High Density Interconnect (HDI) technology entails miniaturisation of Surface Mounted Device (SMD) pads, tracks and microvias, which is already available technology for commercial market. Space market currently only uses more conservative larger dimensions for PCB routing and components. HDI is strongly driven by the decreasing pitch due to miniaturisation of available components. Denser population of PCBs leads to mass reduction. Typical HDI components are ceramic and, therefore, require the use of a low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) laminate, such as the obsolete Thermount.

There is increased attention being given to safeguarding Earth's orbital environment, as reflected by the number of relevant regulations that are being set forward by national governments and international organisations. Among others, ESA has published a Space Debris Mitigation Policy for Agency Projects (ESA/ADMIN/IPOL(2014)2), supported by the corresponding ESA Space Debris Mitigation Compliance Verification Guidelines (ESSB-HB-U-002).

Several studies have addressed the building of a lunar base either under ESA or other space agencies and entities. These studies have looked at conceptual designs, often of one specific element of the base, while most of the requirements are not adequately or not at all taken into consideration.

Over 120 spacecraft presently use electric thruster systems. They are now being used to provide most of the post-LEO propulsion demands on geosynchronous missions. The availability of practical, high-specific-impulse electric thrusters with long life, and the development of electrical power-systems required to sustain them, has resulted in extremely rapid growth in the applications of this technology. ESA has engaged in programmes (e.g.

N/A

Design for Demise is the intentional design of spacecraft hardware such that the spacecraft will completely ablate (demise) upon uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry during post-mission disposal, or even during unexpected re-entry due to critical system failure.Demisability has been identified as needed to reduce the risk of human causality and damage to property on Earth, and guarantee safety from satellite and spacecraft atmospheric re-entries.

.