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Stirling engines represent a technologically important solution in combined heat and power systems. Their use enables the achievement of over 90 percent efficiency in the management of the primary energy source with a very high durability of the device, mainly due to the lack of contact of the working gas with external factors and a very small number of mechanical components. The use of a Stirling engine may be equally important when applying renewable energy sources or waste heat from other processes. The first part of the work presents an overview of available commercial Stirling engine solutions. The second part of the work presents an overview of numerical models of Stirling engine operation, which enable the correct selection of the main geometrical features of the devices and the improvement of the structure in order to maximize efficiency or power.

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and its successful application in various fields, modeling and simulation technology, especially multi-agent modeling and simulation (MAMS), of complex systems has rapidly advanced. In this study, we first describe the concept, technical advantages, research steps, and research status of MAMS. Then we review the development status of the hybrid modeling and simulation combining multi-agent and system dynamics, the modeling and simulation of multi-agent reinforcement learning, and the modeling and simulation of large-scale multi-agent. Lastly, we introduce existing MAMS platforms and their comparative studies. This work summarizes the current research situation of MAMS, thus helping scholars understand the systematic technology development of MAMS in the AI era. It also paves the way for further research on MAMS technology.

Thermal Protection System (TPS) is an essential component of space vehicles to protect them against the aerothermal heating imposed on them during the atmospheric entry. Different types of TPS, including passive, semi-passive and active systems, have been developed and utilized in the last few decades. With the increasing demand for reusable launch vehicles (RLV) as well as new goals for interplanetary manned missions, the quest for developing effective TPS has been accelerated. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on the technology development of different classes of TPS from mid twentieth century to the present time. Application of different types of TPS for various RLVs is reviewed and the current state of the art of TPS technology is presented. Three major aspects, including mass efficient TPS materials and technology, modeling and simulation tools and techniques and TPS sensors and measurement systems are identified as current challenges pertaining TPS for future space missions, according to the most recent NASA Technology Roadmap. A detailed discussion on these challenges as well as insights regarding future prospects for different classes of TPS are presented in detail.

Process and device simulation has been invaluable for logic technology development for many technology nodes. The main goal of this work will be to review the broad and diverse simulation hierarchy that is used in industry to understand and optimize both current and future device technology options. This hierarchy spans both continuum modeling and atomistic methods / beyond continuum tools. Current process and device simulation results will be presented along possible extensions to the hierarchy to improve TCAD’s ability to help technology development.

Autonomous driving is the future development trend, and the development of driverless racing competitions has promoted further innovation in autonomous vehicle technology. Based on the summary of the history of autonomous driving competitions at home and abroad, this paper constructs an automatic racing competition system model, analyzes the characteristics of lidar technology in autonomous driving competitions, and analyzes the development trend of lidar technology for autonomous driving racing.

The core concept of healthy building is “people-oriented”. Indoor environment directly affects human health, comfort level, and work efficiency. The intuitive feeling and health effects of indoor occupants should be key evaluation indicators in constructing indoor environment. However, limited by existing experimental methods, testing techniques, and ethical considerations, many experiments related to indoor human health and comfort cannot be carried out on human bodies. In addition, although existing indoor environmental monitoring techniques and equipments can meet parameter control and energy efficiency requirements, they are relatively independent, and have not been integrated on a comprehensive platform. Furthermore, indicators are needed to reflect the comprehensive influence of multiple environmental parameters on the health effects of occupants. Therefore, in order to evaluate human thermal comfort in different environments and determine the effective doses of pathogenic sites in personal exposure studies, advanced and reliable measurement tools must be developed first. As a sophisticated and complex device, thermal manikin plays an important role in the evaluation of indoor health effects. It was originally used to measure and evaluate clothing performance parameters; with the development of control methods and manufacturing technology, many scholars have put forward sweating thermal manikin, thermal regulation manikin, and breathing thermal manikin on the basis of clothing thermal manikin. This paper systematically reviews the progress of research in three aspects, that is, the development history of thermal manikin, the construction of human microenvironment, and the construction of in vitro respiratory tract model. In different development stages and application environments, the implementation method, functions, features, and control methods of thermal manikin show diversity, but its implementation principles are basically similar. That is, it consists of morphological shell, surface skin, heating element, and sensor. The manikin’s structural characteristics and surface thermal plumes seriously affect the human micro-environment. Based on the latest research progress in the field of personal exposure, this paper summarizes the characteristics of flow field and the influencing factors of pollutant exposure in human micro-environment under experimental conditions with varying degrees of human model simplification. After that, it discusses the current status and difficulties of research on human inhalation exposure, and explains the significance of CT scanning, 3D printing, in vitro cell culture, and organ chip technology in the establishment of dose-effect relationship model, as well as their applications in the targeted therapy and biomarker research of lung diseases. On this basis, it talks about the development prospects of health effect research using a thermal manikin that has integrated 3D printing technology and breathing simulation function. This paper systematically reviews the research progress and applications of breathing thermal manikin and various advanced lung models in the fields of building environment and human health. Starting from airflow creation in human micro-environment, in vitro respiratory tract model, in vitro cell culture, and organ chip construction, it sums up the latest research progress of thermal manikin, draws the main conclusions of this field, presents the vision of the future prospects, and points out the limitations and shortcomings in this area. This paper aims to promote the development of more reasonable and accurate environmental control techniques, achieve healthy building, and promote the progress of pathology, pharmacology, and other disciplines.

