eSpace - EPFL Space Center

Comment le JWST change notre vision de l'histoire de l'univers
2026-07-02 19:00 - 20:30 (Europe/Zurich) | Swisstech Convention Center, Quartier Nord EPFL, Route Louis-Favre 2, Ecublens, Vaud, 1024, Switzerland
Pour la première fois dans l’histoire de l’astronomie, nous disposons d’un « sous-marin » capable de plonger dans les profondeurs des abysses cosmiques : le télescope spatial James Webb. Ce qu’il révèle évoque l’exploration des fonds océaniques, lorsque des formes de vie entièrement nouvelles, telles que les extrêmophiles, furent découvertes. Les implications des observations de Webb alimentent des débats intenses parmi les spécialistes, et de nombreuses questions restent ouvertes. Mais une chose est sûre, c’est que l’histoire de l’univers ne sera plus jamais la même. Avec le JWST, un nouveau récit de l’univers se dessine, dans lequel de nouveaux acteurs clé émergent. Au cours de cette présentation, nous explorerons les découvertes les plus surprenantes du JWST, ainsi que la beauté saisissante de ses images.

David Elbaz est un astrophysicien français, directeur de recherche au CEA Paris-Saclay, et rédacteur en chef de la revue Astronomy & Astrophysics, principal journal européen d’astrophysique. Il a également exercé les fonctions de conseiller scientifique auprès de l’Agence spatiale européenne. Il est internationalement reconnu pour ses travaux pionniers sur l’Univers jeune, notamment pour l’obtention de certaines des images astronomiques les plus profondes jamais réalisées, permettant de retracer la formation des galaxies au cours du temps cosmique. Ses contributions ont été distinguées par le Prix Jaffé de l’Académie des sciences (2017) et le Prix Chrétien de l’American Astronomical Society (2000). Classé en 2020 parmi les 1 % de chercheurs les plus cités au monde (Clarivate Analytics), il a été élu membre de l’Academia Europaea en 2019, et est membre actif des sociétés savantes française et européenne en astronomie (SF2A, EAS). Très impliqué dans la médiation scientifique, il conçoit des spectacles originaux mêlant sciences et arts, tels que Dans les étoiles (seul-en-scène joué au théâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse à Paris), Magicosmologie, Jonglerie Astrale ou encore La Danse des Galaxies. Il est également auteur de plusieurs ouvrages de vulgarisation, et intervient régulièrement en conférences, documentaires et émissions de radio. Il est co-auteur de la série Web-TV Origines, un conte de la lumière pour la chaîne Arte.

Plus d’info

European Astronomical Society (EAS) Annual Meeting
2026-06-29 09:00 - 2026-07-03 18:30 | Swisstech Convention Center, Quartier Nord EPFL, Route Louis-Favre 2, Ecublens, Vaud, 1024, Switzerland
The European Astronomical Society (EAS) promotes and advances astronomy in Europe. As an independent body, the EAS is able to act on matters that need to be handled at a European level on behalf of the European astronomical community. In its endeavours the EAS collaborates with affiliated national astronomical societies and also with pan-european research organisations and networks.
The EAS organises its annual meeting to enhance its links with national communities, to broaden connections between individual members and to promote European networks. The EAS annual meeting consists of plenary sessions covering astronomical topics of general interest, and of a number of topical symposia or sessions of one or two days’ duration, organized in parallel sessions. This year the annual meeting will take place in Lausanne at the SwissTech Convention Centre on EPFL Campus.

