Artur B. Chmielewski, a Polish-born scientist who works at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said in an interview that Polish experts possess exceptional skills and could excel in building small spacecraft, which are currently in high demand.
Chmielewski, who has been involved in the construction of laboratory instruments, spacecraft component testing, and contributions to 15 NASA missions, was interviewed on his visit to Warsaw, where he took part in a Space Day Conference.
In his opinion, in the past, spacecraft were massive, weighing several tons and costing billions of dollars. However, the landscape has shifted, allowing for the construction of smaller, more agile spacecraft.
Chmielewski draws a parallel with the evolution of technology, noting that what used to be a room-sized computer is now a handheld device.
Thus, the scientist envisions Polish engineers building small spacecraft specifically tailored for interplanetary missions, an area of interest for both NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), the PAP news agency reported.
Overall, Chmielewski's insights highlight the potential for Poland to carve out a prominent role in the space industry, leveraging its talented workforce, securing government support, and focusing on the development of advanced space technology.
Chmielewski praises the exceptional talent pool of Polish students, programmers, scientists, engineers, and economists. He highlights their impressive education, strong work ethic, and global recognition, according to PAP.
His message emphasises the importance of harnessing this talent within Poland rather than encouraging young individuals to seek opportunities at NASA.
Chmielewski asserts that government support is crucial, as the risks associated with developing and building the first spacecraft are significant.
He cites the success of companies such as SpaceX, attributing their achievements to substantial contracts and support from NASA.
Moreover, Chmielewski underlines Poland's "growing international recognition," especially in light of its contributions to Ukraine and peacekeeping efforts. He advocates further action to "solidify this reputation," transforming Poland into a "hub for cutting-edge technology."
(mo/gs)
Source: PAP