Astronomy, technology development and industry

Abstract

Astronomy is perhaps the best example of fundamental research aiming to increase our knowledge well beyond our human neighborhood. But astronomy is also a Big Science, which is partly technology-driven. Progress in observational capabilities is due to progress in detectors, telescopes, satellites, etc. I use three examples –radio astronomy, adaptive optics and detectors– to describe the complex interactions between astronomy, technology development and industry. I conclude by a short description of the global economic impact of astronomy.