Thursday, September 11 11:45:45

Irish tech company, Skytek, is to host an important International Space Station (ISS) think-in in Dublin where astronauts and space scientists will mull the future of manned space flight.

Officially called the Operations Data File (ODF) and International Procedure Viewer (iPV) Working Group, the week long series of workshops and meetings will explore how astronauts will carry out certain processes, what instructions they need, what technology devices they will use and future technology possibilities.

The groups will includes a number of NASA and ESA astronauts.

Commenting Dr Sarah Bourke, CEO, Skytek said "The topics analysed in Dublin next week will help frame future space exploration and we are delighted to be part of this. We have a long history in developing technology for the space industry including European Space Agency, NASA and the International Space Station. Our technology was first deployed onto the Space station in 2005 and has been in daily use by astronauts ever since."

The hosting of the event in Dublin for the first time is seen as an endorsement of Skytek and the space industry in Ireland.

The visit includes a week long itinerary of events kicking off in Dublin on 15th September. Although the focus of the meetings relates to ISS requirements, Skytek is also organising a number of additional related events, including a public lecture by esteemed Astronaut Leopold Eyharts the Tuesday evening, September 16th, in the Science Gallery.

Tony Mc Donald, Enterprise Ireland welcomed the initiative saying "This event places Ireland to the forefront of space technologies. Irish companies, like Skytek, are testimony to the success of our space programme in Ireland."

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