Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Nanocoating by Nanostart holding ItN Nanovation is flying to the Mercury

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Abstract:
Nanocoating by Nanostart holding ItN Nanovation is flying to the Mercury

* European space agency ESA chooses ItN Nanovation as project partner for mission to Mercury
* Satellite with high-performance ItN-coating is scheduled to take off in 2014
* The assignment underlines the capability of the products and the high
international reputation of the Nanostart holding

Nanocoating by Nanostart holding ItN Nanovation is flying to the Mercury

Saarbrücken / Frankfurt, Germany | Posted on October 1st, 2009

Nanostart holding ItN Nanovation AG (ISIN DE000A0JL461) with its high expertise and successful work in the field of nanoscale coatings has been selected to develop important thermal coatings for the BepiColombo Mercury probe of the European space agency ESA and JAXA, the Japanese Space Agency. The coating is designed to be applied on the high gain antenna of the satellite. ItN Nanovation is cooperating with the antenna reflector contractor, the Astrium GmbH, a subsidiary of EADS, and with Thales Alenia Space Italy responsible of the overall Antenna.

The coating is exposed to extreme conditions during the mission which is planned to last about seven years: in cruise and subsequently in the orbit of the Mercury with very high UV-,electron- and proton radiation at temperatures above 400°C. Mercury is the planet closest to the sun with an average distance to the sun of ca. 58 million kilometres. The farthest distance to Earth is approximately 220 million kilometres. The UV radiation in the orbit of Mercury is 10 to 14 times higher than in the orbit of planet Earth and is causing severe deterioration of the thermal properties of conventional coatings. First tests with ItN Nanovation coatings under space conditions showed a good stability after high UV-irradiation.

The ESA´s BepiColombo mission is going to be realized by an international consortia under the leadership of Astrium GmbH, Friedrichshafen. It is scheduled to be launched in 2014. After travelling for about six years the satellite will enter Mercury orbit to explore the planet for at least one year. Among several investigations (e.g. investigations in the magnetosphere of Mercury), BepiColombo will establish a complete map of Mercury at different wavelengths. This will allow to map the planet's mineralogy and elemental composition and determine whether the interior of the planet is molten or not.

Dr. Ralph Nonninger, CTO of ItN Nanovation and responsible for research and development is commenting: "We are proud that we can participate in such a demanding space mission and that we have been chosen by Astrium GmbH as developing partner for the coating system of the high gain antenna. The assignment as development partner underlines once more - besides the economical implications for ItN Nanovation - the capability of our products and the high international reputation of our enterprise."

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About Nanostart
Nanostart AG is the world’s leading nanotechnology investment company. The Frankfurt-based company provides venture capital financing for nanotechnology companies in various growth phases. It also provides the benefits of its experience and expertise to developers of financial instruments and to investors in the nanotechnology sector. For further information about the company, please visit www.nanostart.de.

About ItN Nanovation: ItN Nanovation AG is one of the leading nanotechnology companies in the world, developing innovative ceramic products, such as filtration systems and coatings, for large industrial customers. The nanoscale powder needed for those products is manufactured by the company itself. ItN Nanovation was formed in 2000 and currently has over 100 employees. The company's success is founded on an extensive patent portfolio, combined with comprehensive development and application know-how. For further information about the company, please visit www.itn-nanovation.com.

Disclaimer: This notice constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to purchase or subscribe to securities. There will be no public offering of securities of Nanostart AG in conjunction with the existing listing of its shares in the “Entry Standard” segment of the regulated unofficial market (Freiverkehr) on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. This notice does not constitute a securities prospectus. Neither this notice nor the information contained within is intended for direct or indirect distribution within the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan.

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Contacts:
Media contact:
Nanostart AG
Public Relations
Dr. Hans Joachim Dürr
Goethestrasse 26-28
D-60313 Frankfurt
Germany
phone: +49 (0)69-21 93 96 111
fax: +49 (0)69-21 93 96 122

www.nanostart.de

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