Register here

From Earth to the Stars
2026-06-18 17:30 - 23:30 | Uptown Geneva, 2, Rue de la Servette, Geneva, GE, 1201, Switzerland
Et si la Data était le langage secret qui permet à l’humanité de repousser les frontières de l’inconnu ?​
Le temps d’une soirée exceptionnelle, le DatAfterwork vous invite à un voyage de la Terre aux étoiles, là où chaque trajectoire, chaque décision et chaque découverte repose sur des milliards de données invisibles à l’œil nu.
L’événement accueillera un ingénieur aérospatial, qui reviendra sur son expérience unique lors des lancements des fusées Ariane 4 et Ariane 5. Il partagera les coulisses de ces missions hors normes et expliquera comment les données sont utilisées pour modéliser, ajuster et sécuriser la trajectoire d’un lanceur, où la moindre variation peut tout changer.
La soirée se poursuivra avec l’intervention d’un astrophysicien, qui nous plongera dans l’exploration du ciel et la cartographie de nouvelles étoiles. De l’observation des signaux faibles à l’analyse de volumes massifs de données cosmiques, il montrera comment la Data permet aujourd’hui de mieux comprendre l’univers et d’élargir notre connaissance de l’espace.
Une rencontre entre science, technologie et imaginaire, pour rappeler que la Data n’est pas seulement un outil de performance, mais aussi un vecteur d’exploration, de précision et de rêve.
Au programme :
Data’News
Avec Philippe Nieuwbourg: l’actu Tech & Data de la semaine, décryptée avec rigueur et une pointe d’humour.
Data’Talk
Le moment où nos experts monteront sur scène pour partager un retour d’expérience ou la présentation de leurs projets.
Jean-Paul Kneib, directeur académique de l’EPFL Space Center nous plongera dans l’exploration du ciel et la cartographie de nouvelles étoiles. De la détection de signaux faibles à l’analyse de volumes massifs de données cosmiques, une démonstration fascinante de ce que la Data permettra de découvrir dans l’univers.
Puis Christophe Verbaere nous emmènera dans les coulisses des lancements d’Ariane 4 et Ariane 5 : comment la Data modélisera, ajustera et sécurisera la trajectoire d’un lanceur, là où la moindre variation pourra tout changer.
Data’Jobs
Avec Candice Valembois: le moment où nous parlerons des opportunités du marché et où nous mettrons en lumière de supers candidats issus de notre réseau.
Data’Meet
Animé par Damien Gauthier, avec Le Big Data Quiz : des questions autour de la Data, de l’espace, des fusées et des étoiles pour apprendre, échanger et rencontrer de nouvelles personnes dans une ambiance fun et interactive.
Data’Live
Musique et networking pour clôturer la soirée dans une ambiance festive.

Plus d’infos: https://www.datafterwork.com/event/from-earth-to-the-stars-16/register

EPHJ – The World of High Precision | Table Ronde « Spatial suisse : les forces d’un écosystème d’innovation au service des marchés de demain »
2026-06-18 14:30 - 16:30 | Palexpo Genève, Route François-Peyrot 30, Le Grand-Saconnex, Genève, 1218, Switzerland
Le spatial suisse a trouvé sa place parmi les grands marchés de la haute précision.
Le 18 juin, à EPHJ – The World of High Precision, une table ronde exceptionnelle mettra en lumière les forces d’un écosystème suisse qui s’impose dans le spatial par l’innovation, la maîtrise technologique et sa capacité à fournir des composants et systèmes critiques à forte valeur ajoutée.
Recherche, start-up, donneurs d’ordre, institutionnels et industriels croiseront leurs regards pour montrer comment le spatial ouvre aujourd’hui des opportunités très concrètes aux entreprises de la haute précision – y compris aux 800 sociétés présentes à EPHJ.
Avec la participation de Swiss Space Office / SEFRI, Beyond Gravity, EPFL Space Center (Emmanuelle David), ClearSpace, APCO Technologies SA et Spacetalk, sous la modération du journaliste scientifique Olivier Dessibourg.
📍 Jeudi 18 juin – 14h30
📍 EPHJ 2026 – Palexpo Genève
Un rendez-vous à ne pas manquer pour comprendre comment la Suisse transforme sa culture de la précision en avantage stratégique dans l’un des marchés les plus exigeants et prometteurs du moment.

EPHJ website

9th Sustainable Space Hub Coffee
2026-06-03 12:30 - 14:00 | EPFL PPB 019
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
12:30-14:00
EPFL Campus, PPB 019

Join us for the 9th edition of the Sustainable Space Hub (SSH) Coffee & cookies, an opportunity to connect with the community and explore the latest developments in space sustainability.
Stephan Hellmich will present the new SSA (Space Situational Awareness) activities: the NASO (Extracting Space Object Observations from large Astronomical Data Archives) and TESSA (Technologies to Enhance Space Situational Awareness) projects.
In collaboration with the University of Bern, the TESSA project continues to advance capabilities in satellite tracking and space object monitoring. Work in 2026 pursues two parallel research tracks: refining 6D pose estimation techniques for the precise determination of object position and orientation in space, and developing adaptive optics solutions for the Zimmerwald Observatory, including the associated algorithms for correcting atmospheric distortion. Together, these efforts contribute to the broader challenge of space situational awareness and safe orbital
operations.
During the event, the space semester projects for the fall semester will also be announced.

Provisional schedule
12:30 – Welcome, coffee, cookies & networking
13:00 – Stephan Hellmich will present the new SSA activities: the NASO and TESSA projects.
13:10 – Presentation of the space semester projects for the fall semester.
13:45 – Q&A and open discussion
We look forward to welcoming you for an engaging discussion and informal networking around the latest advances in sustainable space activities.

More information
Semester projects: https://espace.epfl.ch/education/student-projects/
Presearch at EPFL Space Center: https://espace.epfl.ch/research/

Horizon Europe & ESA Funding Opportunities for Space
2026-06-02 12:00 - 13:00
Join us on the 02 Jun 2026 to discover how to fund your projects, during this webinar for all swiss-based researchers and innovators in the field of space!

