About ESA Phi-Lab Poland

ESA Phi-Lab Poland - Autonomous Robotic and Intelligent Systems for Space Exploration and Earth Applications

Phi-Lab Poland represents a strategic initiative within the European Space Agency's innovation network, focused on accelerating the future of Earth Observation and space exploration through transformative technologies. Specializing in autonomous robotic and intelligent systems, this Polish competence centre brings together two of the country's premier technical universities to strengthen European competitiveness in the global space sector.

Poznan University of Technology (PUT)

Poznan University of Technology serves as the main contractor for ESA's Phi-Lab Poland initiative. With extensive expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, PUT brings exceptional knowledge and innovation capabilities to the European space sector.

Research teams at PUT specialize in developing cutting-edge solutions for space exploration challenges, focusing on autonomous robotic systems that can operate in extreme environments. The interdisciplinary approach combines mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and AI to create next-generation technologies that push the boundaries of what's possible in space and terrestrial applications.

Warsaw University of Technology (WUT)

Complementing PUT's expertise, Warsaw University of Technology functions as the key Partner, leveraging renowned capabilities in space engineering and satellite technologies. WUT's contributions to numerous international space missions and satellite projects have helped establish Poland as a significant player in the European space ecosystem.

Through WUT's specialized laboratories and research facilities, advanced testing and development of space-grade components and systems ensure that Polish innovations meet the rigorous standards required for space deployment.

World-Class Research Infrastructure

Campus Kakolewo: Space Robot Testing Facility

Located near Poznań, Campus Kakolewo represents PUT's commitment to space technology advancement. This state-of-the-art facility features:

• - Planetary Surface Simulation Arena (700m²): A dome-shaped structure with reconfigurable terrain features, including craters, slopes, and various soil compositions that mimic lunar, Martian, and asteroid surfaces. The facility includes programmable lighting systems to simulate different solar conditions and shadow patterns encountered in space.
• - High-Precision Motion Capture System: This overhead multi-camera system covers the entire testing arena and is capable of tracking robot movements with high precision. It is essential for validating autonomous navigation algorithms and providing ground-truth data.
• - Environmental Testing Chamber: A specialized laboratory (~100m²) equipped with a low-temperature thermal chamber for testing under cryogenic conditions, a pressure chamber for testing under vacuum conditions, and a climate chamber for testing under simulated conditions of varying temperature and humidity.
• - Microgravity Laboratory: A 50m² frictionless microgravity simulation platform with a 12-camera optical tracking system for tracking objects on a frictionless surface.
• - Mission Control Center: Connected to the simulation environment, enabling simulation of remote-control algorithms, including controllable latency, noise and interference, reflecting realistic conditions of very long-range communication with rovers.
• - Computational Facilities: High-performance CPU and GPU servers for data processing, running simulations and experiments, with over 200TB of secure, redundant storage for experiment data.

Advanced Technology Infrastructure at WUT

The partnership within Phi-Lab Poland leverages specialized facilities at Warsaw University of Technology:

• - CENAGIS (Center for Scientific Geospatial Analysis and Satellite Computations): Advanced IT infrastructure that allows geospatial analysis and satellite calculations (spatial big data type), with laboratories for testing and authorizing measuring instruments used in acquiring spatial data.
• - Center of Satellite Computation: Working in cooperation with EUREF (Regional Reference Frame Sub-Commission for Europe) as Local Analysis Center EPN (European Permanent Network), computing topographic corrections and precise coordinates using GNSS data.
• - Laboratories for Testing and Authorising Geomatic Products: Facilities for testing and authorizing measuring instruments used in acquiring spatial data and laboratories for testing geoinformation applications and spatial data, including measuring and testing self-driving cars and UAV technologies.

Supporting Innovation and Commercialization

Phi-Lab Poland serves as a bridge between research excellence and commercial applications, providing a comprehensive ecosystem for developing autonomous robotic and intelligent systems from concept to market readiness. The initiative supports local enterprises and startups by:

• - Offering access to world-class testing facilities and expertise
• - Providing technical consultation on space-grade technology development
• - Facilitating connections with the broader European space ecosystem
• - Supporting technology transfer from space applications to terrestrial markets
• - Assisting in securing funding for innovative space technology projects

Through these efforts, Phi-Lab Poland contributes to ESA's mission of accelerating transformative innovation in Earth observation and space exploration while positioning Poland as a key contributor to Europe's space ambitions.

Looking to the Future

We encourage you to explore our current open calls for proposals and funding opportunities. These initiatives provide valuable pathways to engage with Phi-Lab Poland and develop innovative space technologies.

If you have inquiries about collaboration opportunities, facility access, or support for your space technology venture, please email us at [email protected].