EPFL Space Center

Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
2026-11-23 - 2026-11-27 | Campus UNIL-EPFL, Switzerland
Professionals active in the aerospace industry wishing to acquire advanced skills in the field of systems or sub-systems management. No prior formal training in systems engineering is required, but familiarity with engineering projects in aerospace or related fields will help you get the most from the course.

Overview

Designing modern space systems means dealing with unprecedented complexity, tight budgets and demanding stakeholders. This one-week course, organised by the EPFL Space Center, provides a rigorous yet practical foundation in systems engineering, grounded in leading standards and illustrated with real missions. Participants will work through the full lifecycle: from stakeholder analysis and requirements, through architecture, trades, concurrent engineering and optimisation, to integration, testing, commissioning, operations and lifecycle management. Concepts such as agile systems engineering, configuration and change management, and the human role as designer, operator and beneficiary are woven throughout.

Objectives

Identify key systems engineering standards and practices
Describe the main steps of the systems engineering process
Recognise the role of humans in aerospace systems
Explain the limitations of current systems engineering practice
Apply systems engineering methods and tools to practical examples

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77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) | Antalya, Türkiye
2026-10-05 - 2026-10-09
IAC 2026, more than an international space community
As the beating heart of the international space community, the IAC is a unique gathering where the latest technological breakthroughs, strategies, and success stories are shared each year, and industry leaders debate emerging trends.
1-More Global Space Industry’s Meeting Point
Global Leaders and innovative entrepreneurs gather to share ideas shaping space’s future.
2-More Pioneering Technologies and Trends
Showcasing cutting-edge space technologies and trends driving tomorrow’s solutions.
3-More Unparalleled Partnerships and Networking
Forge lasting collaborations and invaluable connections with international industry stakeholders.
4-More Knowledge Sharing and Expert Sessions
Deepen expertise through presentations and research sessions led by seasoned professionals.
More info and registration:

IAC website

Journées de la Technique 2026
2026-09-22 13:30 - 18:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Palais de Rumine, Place de la Riponne 6, Lausanne, VD, 1005, Switzerland
D’Ariane à New Space : la technologie suisse de pointe dans le domaine spatial
Même si beaucoup l’ignorent, la Suisse est une nation spatiale. En tant que membre fondateur de l’ESA, elle a en effet contribué à façonner l’espace européen dès ses débuts. Dès lors, la Suisse fournit des technologies clés pour les lanceurs et les satellites. En effet, aucune fusée Ariane ne vole sans technologie suisse. Au fil des décennies, une petite industrie spatiale hautement spécialisée et connectée à l’échelle internationale s’est développée ici.
Navigation, télécommunications, observation de la terre : l’espace fait depuis longtemps partie de notre quotidien et fait partie intégrante de nos infrastructures et représente un marché dynamique de plusieurs milliards. L’approche New Space transforme profondément le secteur : prestataires commerciaux, production en série, nouveaux modèles économiques et baisse significative des coûts caractérisent son évolution. La Suisse se repositionne également dans ce domaine avec des entreprises industrielles établies et des start-ups.
Les Journées de la Techniques 2026 offrent donc un aperçu du secteur spatial suisse, depuis son rôle historique jusqu’aux perspectives technologiques et économiques actuelles à l’ère du New Space. Des représentants des autorités, des milieux scientifiques et de l’industrie montrent où en est la Suisse aujourd’hui et quelles sont les opportunités s’ouvrant pour la technologie, l’économie ainsi que la société.
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The exoplanet revolution and life in the Universe - Public Lecture & Panel Discussion
2026-08-25 18:30 - 20:15 | EPFL CE 1 6
Public Lecture
“The exoplanet revolution and life in the Universe”
18h30 – 19h15
The diversity and prolific number of planets discovered have revolutionised our conception of the nature and history of planet formation. They have opened up the idea of the possible rarity of planetary systems similar to our own, but also exciting prospects for the potential to probe the atmospheres of planets in search of traces of life. We are living in a historic moment that brings us closer to exploring life in the universe and understanding the origins of life on Earth.
The talk will present an outlook of this landscape and will discuss the implications of these recent findings. New insights about the origins of life will be presented in the light of recent experiments about a possible origin of pre-biotic chemical building blocks as well as a possible long-range pathway for detecting Earth-like systems amenable for remote study of life.
Panel Discussion
19h15 – 20h15
Prof. Didier Queloz, Nobel Laureate 2019, is director of the newly founded NCCR Genesis. Its purpose is to establish an ambitious and innovative collaboration across different
fields of science in Switzerland, with the common goal of answering some of humanity’s most profound scientific questions: How did life emerge on Earth? Is the universe
full of life? In the last decade these profound questions have evolved from a vague, often speculative, debate into a practical research agenda that has galvanised researchers from
different disciplines and research agencies.
Panelists:

Prof. Didier Queloz – ETH Zurich
Prof. Johanna Marin-Carbonne – University of Lausanne (UNIL)
Prof. Nicolas Winssinger – University of Geneva (UNIGE)

Moderated by Olivier Dessibourg.

More info

Féérie d'une nuit - 20e édition
2026-08-22 14:00 - 23:30 | Combremont-le-Petit
Vous avec envie d’en savoir plus sur la Lune, le Soleil et les éclipses ?
Vous voulez apprendre pourquoi en ce mois d’août 2026, nous aurons la chance de pouvoir en observer une de chaque (éclipse de Lune, éclipse de Soleil) depuis la Suisse ?
Vous souhaitez explorer l’espace avec une fusée ou depuis un planétarium ? Ou simplement vous émerveiller en observant à travers divers types d’instruments d’astronomie ?
Féerie d’une Nuit est une manifestation faite pour vous !