Euresearch, in collaboration with the EPFL Space Center and Space Exchange Switzerland (SXS), will present the most relevant calls by ESA and by Horizon Europe.
12:00 – 12:05
Welcome – Martine Harmel, EPFL Space Center
12:05 – 12:25
Funding opportunities by ESA – Julien Bonnaud, SXS
12:25 – 12:50
Horizon Europe funding opportunities in Space – Matthew Whellens, National Contact Point, Euresearch and Eva Servoli, EPFL Euresearch Office
12:50 – 13:00
Q&A
Participation is free of charge but registration is mandatory.
The event is open to Swiss-based researchers and innovators. The link to attend the webinar will be sent to registered participants few days before the event.

Register

Conférence publique UNIGE-EPFL: "100 ans d'astrophysique stellaire" - Voyage au centre des étoiles
2026-05-21 18:30 - 20:30 | BCH 2201
Au début du 19ième siècle, quelques esprits brillants pensaient que la nature des étoiles resterait à jamais au-delà de notre compréhension. Cette croyance fut balayée au milieu de ce même siècle quand il fut possible de décoder les messages contenus dans leur lumière. En résultèrent de grands progrès, et le cœur des étoiles se dévoila. Le livre d’Arthur Eddington, paru il y a 100 ans, « La constitution interne des étoiles », a synthétisé de manière magistrale les connaissances acquises à cette époque. Cette conférence évoquera quelques étapes de cette aventure intellectuelle. Elle se poursuivra par l’exposé de quelques découvertes récentes et se terminera par une brève présentation des défis d’aujourd’hui. Au final, les étoiles apparaîtront comme des structures très paradoxales, à la fois simples et complexes, lointaines et très proches, familières et incroyablement étranges.

Intervenant: Professeur honoraire Georges Meynet
Date: 21.05.2026 / 18:30
Lieu: EPFL Campus, BCH 2201

EPFL Space Day 2026
2026-05-08 09:00 - 17:00 | Rolex Learning Center, RLC E1 240, EPFL Route Cantonale, Lausanne, Vaud, 1015, Switzerland
EPFL Space Day 2026 – “From Classroom to Cosmos”
Bringing the EPFL Space Community Together
EPFL’s space ecosystem blends education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, from student projects to orbital missions, across disciplines. United by a passion for exploration and sustainability, we aim to inspire the next generation of space pioneers.
Join us for exciting presentations during the day with an exhibition area, including EPFL startups, student associations and PhDs.
This event strengthens connections, highlights achievements, and reflects the EPFL Space Center’s mission: to educate, innovate, lead in sustainability, and engage with society.
Let’s bring the EPFL Community together, from Classroom to Cosmos!

Programme
9:00-9:15 – Welcome Address
From the EPFL Presidency, Prof. Anna Fontcuberta i Morral
9:15-9:30 – Opening Remarks
Emmanuelle David, EPFL Space Center Executive Director: Introducing “From Classroom to Cosmos”
9:30-10:15 – Keynote
Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, European Space Agency (ESA) & EPFL Prof. of Practice in the School of Engineering (STI)
10:15-10:45 – Coffee Break & Networking
Exhibition area open
10:45-12:15 – “From Classroom to Cosmos”
Student teams present satellite projects, analog missions, and more
12:15-13:15 – Lunch & Networking
Exhibition area open
13:15-13:45 – Presentation of EPFL Minor in Space Technologies
Curriculum, student stories, career pathways
13:45-14:15 – EPFL Startups Showcase
14:15-14:45 – EPFL PhD Lightning Talks
Cutting-edge research with mission or startup potential
14:45-15:15 – Coffee Break & Networking
Exhibition area open
15:15-16:45 – Roundtable: “Let’s Talk Space! Charting EPFL’s Strategic Vision – From Classroom to Cosmos”
16:45-17:00 – Closing Remarks
Emmanuelle David, EPFL Space Center Executive Director: Reinforcing collaboration and innovation

REGISTRATION

EPFL Seminar "From research to space: experiences connecting academia and industry in Europe"
2026-05-06 16:00 - 17:00 | EPFL BM 5202
This seminar presents selected experiences on how research activities can be translated into space applications through collaboration between academia and industry within the European space ecosystem. It highlights a practical approach linking fundamental research, technology development, and industrial application.

