"Space travel is the foundation of future digitalization."

# Frank M. Salzgeber, who is responsible for technology transfer at the European Space Agency (ESA), talks about innovation, start-ups, delicious Viennese food, and the colonization of the Moon. "My first hero was 28 millimeters tall and blue," Frank M. Salzgeber shared at the Business Angel Summit in early July in Kitzbühel, Tyrol. He was referring to a character from the Lego Space Classics series from 1978. Later, he felt cheated because instead of aliens and distant planets, humanity got Facebook, says Salzgeber, who is responsible for technology transfer at the European Space Agency (ESA). However, space technology is now indispensable in modern life. "It is the basis of future digitalization," says Salzgeber. "There will be no autonomous driving or flying, and no global internet connectivity without technology from space." Salzgeber promotes space technology to large companies and start-ups. ESA operates a total of 16 incubation centers in 13 European countries, including one in Graz since last fall. The space agency has already supported 500 start-ups with funding, expertise, and connections. Salzgeber was interviewed by futurezone on the sidelines of the Business Angel Summit. futurezone: You are looking for companies interested in commercially utilizing space technology. How do you approach this? Frank M. Salzgeber: You can't take the dog hunting. Companies must approach us. The problem with technology transfer is not that the technology is not needed, but the willingness of companies to embrace innovation from outside. They need to be open to it. Is this not the case for many companies? Many companies operate too much within their own bubble. Chemists only attend chemistry events, and so on. But in agriculture, we know that self-fertilization does not always work. In the mountains, they say, never marry your cousin, because genetic garbage comes out of it. So far, I have not found any industry where we do not have something to offer, in terms of technologies, algorithms, or expertise. You also operate 16 incubation centers in Europe, including one in Graz. How important is the collaboration with start-ups for ESA? Start-ups must be willing to accept help. By the end of the year, we will have 19 incubation centers supporting 140 start-ups. The incubation centers are a partnership. The country, research institutions, and we all contribute. Start-ups receive €50,000 from us, technical support, participation in events, and can benefit from our brand. We don't ask for anything in return. It is said that one sees further by standing on the shoulders of giants. We are one of the giants. Are there plans for additional centers in Austria besides Graz? I leave that to our partners. I know there are interested parties, such as in Salzburg and Tyrol. ESA only covers one-third of the funding; two-thirds must come from local partners. This is where the wheat is separated from the chaff. This was also the case in Vienna, where the Viennese were not hungry enough. How does ESA collaborate with a start-up? Let me give you an example. In England, we have a start-up working on a digital X-ray machine that should weigh only 40 kilograms. The software, sensor, image processing, and algorithms all come from space technology. Conventional X-ray machines still use vacuum tubes, a 120-year-old technology. Our start-up is challenging Philips, Siemens, and General Electric. They have the potential to disrupt the market. What distinguishes space technology? Space technology is known for being lightweight, robust, and functional. With our industrial partners, we are building the infrastructure for the digital world, which is why major investors are putting money into this market. It involves image processing, telecommunications. Anyone with a satellite dish on their roof is using space technology. It also includes spatial data, earth observation, big data, and algorithms. You also collaborate extensively with industry in technology development. How do you define your role in this? In 2016, we had a budget of €4.3 billion. We pass on 90% to the industry. We are like the architect who oversees the construction of the house and ensures quality control. We set the direction. This is also the difference from NASA, which has developed a lot on its own. However, they also have a higher budget. More and more private companies, such as SpaceX or Virgin Galactic, are entering the space industry. What impact does this have on the self-perception of space organizations? We are just at the beginning. There will be no autonomous flying or driving without space technology. If we want internet for everyone, it can only be achieved through space technology. Space is the basis of future digitalization. And people like to invest in infrastructure. Space may seem crazy, but in the end, it is pure business. We are only at the tip of the iceberg. Do you see this trend in Europe as well? Take the example of Galileo. Many ask, "Why do we need this?" But which signal is more likely to be manipulated for political or economic purposes: the Russian, Chinese, American, or European satellite signal? Europe is based on trust, and we have 27 member countries. We could not reach an agreement on such manipulation. That is the advantage of the EU. Therefore, more start-ups will come to Europe. It is nicer and freer to live here, with better students and employees. I see this as an opportunity for Europe and Austria. We are an ideal location. Now we just need to get the funding in place. ESA also plans the colonization of the Moon with the Moon Village. Are you already in discussions with companies? With the Moon Village, it is about water, wastewater, energy, gas, and roads. We do not have a technology problem but a problem with the business model. Therefore, I would rather ask the head of Vienna's municipal utilities about the business model of such a lunar village than a tech company. How can I finance power plants and build a city? I need to think differently. The business model must be self-sustaining. By when do you think we will colonize the Moon? I believe this will happen within the next ten years. There is the drive for it, regardless of whether with or without Americans. And Mars? Mars will follow in the next 20 to 30 years. A few hundred years ago, America was far away, but today you can reach it in eight hours. Mars will take a bit longer, but we will definitely explore it. The man is certainly good at his business. He earns money that is completely meaningless for 99 percent of people. We do NOT need lunar colonization, we do NOT need Mars, we do NOT need people in space. We NEED electricity, food, and social security for all people in this world. The tools we have are completely sufficient. Navigation satellites are the basis of modern life. Nothing more is needed. Even research satellites are unnecessary because we cannot implement the results. It is nice to "see" the "end" of the universe through telescopes. The images are indeed beautiful. But completely meaningless compared to the costs and benefits. People like Mr. Salzgeber would be much more valuable in calculating the implementation of basic security for all people. I am sure that he - and all other experts in money generation - would quickly and effectively achieve this. THEN we can have fun in space. [Article published on futurezone]