First space cleanroom in Slovakia opened in Košice
The Institute of Experimental Physics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences has officially opened a new state-of-the-art infrastructure for the development, testing and integration of space technologies. The facility will allow scientists and engineers to work on space electronics and scientific satellite equipment in an environment that meets strict international standards right in Košice. The implementation was made possible thanks to financial support and cooperation within the framework of the TIK STEPHANIK and SAV OPEN LABS projects, which the European Union funds.
"The first scientific equipment from our workplace flew into space back in 1977. So far, we have collaborated on more than 25 space missions. The new space cleanroom (clean rooms) with air cleanliness class ISO 7 opens the door for us to participate in the most demanding projects of the European Space Agency (ESA). At the same time, we will be able to carry out the critical phases of development and testing directly at our premises," said Šimon Mackovjak, Head of the Space Physics Department of the Institute of Experimental Physics SAS.
A cleanroom is a strictly controlled environment in which extremely low concentrations of dust particles, stable temperature and humidity, and ESD protection against electrostatic charge are maintained. This minimises the risk of defects in the development, testing and integration of sensitive electronics. Individual processes in the cleanroom will be carried out in accordance with ECSS (European Cooperation for Space Standardisation) standards. These conditions and procedures are key for hardware that is designed for long-term operation in an extreme space environment.
"The space sector is progressing very dynamically. We live in the era of the Artemis program, when spaceflight is becoming a regular part of our lives. Space technologies are essential for humanity. We believe that by opening the cleanroom, we are opening the door not only to opportunities for our scientific projects, but also for space projects in Slovakia in general," added Šimon Mackovjak.
The official opening took place in the presence of guests from the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the STEPHANIK project consortium, the Eastern Slovak Space Cluster, the Slovak Space Office, and representatives from partner universities and companies. Details of the cleanroom's implementation and planned use will be presented to the general public during the traditional SPACE::TALK meetup. The cleanroom will primarily serve the Institute of Experimental Physics of the SAS space program's needs. Part of the capacity will be reserved for joint scientific and technological projects, and part will be available for commercial lease. This mixed use of the infrastructure will ensure not only the transfer of technologies into practice, but also economic sustainability.
Processed by: Katarína Paulovičová, Institute of Experimental Physics SAS
Photo: Martin Ferenc and ÚEF SAS