Entre enero de 2014 y septiembre de 2015, se llevó a cabo la iniciativa Diamante Caribe y Santanderes: un ejercicio de planeación territorial conjunta entre los nueve departamentos que conforman las regiones colombianas de la costa norte del país y los santanderes. El resultado de este proyecto fue la definición de una visión integrada de crecimiento a partir de un diagnóstico sectorial, que comprende un portafolio de proyectos con impactos de diferente índole sobre la región. Uno de los sectores seleccionados para este estudio fue el de Plataformas Tecnológicas, el cual comprende sistemas de información y plataformas TI, instrumentación de ciudad, gobierno electrónico, salud, educación, instrumentación industrial. Este trabajo resume la experiencia del desarrollo de este estudio, y la visión final de una estrategia regional para las TIC denominada Diamante Digital. Además, se presentan algunos resultados complementarios y lecciones aprendidas del proceso. Between January 2014 and September 2015, the Diamante Caribe and Santanderes initiative was carried out: a joint territorial planning exercise between the nine departments that make up the Colombian regions of the north coast of the country and the santanderes of Colombia. The result of this project was the definition of an integrated vision of growth, based on a sectoral diagnosis, which included a portfolio of projects with different impacts on the region. One of the sectors selected for this study was Technological Platforms, which includes information systems and IT platforms, city instrumentation, electronic government, health, education, industrial instrumentation. This work summarizes the experience of the development of this study, and the final vision of a regional strategy for ICTs called Digital Diamond. In addition, some complementary results and lessons learned from the process are presented.

There have been several megatrends over the past several years that have been driving research activities in the area of electrical machines and drives. These include transportation electrification (land vehicles, aerospace, ships, locomotives), expanded role of renewables (wind, solar, wave…etc.), and smart grid among others. One of those megatrends that continues to become more critical is electrical machines for harsh environments. In many applications, production has been moved to remote locations and harsh environments. These include subsea oil exploration, sour/acid gas compression, downhole and geothermal pumps, underground mining, and aerospace applications. This paper will provide an overview of electrical machine for harsh environments as well as the key technology development and research trends.

The purpose of this white paper is to provide an overview to the NRC Decadal Survey Inner Planets Sub–Panel on key technologies required for future Venus exploration missions. It covers both heritage technologies and identifies new technologies to enable future missions in all three mission classes. The technologies will focus on mission enabling and enhancing capabilities for in situ missions, because most orbiter related sub–systems are considered heritage technologies. This white paper draws heavily on the recently completed Venus Flagship Mission study that identified key technologies required to implement its Design Reference Mission and other important mission options. The highest priority technologies and capabilities for the Venus Flagship Design Reference mission consist of: surface sample acquisition and handling; mechanical implementation of a rotating pressure vessel; a rugged–terrain landing system; and a large scale environmental test chamber to test these technologies under relevant Venus–like conditions. Other longer–term Venus Flagship Mission options will require additional new capabilities, namely a Venus–specific Radioisotope Power System; active refrigeration, high temperature electronics and advanced thermal insulation. The white paper will also argue for a technology development program, since without it future Venus missions might not be achievable.