Biography
María García-Vigueras is a Full Professor at INSA Rennes and a researcher at IETR, France, where she leads the SurfWAVE research team since 2021. She holds a Ph.D. in Telecommunications Engineering from Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (2012) and was a postdoctoral fellow in at EPFL (2012-2015) in the LEMA laboratory. Her research focuses on applied electromagnetism, Space RF systems and antennas. She holds an Innovation Chair from the Institute Universitaire de France (since 2023) and has received prestigious awards, including the Roberto Sorrentino Award from the European Microwave Association (2023) and the Trophées Valorisation from Université de Rennes (2025). Actively involved in the scientific community, she serves on TPCs of major conferences and promotes diversity in engineering.

EPFL Space Center – Seminar series: Exploring the Uncommon for the Common Good – Space Biology, Medicine and Technology
2026-03-31 13:00 - 14:15 | EPFL BC 420, BC Bulding, Rue Jean-Daniel-Colladon, Lausanne, Vaud, 1015, Switzerland
Tuesday, 31 March 202613:00-14:15EPFL Campus, room BC 420Online: zoom link A presentation by the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA)
The Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA) is an alliance born in 2024 from 11 large space and aviation institutions across two countries, including a Civil Research Flight Facility with aircraft handling and operations. Connected to the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich in Dübendorf, it forms an end-to-end ecosystem for space research and technology operations.

Overview of the Presentation
Oliver Ullrich will introduce the CSA and its institutional foundations.
Marcel Egli will cover the major physiological changes in the human body under microgravity, highlight related research conducted at partner institutions, and introduce the newly established ESA ground-based facility SHARF, dedicated to space farming research. He will also describe the ESA User Support and Operations Centre BIOTESC and its role in enabling scientific activities aboard the International Space Station.
Cora Thiel will present how human cells can sense and adapt to changes in gravity within seconds, pointing to a possible “genomic code of gravity.” She will also highlight her research on patient-derived organoids in microgravity, which enabled the first scalable production process for functional human tissues in space – with strong potential for translational and personalized medicine.
Lorenz Herrmann will give an overview of space-related research activities at Empa, closing with an outlook on future collaboration opportunities based on Empa’s core competences.

About the Presenters
Prof. Dr. Marcel Egli serves as Head of the Institute of Medical Engineering at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and of the National Center for Biomedical Research in Space at the University of Zurich. He directs ESA’s User Support and Operations Centre BIOTESC and leads the ESA ground-based facility SHARF, an analogue platform dedicated to research in space farming and bioregenerative life-support systems. His scientific work focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of mechanosensation under microgravity conditions, employing platforms including parabolic flight campaigns, sounding rockets, and the International Space Station.
Dr. Cora Thiel is Vice Director at the University of Zurich’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine and Director of International Relations at the CSA. Her expertise spans cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, and gravitational biology. She serves on several national and international boards, is an elected Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, and a board member of the Swiss SkyLab Foundation. With 18 years of experience in parabolic flight, suborbital rocket, and ISS missions, she has also served as an ESA Astronaut Candidate, a Mars analogue astronaut, and the first female parabolic flight instructor. She led the UZH-Airbus project “3D Organoids in Space.”
Dr. Lorenz Herrmann has been Head of the Department of Advanced Materials and Surfaces at Empa and a member of Empa’s directorate since 2022. He studied physics at the University of Regensburg and the École Normale Supérieure in Paris, completing a binational PhD in solid state physics in 2010. After joining ABB Corporate Research, he worked as scientist, group leader, and department head on technology development projects. His personal research field is material development and characterization for electrical engineering applications.
Prof. Dr. Dr. Oliver Ullrich is Full Professor of Aerospace Medicine and Director of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the University of Zurich, as well as Chairman of the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein. A physician and biochemist specialized in anatomy, cell biology, immunology, and aerospace medicine, he also holds a post-graduate diploma in Theology from the Pontifical Lateran University. He is Ambassador of the Greater Zurich Area, an active supporter of entrepreneurship and public-private partnerships, and the initiator of the Swiss Parabolic Flight program. He has received numerous national and international research and teaching awards, including the International Academy of Astronautics Award for the Life Sciences.

8th Sustainable Space Hub Coffee
2026-03-12 12:30 - 14:00 | EPFL PPB 019
Thursday, 12 March 2026
12:30-14:00
EPFL Campus, PPB 019

Join us for the 8th edition of the Sustainable Space Hub (SSH) Coffee, an opportunity to connect with the community and explore the latest developments in space sustainability.
We are delighted to welcome Prof. Véronique Michaud, who will present the SLICE doctoral network. The hiring process for the PhDs in SLICE is currently open. SLICE investigates the environmental and climate impacts of space launch systems, advancing research on emissions, atmospheric interactions, and sustainable design. The project provides essential insights to support European policymaking and trains a new generation of researchers committed to shaping a more sustainable future for space transportation.
The call for PhD positions within SLICE is currently open!
During the event, we will also announce this semester’s ClearSpace Prize winner. The prize will be awarded by Jacques Viertl, Managing Director of ClearSpace.
The ClearSpace Prize recognizes an EPFL student whose semester project or Master’s thesis demonstrates excellence and makes a significant scientific or technical contribution to the field of space sustainability.

