This interdisciplinary initiative will focus on human and robotic space exploration activities through training, research and dissemination projects. ESA will draw on the wide range of scientific fields within PSL – astrophysics, physics, biology, chemistry, life sciences, design - involving many of PSL members such as Observatoire de Paris, Ecole normale supérieure, Institut Curie, MINES ParisTech, Chimie ParisTech or Ecole nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (affiliate member).
ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) will be the focus of the first collaborations and later extended to other ESA centres. The Space Technological Complex at Observatoire de Paris will also play a major role. Many programmes and teams from PSL and EAC will be involved, applying a strong interdisciplinary tradition to improve the work of astronauts.
- Spaceship EAC will provide internships to improve space missions for top-level, highly selected students in fields such as robotics, materials or life sciences, notably from the PSL Institute for Technology and Innovation (PSL-ITI) which combines research and innovation with design technologies.
- Students following the PSL Medicine/Sciences program, which provides a double skill set in life sciences and sciences (physics, mathematics, etc.), will be able to specialise in space medicine through specific courses offered by EAC.
- PSL and EAC will co-chair PhDs in the Medicine/Sciences programme according to specific profiles.
- Common research topics will include the history of astronauts and radiation exposure.
The President of PSL, Professor Alain Fuchs, and ESA Director General Professor Jan Wörner, revealed the new scheme during a meeting to sign the agreement at ESA Headquarters in Paris this week.
Professor Fuchs said: “Space has been at the forefront of current debates with the strengthening goal of preparing missions to Mars. They are the stuff of dreams for everyone, not least amongst which our students and researchers. This collaboration is in perfect line with PSL’s DNA in interdisciplinary training, research and innovation, as demonstrated by the flagship PSL programmes that will take part in the partnership. PSL is proud to contribute to the work of ESA in opening new frontiers and understanding our universe ever so slightly more.”
ESA Director General Jan Wörner added: "A few years ago, ESA launched the Spaceship EAC initiative to tackle future space exploration challenges. The best way to do so, is to open up to new sectors around us and engage with people from outside the pure space sector. In a context of change of paradigm, I am confident that this new collaboration will contribute to leading us along the right path, for more research, more innovation and the emerging of new ideas."
Development of the collaborations
Several students in Life Sciences at Ecole normale supérieure have already benefited from specialised courses in space physiology. This programme will develop over the course of the coming years. Details of the academic content will be finalised over the next few months by PSL and ESA, including Frank De Winne (Head of the European Astronaut Centre EAC and Lead ISS Operations and Astronaut Group), Victor Demaria-Pesce (Senior Advisor to the Head of EAC), Cédric Denis-Rémis (Vice-President for Development, PSL), Minh-Ha Pham (Vice-President for International Relations, PSL) and Audrène Eloit (Director of Partnerships and Development, PSL).