The ATHENA (Advanced Telescope for High ENergy Astrophysics) mission studies and technology preparation are continuing to progress. The optics for this future space observatory is based on the Silicon Pore Optics (SPO), and is being evolved in a joint effort by industry, research institutions and ESA. The SPO technology uses the superb properties of monocrystalline Silicon, and spins in technologies developed for the semiconductor industry, benefiting from excellent materials, processes and equipment. In a holistic approach the technical and programmatic challenges of the ATHENA optics are being addressed simultaneously. A comprehensive Technology Development Plan (TDP) was defined and is being implemented to develop this novel X-ray optics technology. The performance, environmental compatibility and serial automated production and testing are being addressed in parallel, aiming at the demonstration of the required technology readiness for the Athena Mission Adopt ion Review (MAR) expected in 2022.

Hosted payload is a typical pattern which is capable of realizing flexibility and separate space system. In this paper, aiming at the shortage that the ground-based facility can not detect small and medium scale space debris, the general index of GEO hosted payload was analyzed, and the working pattern of GEO hosted payload system was designed. The general framework of GEO hosted payload system was studied, accordingly, the efficiency of the system was analyzed. It is hoped that the study will be helpful reference for technology development of hosted payload system general design and space-based debris cataloging.

The prediction models in machine learning and the application of different algorithms help in developing appropriate knowledge of future behaviour based on past data. With a view to help developing insights, this chapter explains the basics of predictive analytics with its common traits. The main objective of this chapter and the topics covered in the predictive models show how different methods of tools and algorithms are crucial for predictive analytics and steps to be used to make a good model. It also describes the basic tools and techniques to be used in predictive modelling. The discussions are based on the data of live projects in predictive modelling. It attempts to handle the predictive analytics like linear regression, multivariate linear regression, nonlinear regression, and multivariate non-linear regression. These statistical tools are crucial and critical in future technology developments.

One of the most current concerns in the field of information system is whether cloud computing technology can deliver the desired improvement of capability and value to enterprises. This paper studied the enterprise technology development capability of the enterprises in Beijing Zhongguancun Technology Park, the first national high-tech industrial development zone in China, from the perspective of the breadth and depth of the alignment of cloud computing and enterprise. It proposed a theoretical model to study how the breadth and depth of alignment affects the enterprise technology development capability in a turbulent environment and considers the intermediary role of the enterprise technology absorption capability and the moderation role of environmental turbulence in it. The model was tested empirically by questionnaires and structural equation model (SEM). Empirical results showed that both the deep and wide alignment of cloud computing can enhance the enterprise technology development capability by improving the enterprise technology absorption capability.

The article is an introductory article and presents the rationale for pursuing innovative reactor research, technology development and design. The six Generation IV (GEN IV) nuclear energy systems are introduced and their main characteristics summarized.

SMR has its easy receptivity of advanced design concepts and technology. Inherent safety features and passive safety systems realize drastic safety enhancement, and system simplification and modularization can maximize its economics. As they successfully completed the technology self-reliance program for the design and construction of pressurized water reactor (PWR) plant with American companies, Korea has pursued on technology development for SMR (small modular reactors) for the last two decades. This chapter introduces their various SMR R&D programs with their design characteristics and future prospect. Representatively, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has developed integral type PWR—i.e., SMART to acquire the standard design approval according to Korean regulatory frame, and is making efforts to improve safety further. Sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) and very high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) designs are also being developed in KAERI. Besides KAERI’s research, several developments for the various types of SMR’s have also been made by the other Korean organizations such as KEPCO E&C, Seoul National University (SNU), KAIST, and UNIST, whose reactors are different in size, power, core, and application.

Remote sensing of Earth at ultraviolet wavelengths offers the capability to retrieve key environmental parameters that provide remarkable insight into space weather conditions. The miniaturized UV imager (MUVI) instrument is a currently funded NASA technology development effort that expands on capability developed from recent flight experience to build and qualify a small, relatively simple UV imager that can be tuned for a range of purposes. The goal is to revisit earlier designs of suppressive imagers, obviating the need for gratings, slits, and long optical paths, redeveloping a direct imaging capability in a CubeSat type form-factor. Combining high heritage components with improved imaging technologies, MUVI provides science performance comparable to high-performance imagers developed and flown for prior research missions at much lower mass and cost points. A compelling scientific design for future missions will be to make space-based observations from multiple vantage points from one or more orbit planes. Multiple-observatory mission designs, including those implemented using the CubeSat form-factor, are more accessible now due to a great deal of research and commercial work toward miniaturization of spacecraft subsystems. It is likely that small scientific payloads will greatly benefit upcoming Heliophysics missions if appropriate technologies are developed. An overview of the MUVI instrument is described here, along with development status after year 1 of funding.