Agenda
12:30 – Welcome, coffee, cookies & networking
13:00 – ClearSpace Prize announcement
13:10 – SLICE presentation by Prof. Véronique Michaud
13:45 – Q&A and open discussion
We look forward to welcoming you for an engaging discussion and informal networking around the latest advances in sustainable space activities.

More information:
SLICE Doctoral network: https://slice-dn.eu/
ClearSpace Prize: https://espace.epfl.ch/education/student-projects/clearspace-prize/

ESDI Workshop: Space x Data
2026-03-10 10:30 - 12:00 | ELE117, EPFL
ESA’s European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESA’s first office in Switzerland) is bridging Swiss scientific excellence with commercial relevance. One approach for this is to host ambitious, use-driven research programs in the topics of quantum, materials, and data science for space.
With the quantum-themed program running and the materials project selection completed, the focus is now on developing an exciting program around the still very broad topic of “Space x Data”. To narrow the scope and to ensure this upcoming program supports ambitious technological challenges where Swiss and European excellence can shine, the input of the scientific community is invaluable.
Join us to learn more about ESDI and its “Phi-Lab” research program platform and how you can help shape the scope of a multi-million-funded program and increase the chances of your most exciting topics to be represented in the call later this year.

AGENDA:
10:30-12:00 – Workshop with Jennifer Wadsworth (places are limited – registration mandatory) – EPFL AI Center – Room ELE 117
12:00-13:00 – Lunch break (no lunch will be provided, participants are welcome to go on campus for lunch)
13:00-15:00 – 1:1 meetings with Jennifer Wadsworth (20 minute slots – upon registration only, only 6 slots available – first come first served)

REGISTRATION

EPFL Space Center - Seminar series: Surviving on Mars
2026-02-25 17:00 - 18:00 | EPFL Campus room CM010, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
EPFL Space Center Seminar series
SURVIVING ON MARS
Future human missions to the Moon or Mars require sustainable life support systems that can provide oxygen, water, and food with minimal reliance on Earth.
Unlike the ISS, these missions will face longer durations and greater distances, demanding far more autonomous systems. Integrating biological components, especially food-producing systems, is a key challenge and opportunity. Microalgae are promising candidates due to their high photosynthetic efficiency, nutritional value, and contribution to oxygen and water recycling. Current research explores whether ISS technologies can be adapted for deep-space missions and what innovations are needed. A central question remains whether astronauts will rely on stored food or grow their own, maybe with algae as part of the menu?
Prof. Gisela Detrell‘s field of research is the development of technologies to enable human spaceflight, with special focus on Life Support Systems Technologies (specially on the use of microalgae photobioreactors for oxygen and food production for long duration missions), human spaceflight simulation (for example with conceptual design studies of future human spaceflight missions to the Moon or Mars) and human spaceflight performance (for example with the development of Virtual Reality tools, to develop and improve training strategies).
Prof. Detrell studied Aerospace Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and completed her doctorate in Life Support Systems reliability analysis for long duration space missions at the University of Stuttgart (Germany) and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in 2015. She continued her research at the Institute of Space Systems in Stuttgart, leading the research group since 2018. In 2023 Prof. Detrell was appointed to the professorship for Human Spaceflight Technology at TUM.

Quantum Sensing for Space Workshop: Commercialization & High-Impact Applications
2026-02-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Park Innovaare, Parkstrasse 1, Villigen, 5234, Switzerland
Engage with and benefit from exchanges with academia, industry, and public agencies.
Themes:

What are the high-impact use cases of quantum sensor technologies in space?
How can they be commercialised?
How can Switzerland and Europe make them a reality?

REGISTRATION

Aux frontières du cosmos: plongée au coeur des révolutions qui ont façonné l’histoire de l’astrophysique
2026-02-16 13:00 - 14:30 | EPFL Campus room RLC E1 240
“Aux frontières du cosmos: plongée au coeur des révolutions qui ont façonné l’histoire de l’astrophysique”
Programme

12h45 ouverture des portes
13h00 introduction par Grégoire Bourban, responsable de Space eXchange Switzerland
13h10 présentation par Ersilia Vaudo
13h30 discussion avec le prof. Jean-Paul Kneib, Directeur académique de l’EPFL Space Center
13h50 Q&A avec le public
14h00 vente et signature du livre

Présentation
De la chute d’une pomme à l’empreinte d’un robot sur une comète, « Aux frontières du cosmos » (Quanto) retrace les moments clés où l’humanité a percé le voile du ciel.
Avec la précision d’une scientifique et la grâce d’une narratrice, Ersilia Vaudo nous fait revivre les découvertes fondatrices de l’astrophysique : la gravitation universelle de Newton, la vitesse absolue de la lumière selon Einstein, l’expansion de l’Univers révélée par Hubble, l’existence de l’antimatière, et les mystères encore irrésolus du cosmos. L’astrophysicienne de formation nous rappelle que les révolutions scientifiques ne sont pas seulement des sauts intellectuels : ce sont des pas vers l’inconnu, des secousses du réel qui nous permettent, à chaque fois, de mieux comprendre ce monde auquel nous appartenons. Elle sera à l’EPFL le lundi 16 février pour présenter ses recherches, son livre et son parcours.

