Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
European Space Agency Locates Philae Lander on Comet 67P After Two-Year Search
On September 2, 2016, the European Space Agency successfully located its long-lost Philae lander on Comet 67P after an extensive two-year search. Philae, which was deployed by the Rosetta spacecraft in November 2014, had experienced a rough landing due to failed harpoons, leading it to bounce and ultimately rest in a shadowed area where it could not generate sufficient solar power. The discovery of Philae's location provided closure for the European Space Agency, as it marked the culmination of a challenging mission that aimed to understand comet behavior. Despite its limited operational time, Philae made significant contributions, including the detection of organic materials on the comet's surface, before its batteries were depleted. Looking ahead, the Rosetta mission concluded with a controlled crash landing on Comet 67P on September 30, 2016. The mission's findings continue to influence our understanding of comets and their role in the solar system, making it a pivotal moment in space exploration history.
Space Exploration
ChapsVision Secures Contract with French Spy Agency, Aims for European Leadership
ChapsVision has successfully secured a contract with a French intelligence agency, positioning itself as a competitor to Palantir. This move is part of ChapsVision's strategy to establish itself as a leading player in the European market for intelligence solutions. The significance of this contract lies in ChapsVision's ambition to become a 'European champion' in the field of data analytics and intelligence. By winning this contract, the company not only enhances its credibility but also strengthens its foothold in a market dominated by established players like Palantir. Looking ahead, industry observers will be keen to see how ChapsVision leverages this contract to expand its influence in Europe. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Honeywell spearheads VERTI-GO project to establish eVTOL regulations in Europe
Honeywell is leading the VERTI-GO project, which aims to develop regulatory frameworks for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in European airspace. This initiative is crucial as the demand for eVTOLs grows, necessitating clear guidelines to ensure safety and efficiency in urban air mobility. The establishment of these regulations is significant for the future of air transportation, as it will facilitate the integration of eVTOLs into existing air traffic systems. By addressing safety, operational, and environmental concerns, the VERTI-GO project aims to pave the way for widespread adoption of eVTOL technology across Europe. Looking ahead, stakeholders will be monitoring the progress of the VERTI-GO project closely, particularly as it seeks to finalize its regulatory recommendations. The outcomes of this initiative could influence global standards for eVTOL operations, making it a pivotal development in the aviation sector. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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