ELIPS
European programme for Life and Physical sciences and applications utilising the International Space Station (ELIPS)
During the past two decades, research in life and physical sciences in space has developed into a mature activity. Important results have been reported in such areas as cardiovascular, neuroscience, bone and muscle research, plasma physics, measurement of thermophysical properties of liquid metals, and astro/exobiology.
A Research Plan has been developed, founded on four science and application objectives and priorities:
- Exploring Nature;
- Improving Health;
- Innovating Technologies and Processes;
- Caring for the Environment.
To focus on the above four objectives, 14 specific research topics for Life and Physical Sciences in Space have been identified as priorities during the next 5 years (2004-9).
Since the 1995 Ministerial Council in Toulouse, ESA has actively pursued applied research on the International Space Station. Researchers from academia and industry have been brought together through Topical Teams, and have developed innovative schemes for experiments in space.
One of these schemes, funded equally by ESA, industry and academia, has led to the first true Public-Private-Partnerships involving ESA, and is one of the backbones of the ELIPS programme in pursuing Earth-based applications from space research.