Cette année, pour sa 20e édition, la manifestation se déplace à Combremont-le-Petit en collaboration avec l’association 1001 Miches qui régalera le public autour du four à pain historique du village.
Diverses animations (observation du Soleil, fusées à eau et en papier, planétarium, expositions de posters et maquettes, conférences, simulateur, …) vous attendront avec la participation d’astronomes de Suisse Romande et des régions limitrophes qui vous feront découvrir la voûte céleste à l’aide de divers types d’instruments.
Les inscriptions pour les astronomes amateurs sont déjà ouvertes. Tous les astronomes amateurs sont en effet les bienvenus pour partager leur passion avec le public lors les observations du Soleil puis les nocturnes.
Retrouvez plus d’informations sur le site:

Féérie d’une nuit

Future Explorers - CERN’s summer science festival
2026-07-11 16:00 - 23:00 | CERN Science Gateway Auditorium, 1, Esplanade des Particules, Meyrin, GE, 1217, Switzerland
Awaken your inner explorer at CERN‘s summer science festival, Future Explorers, blending inspiring talks, hands-on and fun activities for all ages and live music under the stars.
The following session would particularly be of interest to you:
A Cosmic Adventure: Exploring Our Planet and Beyond (20:30-21:30)
Moderated by Paola Catapano, this discussion brings together Emeline Bolmont (Centre for Life in the Universe, University of Geneva), Jasper Kirkby (CERN CLOUD Experiment), Elisa Laudi (ALICE Experiment/CERN), and ESA astronauts Luca Parmitano, recently selected by NASA as the pilot of the Artemis III mission, which will circumnavigate the Moon, and Roberto Vittori (both joining live via Zoom).
Together, they will take the audience on a journey through cosmic-ray research, Earth’s atmosphere, the International Space Station, the Moon and the search for life beyond our Solar System, revealing how these different fields come together to deepen our understanding of our planet and the Universe.
Beyond this session, the festival offers an evening of inspiring talks, hands-on activities, live music, food stalls and opportunities to meet scientists, astronauts and explorers from many different fields.
You can find the full programme here: https://indico.cern.ch/e/future-explorers

Comment le JWST change notre vision de l'histoire de l'univers
2026-07-02 19:00 - 20:30 | 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.

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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

Zéro Gravité - La conquête spatiale en 70 ans de dessins de presse
2026-06-27 - 2026-09-27
Far above the moonPlanet Earth is blueAnd there’s nothing I can do
De Spoutnik à Artémis, de Méliès à Kubrick, de Sinatra à Bowie, l’espace a attiré les explorateurs, fasciné les imaginations et enchanté les coeurs. En plus de 70 ans, la guerre des étoiles n’en finit pas d’agiter les pays et les esprits. Les dessins de presse ont accompagné et continuent de relater la conquête spatiale. Comme autant de constellations critiques, ironiques, allégoriques, ludiques, ils illuminent l’espace de leurs brillantes idées.
A l’occasion du retour vers la Lune avec la mission Artémis et de la prochaine éclipse solaire cet été, la Maison du Dessin de presse vous propose un voyage estival vers la Lune et au-delà, à travers les hublots que sont la centaine de dessins exposés, du premier pas sur la Lune au tourisme spatial, en passant par les défis techniques, la compétition entre pays, les figures de nos astronautes, les femmes dans l’espace, incluant deux dessins ayant embarqué à bord de Discovery.
Cet été, levons les yeux vers les étoiles et laissons flotter notre imagination.

Exposition du 27 juin au 27 septembre 2026
SAMEDI 27 JUIN, 11HLancement de l’exposition avec apéritif MERCREDI 12 AOÛTEclipse solaire à vivre en dessins DU 4 AU 6 SEPTEMBRELe Livre sur les Quais, visites avec des spécialistes (programme à suivresur mddp.ch).

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Des étoiles aux atomes - 1 Observatoire, 4 lieux dans le canton de Neuchâtel, 4 expositions
2026-06-21 - 2027-01-03
Observer le ciel, compter les jours, définir l’heure : mesurer le temps est l’un des gestes fondateurs des sociétés humaines. Longtemps liée au mouvement des astres, cette mesure s’est affinée au fil des siècles grâce à des instruments, des méthodes et des institutions voués à une quête constante de précision. Cette recherche de justesse a profondément marqué l’histoire de l’astronomie, de la physique et de l’horlogerie, tout en influençant l’organisation économique, scientifique et politique du monde moderne.
C’est cette histoire, à la fois scientifique, technique et humaine, que raconte l’exposition Des étoiles aux atomes… L’Observatoire cantonal de Neuchâtel. Au cœur du propos se trouve l’Observatoire cantonal de Neuchâtel, lieu discret mais déterminant, où se sont élaborées des pratiques de mesure du temps précises, reconnues bien au-delà du canton, et étroitement liées au développement de l’horlogerie.
Déployée en quatre volets complémentaires, l’exposition invite le public à parcourir différents lieux emblématiques du canton : le Musée international d’horlogerie, le Musée d’horlogerie du Locle – Château des Monts, le Musée d’art et d’histoire de Neuchâtel et le site historique de l’Observatoire cantonal de Neuchâtel. À travers instruments scientifiques, objets horlogers, archives et récits de pratiques, ce parcours met en lumière la manière dont le temps précis s’est construit, expérimenté et transmis, entre observation du ciel et technologies contemporaines.
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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://space.epfl.ch/education/student-projects/
Presearch at EPFL Space Center: https://space.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://space.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:

Register
