEMS

The reduction of costs for a given performance is a major goal of spac e systems technologists. Extreme miniaturisation, by reducing the leve ls of resources required, is a possible solution. Micro/nano-technolog ies allow the production of multiple types of microdevices and their i ntegration into microsystems, resulting in application-specific integr ated microinstruments. In recognition of their importance, ESTEC and I ndustry held a Round Table on Micro/Nano-technologies for Space. Based on the conclusions and recommendations made at the meeting, activitie s are proposed to gradually introduce these technologies in space-base d systems.