The rain cleared up in time for a small group of space nerds to say goodbye to the coastline of Carcavelos and get on a bus to drive to Lisbon. Today, on the final day of module 1, we had the honor of visiting Deimos and Luso Space.
Deimos Engenharia has been delivering advanced design solutions and turn-key space software systems since 2002. The company focuses on systems engineering, ground segment, mission analysis and design and onboard software solutions, as well as satellite integration, in the fields of Science and Exploration, Satellite Navigation, Earth Observation, Space Situational Awareness, and Launchers.
We were shown devices that could help to measure and track ocean currents (see pictures) and I learnt that there are currently no satellite missions measuring currents, so these yellow and clear balls provide a lot of important data for scientists and governments!
At Luso Space we were greeted by the CEO, Ivo Yves Vieira. Luso Space, was also launched in 2002 and is a high-tech engineering solutions company with a multidisciplinary team that designs, develops, prototypes, integrates and tests advanced and innovative technological systems and components.
The first product that Luso Space created was the magnetometer. Magnetometers are some sort of space compass that allow you to orientate and monitor the position of satellites in real time, by calculating the magnetic field. Luso Space works on delivering this technology for various ESA missions.
My key takeaway for today was how augmented reality can be used to make manufacturing and assembly more efficient, clean, and controlled. Through augmented reality there is no need for physical checklists and instructuíons and there is an opportunity to have direct quality control by recording the processes being undertaken. During our visit at Luso Space we actually got to try the augmented reality (or actually the mixed reality) headset which was AMAZING!
Throughout the day people started to head off with flights to catch and appointments to keep. Outside of Luso Space we all said goodbye, already greatly anticipating the third and final module in October. I cannot wait to see these amazing people again soon.
Yesterday we got a glimpse of what our week in Rotterdam will be like – all I can say is stay tuned!
Yours,
Chiara