From the perspective of military demand for swarm fight, it is point out that the cooperative guidance technology of multiple aerial vehicles based on spatiotemporal coordination is a key technology to effectively improve penetration probability and combat effectiveness. Then, in view of the development status of cooperative guidance technology for multiple aerial vehicles, it introduces thoughts on technology development at home and abroad based on time coordination, space coordination and spatiotemporal coordination, perspectively. Finally, the cooperative guidance technology of multiple aerial vehicles is summarized, and the future development direction is prospected.

Authors in recent publications shared their personal “gripe” for the modeling capabilities not reasonably calibrated before the start of their application in gas turbine combustion technology programs conducted since 1973. Concurrently, the supporting fundamental research results did not provide the insight needed for making critical design decisions during the technology and/or product development phase. Therefore, a joint effort was kicked off in 2012 on fundamental research to gauge what it takes to calibrate or validate the models while in parallel support hypothesis-based technology development approach specifically targeted for developing swirl-venturi lean direct injection (SV-LDI) technology. As summarized in this paper, based on this pilot project’s output to date, for a properly formulated applicable fundamental research with limited resources, it takes much longer than what Mongia had wished for since 1973.

Fog Computing es la capa de computacien distribuida mss proxima al usuario. Una arquitectura fog exitosa permite reducir el rerardo o latencia y aumenta la eficiencia. En este articulo se expone el desarrollo e implementación de una arquitectura de computation distribuida, aplicada a un entomo de automatización que aprovecha el Fog Computing como intermediario con la capa de computación en la nube. El estudio utilice una plata de desarrollo Raspberry Pi V3 conecrada a elementos finales de control como servomotor y reles, indicadores y sensores térmicos. Todo controlado por un framework de automatization que recibe las erdenes de Sid, las cuales son ejecutadas por medio de instrucciones previamente determinadas. La conexión a la nube se beneficia al reducirse el envió de datos ya que ahora solo se recibe la información relevante pare su análisis. Fog Computing is the distributed computing layer closest to the user. A successful fog architecture reduces delay or latency and increases efficiency. This article exposes the development and implementation of a distributed computing architecture, applied to an automation environment that takes advantage of Fog Computing as an intermediary with the cloud computing layer. The study uses a Raspberry Pi V3 development platform connected to final control elements such as servomotor and relays, indicators and thermal sensors. All controlled by an automation framework that receives Sid's orders, which are executed by means of previously determined instructions. The connection to the cloud benefits by reducing the sending of data since now only the relevant information is received for its analysis.

La Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga Unab y los miembros del Comité Editorial de la Revista Colombiana de Computación, se complacen en presentar esta nueva edición de la Revista con un total de cinco artículos. Cuatro de ellos, corresponden a artículos en versión extendida enviados a los eventos IX Jornadas Internacionales de Campus Virtuales y REHAB 2019 que fueron realizados del 11 al 13 de septiembre de 2019 en la Universidad del Cauca, Popayán.

Commercial valuation of a technology in Proof-of-Concept stage is often based on limited case study data, and then extrapolated to a hypothesized total market demand for that technology. The methodology presented in this paper uses a bottoms-up, data-driven, well-by-well valuation using a 60,000+ well industry benchmarking data set. The methodology was developed to support the valuation of a new technology concept using hypersonic impact drilling, then at API-17N Technology Readiness Level 1. Any new technology has a low definition of operational performance and technical capability by virtue of being in concept stage. The well dataset used for valuation analysis is relatively high-level, resulting in a significant number of assumptions and limitations. Nonetheless, the combination of a granular technology model with a large actual dataset provides insights into sensitivities and uncertainties which are unobtainable with a broad-brush, high-level approach. Based on the information available in the database, the methodology constructs a synthetic time-depth curve for drill and case operations after removal of non-productive time. Synthetic time and cost for each section are calculated for both the actual well and the technology model allowing section-by-section ‘bench-marking’ of the technology. The combined savings from technology-positive sections gives the size of the prize or commercial margin available to be shared between Operator and Supplier. We present a case study in which we modelled the initial new technology deployment concept, showing this concept to have an operational sweet spot with value rapidly decreasing away from it. An alternative, downhole deployment concept resulted in a multiple times wider applicability and a multi-billion-dollar un-risked value proposition indicative of a potentially game changing technology. Based on this new insight, the technology developer was able to pivot early on, probably avoiding costly dead-end development and market disappointment, and increase industry and investor confidence and investment. The methodology can be used to gain actionable insights at multiple levels:To obtain a mature market valuation, mature technology parameters such as reliability, directional drilling capability and all applicable hole sizes and depths are invoked.To aid the technology development and design decisions, sensitivity analyses can be performed on design parameters.To guide development requirements, a Minimum Viable Product analysis provides insight to the minimum technical requirements necessary and the de-risking work required before a technology can gain acceptance in the marketplace.To explore early applications and potential sponsoring projects, clusters of potential high-value and/or early-applications can be identified.The results from this valuation model provide insights into the potential of wells at or beyond the fringes of the database, i.e. complex wells that require extraordinarily long net times to drill.

