Ireland's first European Space Agency Phi-Lab will be headquartered at Irish Manufacturing Research in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
The six-year pioneering programme is designed to drive innovation in space technologies within companies in Ireland.
Phi-Lab Ireland will fund cutting-edge research from materials discovery and testing, to the scaled production of components optimised for the unique and challenging environment of space.
The new facility will be run in collaboration with the AMBER Centre at Trinity College Dublin.
It is hoped the establishment of this new hub will boost Ireland and Europe’s competitiveness, sovereignty, and leadership in the global space economy.
ESA Phi-Lab Ireland is described as a structured "under the one roof" centre designed to accelerate companies on their space-optimised technology development cycle.
It is a part of a wider Government plan to commit €170 million to the European Space Agency over the next five years.
ESA Phi-Lab Ireland was formally launched by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke this morning.
"ESA Phi-Lab Ireland strengthens Ireland’s position, and the midlands region, as a hub for advanced research, innovation and high-value enterprise," he said.
"It demonstrates our long-term commitment to supporting cutting-edge technologies that will drive competitiveness, create skilled jobs and deliver solutions to global challenges, from advanced manufacturing to industrial transformation.
"The Government’s €170 million commitment to ESA over the next five years is about ensuring Ireland plays a leading role in Europe’s space future," Mr Burke added.
At the event, Minister Burke also announced the first supported companies by ESA Phi-Lab Ireland – MBRYONICS and Ubotica Technologies.
It follows an open competition last year.
The minister also announced a second competition for proposals from space-active companies seeking to advance their position in the European space market.
Projects from companies that in the past have never considered their products for the space sector are also being encouraged.
There are now 120 space-active companies working with ESA in Ireland.
The establishment of the Phi-Lab "is a powerful example of how Europe is strengthening its technology by bringing cutting-edge research closer to industrial applications" the ESA said.
"With ESA Phi‑Lab Ireland, ESA is investing in the technologies that will elevate the future of Europe’s space sector, strengthening industrial competitiveness while ensuring that innovation for space delivers value far beyond it" said Dietmar Pilz, Director of Technology at ESA, and Head of the European Space Research and Technology Centre.
"It reinforces ESA’s commitment to fostering excellence across its member states and to ensuring that innovation developed for space delivers real benefits for industry, society and Europe’s long‑term competitiveness." he added.
CEO of Irish Manufacturing Research Barry Kennedy described the new Phi-Lab as "a defining moment for Ireland’s innovation landscape"
"Today marks a significant milestone in Ireland’s space and innovation ambition," he said.
"This facility positions Ireland at the forefront of European space-enabled innovation, where advanced manufacturing AI and data-driven technologies can be developed, tested and commercialised for global impact.
"Ultimately, this is about translating world-class research into real economic and societal value." he added.
