ESA : First SpaceWire conference a resounding success

Conference participants 28 September 2007 The first conference devoted to SpaceWire, a leading data-handling network for use on board spacecraft, was held in Dundee (UK) from 17 to 19 September. Over 100 spacecraft designers from around the world took part, examining the current state of the technology and preparing for its future evolution. Representatives from the major space agencies, including ESA, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) attended the conference. They were joined by delegates from across Europe, and from Russia, Israel, Japan, the USA, Canada and Argentina. The three-day SpaceWire conference was hosted by the University of Dundee.

Conference participants The conference attracted many spacecraft design specialists, including product designers, hardware engineers, system developers and space mission specialists. It provided a unique opportunity for leading professionals from both space agencies and space industry to meet and discuss the latest developments in the specialised field of SpaceWire technology. More than fifty papers were presented during the three days. Session topics included: SpaceWire missions and applications components onboard equipment and software test and verification networks and protocols standardisation There was also an industrial exhibition featuring major international suppliers of SpaceWire technology.

SpaceWire exhibition Space Wire development SpaceWire is a leading data-handling network for use onboard spacecraft. It has already been used on many space missions and by many nations. SpaceWire development was initiated by ESA and has led to a state of the art solution for implementing on-board networks for spacecraft. The cooperation between three entities, namely space agencies, universities and industry, has been instrumental in achieving the present results and reaching a high level of usage of the technology around the world. This development method has enabled the creation of small companies, leading to an increase in European equipment supplier competitiveness.

Participants alongside RRS Discovery ESA is now accompanying the deployment of SpaceWire networks by defining, in coordination with NASA, JAXA and Roscosmos, higher level protocols aimed at further extending the capability of SpaceWire to build modular and easy to assemble on-board data systems. As part of a sustained commitment, ESA is already preparing for the future by supporting a smooth evolution towards higher data rates and capabilities. This conference undoubtedly contributed to the establishment of a suitable path towards this challenging goal.