Over the last 30 years, significant advancements have led to the use of multifunctional materials and structures technologies in spacecraft systems. This includes the integration of adaptive structures, advanced composites, nanotechnology, and additive manufacturing technologies. Development of multifunctional structures has been directly influenced by the implementation of processes and tools for adaptive structures pioneered by Prof. Paolo Santini. Multifunctional materials and structures incorporating non-structural engineering functions such as thermal, electrical, radiation shielding, power, and sensors have been investigated. The result has been an integrated structure that offers reduced mass, packaging volume, and ease of integration for spacecraft systems. Current technology development efforts are being conducted to develop innovative multifunctional materials and structures designs incorporating advanced composites, nanotechnology, and additive manufacturing. However, these efforts offer significant challenges in the qualification and acceptance into spacecraft systems. This paper presents a brief overview of the technology development and successful insertion of advanced material technologies into spacecraft structures. Finally, opportunities and challenges to develop and mature next generation advanced materials and structures are presented.

The NISTmAb is a monoclonal antibody Reference Material from the National Institute of Standards and Technology; it is a class-representative IgG1κ intended serve as a pre-competitive platform for harmonization and technology development in the biopharmaceutical industry. The publication series of which this paper is a part describes NIST’s overall control strategy to ensure NISTmAb quality and availability over its lifecycle. In this paper, the development and qualification of methods for monitoring NISTmAb charge heterogeneity are described. Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF) assays were optimized and evaluated as candidate assays for NISTmAb quality control. CIEF was found to be suitable as a structural characterization assay yielding information on the apparent pI of the NISTmAb. CZE was found to be better suited for routine monitoring of NISTmAb charge heterogeneity and was qualified for this purpose. This paper is intended to provide relevant details of NIST’s charge heterogeneity control strategy to facilitate implementation of the NISTmAb as a test molecule in the end user’s laboratory. Graphical AbstractRepresentative capillary zone electropherogram of the NIST monoclonal antibody (NISTmAb). The NISTmAb is a publicly available research tool intended to facilitate advancement of biopharmaceutical analytics. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00216-017-0816-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Because of a shorter R&D cycle time and the increasing complexity of technology development, efficient decision support systems for R&D activities are necessary to facilitate R&D processes. In particular, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) require efficiency of R&D projects due to a lack of R&D budgets and resources. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a system which can assess current levels of R&D processes of companies and improve problematic processes. To this end, the proposed system applies a standard R&D process to evaluate the R&D level of companies, including four types of database and three modules: performance level analysis, comparison analysis, and performance simulation analysis. First, the module of performance level analysis aims to draw strong and weak R&D processes of companies, using three factors: importance, performance goal and current performance on each process. The second module provides the function of comparison analysis that compares the performance level of a company with that of others. Finally, the performance simulation analysis investigates influences of critical processes on R&D outcomes and predicts how much the processes can enhance technical, economic and process outcomes. In particular, a case study is presented to illustrate the application of the proposed system to an IT company. This system can help managers enhance their R&D performance by presenting necessary improvements on critical processes.

A few multi-terminal direct current (MTDC) systems are in operation around the world today. However, MTDC grids overlaying their AC counterpart might a reality in a near future. The main drivers for constructing such direct current grids are the large-scale integration of remote renewable energy resources into the existing alternative current (AC) grids, and the promotion and development of international energy markets through the so-called supergrids. This paper presents the most critical challenges and prospects for such emerging MTDC grids, along with a foreseeable technology development roadmap, with a particular focus on crucial control and operational issues that are associated with MTDC systems and grids.

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) process is used to quantitatively assess the maturity of a given technology. The TRL process has been developed and successfully used by the Department of Defense (DOD) for development and deployment of new technology and systems for defense applications. In addition, NASA has also successfully used the TRL process to develop and deploy new systems for space applications. Advanced nuclear fuels and materials development is a critical technology needed for closing the nuclear fuel cycle. Because the deployment of a new nuclear fuel forms requires a lengthy and expensive research, development, and demonstration program, applying the TRL concept to the advanced fuel development program is very useful as a management and tracking tool. This report provides definition of the technology readiness level assessment process as defined for use in assessing nuclear fuel technology development for the Advanced Fuel Campaign (AFC).

