IEP SAS opened first cosmic cleanroom in Slovakia

Institute of Experimental Physics SAS has officially opened a new infrastructure for development, testing, and integration of space technologies. The facility in Košice will be used by scientists and engineers to work on space electronics and scientific satellite equipment in an environment that meets strict international standards. The implementation was made possible thanks to financial support and cooperation within the TIK STEPHANIK and SAV OPEN LABS projects, both funded by the European Union.

“The first scientific instrument from our institute launched into space in 1977. Since then, we have participated in more than 25 space missions. The new cosmic cleanroom with ISO 7 air cleanliness classification opens the door for us to take part in the most demanding projects of the European Space Agency (ESA), while allowing us to carry out critical phases of development and testing directly at our facility,” said Šimon Mackovjak, head of the Department of Space Physics at the Institute of Experimental Physics SAS.

Cosmic cleanroom is a strictly controlled environment in which an extremely low concentration of dust particles, stable temperature and humidity, and ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection are maintained. This minimizes the risk of defects during the development, testing, and integration of sensitive electronics. Individual processes carried out in the cleanroom will comply with ECSS (European Cooperation for Space Standardization) standards. These conditions and procedures are essential for hardware intended for long-term operation in the extreme space environment.

“The space sector is advancing very dynamically. We are living in the era of the Artemis program, when space missions are becoming a common part of our lives. Space technologies are essential for humanity. We believe that by opening this cleanroom, we are opening the door not only to opportunities for our scientific projects, but also for space-related projects in all Slovakia,” added Šimon Mackovjak.

The official opening was attended by invited guests from the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the STEPHANIK project consortium, the Eastern Slovak Space Cluster, the Slovak Space Office, as well as representatives of partner universities and companies. General public had the opportunity to learn about details of the cleanroom and its planned use during the regular SPACE::TALK meetup. The cleanroom will primarily serve the needs of the space program of the Institute of Experimental Physics SAS. Part of its capacity will be reserved for joint scientific and technological projects, while another part will be available through commercial rental. This mixed use of the infrastructure will ensure not only the transfer of technologies into practice, but also its economic sustainability.

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