7th Sustainable Space Hub Coffee: student projects proposed for the spring semester
2025-12-10 12:30 - 14:00 | EPFL PPB 019
The main objective of this SSH Coffee is to announce the student projects that we will offer for the upcoming spring semester.
Agenda:
12:30 – Welcome, coffee, cookies & networking13:00 – Summary of recent events and news about space sustainability (MCV2025, EcoDeltaV spinoff)13:15 – Announcement of open student projects for spring (semester projects, master’s theses, industry internships)13:45 – Q&A and open discussion
And of course, the now-famous cookies, baked with love by Marnix Verkammen!
We look forward to seeing you, and having a coffee together!

6th Sustainable Space Hub Coffee: Summer 2025 space sustainability conferences recap
2025-10-14 12:30 - 14:00 | EPFL BC 410, EPFL - BC 410, Lausanne, Vaud, 1015, Switzerland
For this 6th edition of the SSH Coffee, our team will share key takeaways from three ESA conferences held in September 2025, where we participated as engineers and scientists from the EPFL Space Center:

ESA Space Safety ISAM Days
Ecodesign Days 2025
Atmospheric Impacts of Spacecraft Launch and Re-entry workshop

Agenda:
12:30 – Welcome, coffee, cookies & networking
13:00 – Conference highlights & key outcomes
13:45 – Q&A and open discussion

We look forward to seeing many of you there and having an engaging conversation on the latest in space sustainability!

The Sustainable Space Hub Team

Information Session: Space Sustainability Continuing Education Course – Third Edition 2026
2025-10-13 13:00 - 14:00 | ZOOM
REGISTER
Info session objective: This session will provide a high-level overview of what Space Sustainability means: understand how can we secure the long-term usability of space and, how can we design and operate missions and space businesses with a keen focus on sustainability.
Target audience: Space stakeholders (engineers, scientists, non technical managers, policy practitioners etc), active in space agencies, aerospace industries or related fields and concerned about preserving the sustainability and safety of the space environment in the long-term
Learn more about the course and and how to sign up here.

NASA Space Apps Challenge - Switzerland 2025
2025-10-04 - 2025-10-05 | Technopark Luzern, Platz 4, Luzern, 6039 Root D4, Switzerland
The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a global hackathon for coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, technologists, and space enthusiasts. In Switzerland, tech-driven apps addressing climate studies, space flight, and ISS-related research will be created.
NASA Space Apps Challenge has been taking place in Switzerland since 2024, when the team in Zurich organised the country’s very first edition online (view LinkedIn profile).
We are excited that Lucerne is joining this year, making the initiative truly national.
Machine Learning and AI will be integrated and leveraged to ensure technology remains at the forefront of all developments.

More info

IAC 2025
2025-09-29 - 2025-10-03 | International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), 14 Darling Drive, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
The 76th International Astronautical Congress is coming to Sydney, Australia, from 29 September-3 October2025. This world premier space event brings together global space experts, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers for an unforgettable week of cutting-edge discussions, networking, and innovation.

More info and registration

European Space Mechanisms and Tribology Symposium (ESMATS 2025)
2025-09-24 - 2025-09-26 | Swisstech Convention Center, Quartier Nord EPFL, Route Louis-Favre 2, Ecublens, Vaud, 1024, Switzerland
We are delighted to welcome the 21st edition of the European Space Mechanisms and Tribology Symposium (ESMATS) to EPFL!
Dates: 24-26 September 2025
Location: SwissTech Convention Center, Lausanne
Organized in collaboration with ESA, CSEM and Almatech, ESMATS 2025 will bring together engineers, researchers, and space industry professionals from across Europe to exchange the latest advances in space mechanisms and tribology.
As a tradition, prior to the conference, specialized training courses will also offer attendees the opportunity to enhance expertise in targeted areas of mechanism and tribology.
For programme details and registrations, visit esmats.eu/lausanne.

