POLIMI WINS THE 2024 EDA RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION PAPERS AWARD

Michele Maestrini, Maria Alessandra De Luca, Niccolò Faraco, and Pierluigi di Lizia, all members of the SPIRE research team from the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology at Politecnico di Milano, have been awarded the 2024 EDA Research, Technology, and Innovation Award.

This prestigious award, focused on advancing future defense capabilities through innovative technologies, processes, and applications, was presented at Eurosatory in Paris by EDA Research, Technology, and Innovation Director, Nathalie Guichard.

The winning paper, titled "SPACEGUARD: How Space Law Enforcement Can Enhance Space Security Through Comprehensive Monitoring and Response to Threats", addresses a critical gap in the current space governance framework.

The paper highlights the growing need for a robust system to enforce laws, prevent illicit activities, and provide emergency response services in space. As space activities proliferate, the absence of a dedicated space law enforcement body has created vulnerabilities in maintaining security and order in orbit.

The team's innovative approach proposes an end-to-end solution for enhancing space security. This solution focuses on the identification and characterization of unknown and potentially hostile space objects, determining their ownership and activities, and providing a comprehensive framework for monitoring and responding to threats.

The paper also emphasizes the dual-use potential of this solution, particularly for commercial applications such as on-orbit servicing. By leveraging existing technologies and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, the team's proposal offers a promising path towards greater space security and resilience in the face of evolving threats.

Their work not only advances the field of space governance but also exemplifies the kind of innovative thinking the EDA seeks to promote in the defense sector.

Learn more: https://eda.europa.eu/