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Austrian Space Forum Tests Mars Experiments At Gebrüder Weiss



The Gebrüder Weiss site in Wels became a testing ground for the AMADEE-27 Mars analog mission at the end of October. On October 30 and 31, the Austrian Space Forum (ÖWF), the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (FH Oberösterreich), and other research partners tested scientific experiments and technical systems for the mission, which will take place in Portugal in April 2027. As the official logistics partner, Gebrüder Weiss is responsible for transporting the sensitive research equipment to and from the mission site.


 Jürgen Bauer, Member of the Management Board of Gebrüder Weiss, said:

“The future of mobility is an important topic for Gebrüder Weiss. That is why we are supporting the Austrian Space Forum in a Mars analog mission for the third time. For us, this also includes giving our employees insights into innovative research projects. The tests at our Wels location provide a unique opportunity for this,”

During the two test days, Gebrüder Weiss employees had the opportunity to experience the research activities first hand. They met the analog astronauts and observed various experiments in action.


Among them was a rover developed by the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, designed to support the crew during the mission by transporting tools and scientific samples and assisting with navigation in the field.

 

From Austria to Portugal

In February 2027, Gebrüder Weiss will manage the logistics for the mission itself, transporting the sensitive research equipment to the Monsaraz Analog Research Station in Portugal. Handling the valuable equipment requires special care and precise planning. The project logistics team in Wels will contribute its expertise in managing complex transport projects. After the mission is completed, the company will return the equipment to the Austrian Space Forum’s headquarters in Innsbruck.


Dr. Gernot Grömer, Director of the Austrian Space Forum, said:

“Gebrüder Weiss has been a long-standing and reliable partner of the Austrian Space Forum in our Mars analog missions. Especially when transporting our valuable research equipment, the expertise of an experienced logistics provider is indispensable. The precise planning, professional execution, and know-how of Gebrüder Weiss are of tremendous value to us,”

 Following AMADEE-20 in Israel and AMADEE-24 in Armenia, AMADEE-27 is the third joint mission of Gebrüder Weiss and the Austrian Space Forum. From April 5 to 18, 2027, six analog astronauts will carry out 17 experiments in Portugal, developed by more than 20 research institutions and universities from Austria, other European countries, and the United States.

 

Further information about Gebrüder Weiss’ commitment to the future of mobility visit here.


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Generous JCB employees have delivered another record year for the company’s annual Christmas Toy Appeal – donating an amazing 1,787 gifts.

 

Donations poured into 15 different collection points across the company’s UK plants when the appeal was launched in November, beating last year’s total of 1,700 presents.  Now the bulk of the gifts have been handed over to Stoke-on-Trent charity the Hubb Foundation for distribution to families in the greatest need.

 

Hubb Foundation Operations Manager Tom Beecham said:

“JCB’s Christmas Toy Appeal means so much to us as a charity and it means so much to the children and families we work with in Stoke-on-Trent. Christmas is a challenging time of year, so to bring some happiness and positivity to children at this time of year is wonderful. We can’t thank JCB and all the employees enough for their ongoing generosity.”

The first batch of gifts was delivered to thrilled pupils at the New Ford Academy in Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent by JCB-sponsored athlete and Olympic silver medallist Adam Burgess and JCB apprentices Kitty Hulme, Lewis Durham, and Lucy Pepper.

 

Deputy Head Tracy Moller said:

“It was wonderful to see the excitement on the children’s faces as the gifts were distributed. We would like to thank all the fabulous employees at JCB for their generous donations.”

Since the appeal’s launch in 2022, employees have donated almost 6,000 gifts for distribution to children and young people. In Wrexham, gifts donated by JCB Transmissions’ employees are being given to the Salvation Army for local distribution. A number of gifts were also donated to Cheadle Primary School for distribution to families.

 

Helping to co-ordinate this year’s appeal were  JCB apprentices: Kitty Hulme, 20, of Newcastle under-Lyme, Lewis Durham, 20, of Derby, Lucy Pepper, 23, of Stoke-on-Trent, and Will Jenkins, 20, of Stone.

 

 


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