Minor in Space Technologies Pizza Party & Info Session 🍕
2025-09-16 17:00 - 19:30 | EPFL BC 420, BC Bulding, Rue Jean-Daniel-Colladon, Lausanne, Vaud, 1015, Switzerland
Curious about the Minor? Come join us for a fun and informative evening where you’ll get a concrete overview of the courses, meet cool people, and enjoy some delicious pizza.
When? Tuesday, September 16, 5:00 PM
Where? Room BC 420, EPFL Campus
What’s on the menu (besides pizza)?

Welcome remarks – Prof. Andreas Burg
Intro by Emmanuelle David and Mathieu Udriot from the EPFL Space Center, also course coordinators
Special guest talk by Claude Nicollier, astronaut and program lecturer
Lightening talks from alumni sharing their experiences
Award ceremony for the ClearSpace Prize
Pizza, drinks & networking to wrap things up!

Free event / limited spots / registration required:

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12th International Conference on Life Cycle Management
2025-09-09 - 2025-09-12 | Lumsa University, Palermo, Via Filippo Parlatore, 65, Palermo, 90145, Italy
The LCM (Life Cycle Management) Conference Series is one of the world’s leading forums for environmental, economic and social sustainability.
The focus is on practical solutions for the implementation of life cycle approaches into strategic and operational decision-making, whether in science, industry, NGOs or public institutions.
Organized every two years, one central goal of the LCM Conference Series is to bring together practitioners and academia.
LCM 2025 will be organized under the theme “Global to Local”, setting the stage for showcasing methods, tools and best practices for an efficient and effective sustainable transition. LCM 2025 seeks to operationalize the concept of participatory approach in sustainability by providing a vast number of topics that resonate with stakeholders at various geographical, political, socio-economic and professional standpoints. The ultimate objective is to support ongoing discussions towards a sustainable future while strengthening the case for business.
Registration deadline: June 15

More info and registration

EUCASS 2025 - 11th European Conference for Aerospace Sciences
2025-06-30 - 2025-07-04 | Congress Center Auditorium della Tecnica, Viale Umberto Tupini, 65 - Viale dell’Astronomia, 30, Rome, 00144, Italy
EUCASS, the European Conference for AeroSpace Sciences, was created by European scientists and engineers to improve the vitality of their scientific communication, the quality of their technical activities and to stimulate exchanges between researchers and industry end-users worldwide. On July 6th, 2006, it became an International non-profit association under Belgian law. It is a member of the International Astronautical Federation.
EUCASS is a long-overdue initiative inspired from the “AIAA SciTech Forum” held annually in the USA. Its aim is to provide a unique and attractive forum for all aerospace research players on the European continent, only a few hours from home.
Register here

PRODEX Matchmaking Day
2025-06-18 | State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI, Einsteinstrasse 2, Bern, CH-3003, Switzerland
Programme

09:00 Registration
09:30 Introduction (SSO)
10:00 Who’s Who (all, moderated by SSO)
10:20 Presentations by participants (all)
11:00 Break
11:15 Presentations by participants (all)
12:30 Small sandwich lunch, organized by SSO
13:30 – 17:00 Bilateral meetings (on request)

Registration

Towards a Sustainable Space: Addressing the Challenges of the Final Frontier
2025-05-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Rolex Learning Center, RLC E1 240, EPFL Route Cantonale, Lausanne, Vaud, 1015, Switzerland
View Slides

Sustainability Series with Christophe Bonnal, Space Debris and Launcher Expert, MaiaSpace
Summary of his talk: “Anything that goes up will eventually come down… In the case of launchers and satellites in Low Earth Orbit, this means returning to Earth through an atmospheric reentry at very high velocity. This generates high heat fluxes, partially ‘melting’ the objects. Typically, about 20% survive reentry and pose a risk to people on the ground; however, the remaining 80% will stay in the upper atmosphere for some time, leading to unwanted disruptions to the ozone layer and contributing to greenhouse gas effects. How can we solve this dilemma-putting people at risk or damaging the atmosphere?”
Programme
06:00pm: Doors open
06:30pm: Welcome address by Emmanuelle David, Executive Director, EPFL Space Center
06:40pm: Presentation by Christophe Bonnal
07:10pm: Round table moderated by the Science Journalist Olivier Dessibourg with:

Christophe Bonnal
Dr Susmita Mohanty
Spaceship Designer, Serial Space Entrepreneur and Climate Action Advocate
Prof. Athanasios Nenes
Full Professor, Laboratory of Atmospheric Processes and their Impacts, EPFL
Liesbeth Casier
Lead, Public Procurement and Sustainable Infrastructure and Coordinator of the NBI Global Resource Centre at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

07:40pm: Q&A moderated by Olivier Dessibourg
8:00pm: Aperitif networking

Register here (free)

