Curtiss-Wright opens 27,000 sq-foot space technology lab in Dublin

2 Jul 2014

Aircraft and space technology company Curtiss-Wright has opened a 27,000 sq-foot space technology facility in Dublin to build systems for the European Space Agency, including the next-generation Ariane 6 launch vehicle.

Over the last three years, Curtiss-Wright’s dedicated space market team has grown from a single member to 20 employees involved in the production and development of space technology.

The company expects to contribute to significant growth in employment in the space sector in Ireland.

Curtiss-Wright will conduct its design, test, assembly, sales and marketing activities, which it says will support planned expansion and further growth in the space market and better serve its current customers.

The Dublin facility employs some of the most technologically advanced design, manufacturing and test equipment available to support of the development and production of data acquisition and related components for space vehicles and applications.

“Curtiss-Wright has a proven commitment to Ireland’s contribution to the space market,” said Lynn Bamford, senior vice-president and general manager, Curtiss-Wright.

“We are very excited to grow our space market capabilities at our new Dublin facility and we applaud the Irish Government for the commitment and investment they have made in a strong and expanding Irish space industry. We look forward to continued growth in the international space market and are actively pursuing exciting emerging opportunities, such as the next-generation Ariane 6 launch vehicle.”

Ireland’s emerging space industry

Ireland’s membership in the European Space Agency (ESA) is managed by Enterprise Ireland. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation enables Irish research institutes and companies to participate in ESA programmes and secure contracts for technology developments that can be commercially exploited.

“Curtiss-Wright’s success in the space market over the last five years exemplifies the value of the Irish Government’s investments in this industry,” said Seán Sherlock, TD, Minister for Research and Innovation.

“The company has commercialised and dramatically expanded its space market activities during that time, leveraging its unique and cost-effective COTS-based data-acquisition technology into various commercial space programmes, projects and technology developments. The result has been significant ongoing success and job creation.”

Ariane 5 rocket image via Shutterstock

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com