Press Release Dommel - IPStar
Strategic partnership Water Board De Dommel IPStar
Boxtel, April 10, 2017
Water Board De Dommel and IPStar BV enter into strategic partnership
The world is witnessing a paradigm shift: the transition from a linear to a circular economy. This is the biggest transformation since the industrial revolution. How can life support technologies designed for manned space missions contribute to the transformation of "Spaceship Earth"? The European Space Agency (ESA) is making large efforts in the preparation of long-term space travel such as a manned mission to Mars. A return trip to Mars will take about three years. This means that a minimum of thirty tons of food and water for a crew of six need to be transported. With current space craft technology this is impossible. The challenges ESA faces such as waste, producing clean water and oxygen, water treatment, efficient food production, are similar to the challenges that are prevalent on earth. ESA has been working on these topics since 1998 in an extensive space program known as the MELiSSA program.
Water board De Dommel recognizes the significance of the transition to a circular economy and is working on pilot projects for the new economy and the "water of the future." De Dommel is planning to work with IPStar, with the aim to find innovations and solutions by bringing together aerospace and terrestrial technologies.
About IPStar and Water Board De Dommel
IPStar BV is responsible for the application of technologies developed in the MELiSSA program and is building a circular economy platform where science, governments, education and business come together. IPStar is involved in the redevelopment of Soestdijk Palace. www.ipstar.io
Water Board De Dommel ensures the availability of sufficient, safe and clean water and prevents flooding preferably in the form of collaborations with stakeholders, working with companies and citizens to get more value out of water. www.dommel.nl
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe's gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. www.esa.int
Signing of the cooperation: Christophe Lasseur, Head of MELiSSA Project Peter Glas, Chair Water Board De Dommel Rob Suters, CEO IPStar BV.