ESA 50 Year Anniversary Celebration
2025-05-26 16:30 - 19:00 | Swisstech Convention Center, Quartier Nord EPFL, Route Louis-Favre 2, Ecublens, Vaud, 1024, Switzerland
Science, Exploration, Inspiration
Illuminate Europe’s sky!
On the Monday 26th of May Space Exchange Switzerland (funded by the Swiss Space Office of the SEFRI) is very fortunate to host the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the ESA Convention in Lausanne. In 2025, the 50th anniversary of the signature of the ESA Convention (30 May 1975) provides the opportunity to reflect not only on ESA’s past achievements, but also on its future perspectives. Come and join us for this celebration! It will be a wonderful opportunity to discover ESA’s past and future achievements, you will meet major space actors like Josef Aeschbacher and our new Swiss Astronaut Marco Sieber. We have the honor of having Guy Parmelin, Federal Councillor, address the audience with a brief opening. Hear what the General Director of ESA-Josef Aeschbacher has to say about ESA’s 2040 vision and listen to exciting interventions about Science, Exploration and Inspiration in space. Small interludes by the Swiss-led troupe The Blackouts will add a special light to the event.
This event is open to everyone and free of charge. Registration is mandatory. If you cannot attend, please cancel your participation by writing an e-mail to info@space-exchange.ch so that we can give your seat to somebody else.
EVENT IN ENGLISH ONLY.

Register here

Space Community Days 2025
2025-05-26 - 2025-05-27 | Swisstech Convention Center, Quartier Nord EPFL, Route Louis-Favre 2, Ecublens, Vaud, 1024, Switzerland
2-day event of value-added exchanges and opportunities in the space field. Practical and useful insights for space industries and newcomers in the domain.
! This event is dedicated to Swiss organisations with invited international speakers !
The event will be held at the SwissTech Convention Center on May 26-27 and will offer:

Presentations over 2 days: the agenda might be subject to minor changes.
Physical Face-2-Face (B2B) meeting sessions
Celebration of the 50th anniversary of ESA on Monday evening from 4:30 to 7:00. Wanna participate? Simply register yourself on this platform, no need to do it separately!

The Space Community Days 2025 offer a platform to exchange experiences and to support cooperation. This is a great opportunity to listen to prominent speakers involving ESA program managers, representatives of Swiss companies and of the Large European System Integrators.
The event is intended to learn about future opportunities in select ESA programmes. The community days will also be the occasion to improve the dialogue between space science and industry through dedicated sessions and panels.
Our goal for these two days is for every participant, regardless of their sector in the space community, to leave with a key action they can immediately apply in their daily work.
In parallel of the Space Community Days, we are honored to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the European Space Agency (ESA) on the opening evening – May 26, 2025. Organized by Space Exchange Switzerland under the mandate of SEFRI, this event highlights Switzerland’s engagement in the space domain. The celebration will take place at the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne, gathering 1’700 participants, including space industry professionals, students, institutions, and the large public. Distinguished guests, such as ESA Director General, Parmelin and Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, will also be in attendance. Once again if you want to join us at this celebration.
Note that our event will be filmed and photographed. If you don’t want to be pictured, please let us know before!
The second day will focus on the presentation of space for business, following by an engaging afternoon session on Swiss tools designed to support your success.
You can optimise your attendance by using this platform in order to book your B2B (1:1) meetings with other participants, including the speakers, at your convenience.
The Swiss Space Office is organising this event with the collaboration of Space Exchange Switzerland.

Register here

Sustainable Space Hub Coffee
2025-05-21 12:30 - 14:00 | EPFL BM 5202
Join us on May 21 at 12:30 pm on the EPFL campus, BM 5202, for the Sustainable Space Hub’s now-famous “coffee & cookies” session!
On the agenda:
– A summary and conclusions of the ESA space debris conference (~20min)
– Announcement and presentation of the SSH and ESC student projects open for autumn 2025

Space Resources Week 2025
2025-05-19 - 2025-05-21 | European Convention Center, 4 Pl. de l'Europe, Neudorf-Weimershof, 1499, Luxembourg
Call for abstracts is open until 8 January 2025, 23:30 (GMT +1)
Space Resources Week is hosted annually in Luxembourg, organized by the European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC), in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) and the Luxembourg Institute for Science and Technology (LIST).
We bring together space agencies, business leaders, researchers and early-stage ventures. The event, like the subject, is truly multidisciplinary, addressing the science, technology, economic, legal and regulatory aspects of space resources.
We are united by a shared vision: Towards the sustainable and responsible use of space resources for our future in space and on Earth. How we get there remains an open discussion. In this edition of Space Resources Week, we are interested in actions for the next 5 years and near-term priorities that will enable the realization of space resource utilization. In the coming years, we need to map resources, plan future architectures for and with space resources and develop roadmaps for translating ground-based research into space technology.

Submit your abstract
