Science: SAV Opens Slovakia's First Space-grade Cleanroom in Kosice

Bratislava/Kosice, 24 May (TASR) - The Institute of Experimental Physics (UEF) of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) in Kosice has opened Slovakia's first space-grade cleanroom, state-of-the-art infrastructure for developing, testing and integrating space technologies, SAV reported on its website earlier this week. The facility will enable scientists and engineers to work on space electronics and scientific satellite instruments in an environment that meets strict international standards. "The new ISO 7 Class cleanroom is a gateway for participating in the most demanding projects of the European Space Agency (ESA), allowing us to carry out critical development and testing phases right here on our premises," said Simon Mackovjak, head of the Department of Space Physics at SAV's UEF. The cleanroom provides a strictly controlled environment with an extremely low concentration of dust particles. A stable temperature, humidity and electronic discharge protection (ESD) will be maintained to minimise the risk of defects during the development, testing and integration of sensitive electronics. "The space industry is advancing with great momentum. We're living in the era of the Artemis programme, with spaceflights becoming a regular part of our lives. Space technology is essential for humankind. We believe that by opening the cleanroom, we're opening doors not only to opportunities for our scientific projects but also for space projects in Slovakia in general," added Mackovjak. jrg/df