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has followed a typical arc of technology development. Beginning in the laboratory setting, curiosity-driven researchers first pursued answers to questions about the fundamental physics of the methodology and then developed ever-better laboratory analytical systems. This, in turn, opened the door for investigations of practical applications in the laboratory that, when demonstrated, subsequently resulted in the development of portable and mobile LIBS systems for in-field LIBS analysis. Concurrently, LIBS technology moved from the research laboratory into the marketplace, first with the commercialization of the technology based on laboratory LIBS systems and, more recently, to the development of handheld LIBS analyzers. This chapter reviews this technology development and discusses different applications of handheld LIBS during the early years after its development.

Priority questions in Planetary Science for the next decade published in "Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022" identified 3 themes; understanding solar system beginnings, searching for the requirements for life in planetary habitats, and revealing planetary processes through time. Science instruments for future missions require a focused technology development strategy to mature critical technologies for measurements that could provide answers. This paper describes three instrument development programs within the Planetary Science Division (PSD) within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD). PSD recognizes that instrument development and maturation is vital to increasing PSD’s scientific capabilities and the measurements necessary to address the questions in future missions.

The methodology of science and technology provides mankind with a correct way to understand and transform the world. Taking the process development and research application of quartz resonator cluster as an example, this paper further analyses the relationship between the methodology of science and technology and sensor technology development, and expounds the guiding and catalytic role of the methodology in the rapid development of natural science.

The paper reviews recent research and development activities in the field of hydropower technology. It covers emerging and advanced technologies to mitigate flow instabilities (active and passive approach) as well as emerging magneto-rheological control techniques. Recent research findings on flow instabilities are also presented, especially concerning fluid-structure interaction and transient operating conditions. As a great number of the existing large-scale hydroelectric facilities were constructed decades ago using technologies that are now considered obsolete, technologies to achieve the digitalisation of hydropower are also analysed. Advances in the electro-mechanical components and generator design are presented; their potential role to adapt hydropower to the current operating conditions is also highlighted. The text explores current efforts to advance hydropower operation, mainly in terms of European projects. It provides a detailed overview of the recent efforts to increase the operational range of hydraulic turbines in order to reach exceptional levels of flexibility, a topic of several recent research projects. Variable speed hydropower generation and its application in pumped storage power plants are presented in detail. Moreover, revolutionary concepts for hydroelectric energy storage are also presented with the analysis focusing on underwater hydro storage and hydropower's hybridisation with fast energy storage systems. Efforts to minimise hydropower's environmental footprint are also presented via the utilisation of small-scale and fish-friendly installations.

Detectors play a crucial role for the instrument design and the achievable instrument performance. The wavebands of interest for remote sensing are the visible and the infrared. Therefore, the European Space Agency has a strong interest in the performance enhancement of detector arrays in those spectral ranges. The Agency follows a continuous development strategy to enhance the capabilities for future Earth observation and astronomy missions. This paper presents the technical and planning status of these detector technology development activities.

TED (Tethered Electromagnetic Docking) is a system proposed by a group of researchers and students of the University of Padova for close rendezvous and docking between spacecraft. It consists in a small tethered probe ejected by the chaser, reaching the proximity of the target with a controlled deployment, and then magnetically guided by a receiving electromagnet mounted on it. Because of the generated magnetic field, alignment and mating are possible, then, as the tether is rewound, the chaser is able to dock with the target. To perform a preliminary verification of TED, three groups of students have been involved in the project and contributed to the evaluation of its critical technologies in reduced gravity: in the framework of ESA &ldquo, Drop your Thesis!&rdquo, 2014 and 2016 campaigns the experiments FELDs and STAR focused on the test of the tether deployment and control, while PACMAN, in the framework of ESA &ldquo, Fly Your Thesis! 2017&rdquo, parabolic flights campaign, tested proximity operations by means of electromagnetic interactions. In this paper, a description of TED concept and its development roadmap is presented, introducing the critical technologies tested by FELDs, STAR, and PACMAN experiments. The second part of the paper focuses on the educational outcomes of the three experiments, introducing statistics on (1) student participation, (2) scientific publication production, and (3) influence of the educational programs on the students&rsquo, career.