Materials IQ – Workshop Materials & surfaces for space – future technologies & challenges
Space technology is highly dependent on protective surfaces and innovative materials. In addition to light metals, materials that are resistant to radia-tionand temperature, as well as fati-gue, abrasion and corrosion, are in particular demand. Space technology is a source of innovation because it sets requirements that are almost always much higher than in any terrestrial application. The event connects forward-looking research with Swiss industry, renowned for its precision technology and innovative surface engineering.
Participants discuss new ideas for highly demanding environments.
The event is aimed at scientific institutions, industry & technology providers and policymakers, as well as platform operators with future-oriented material concepts and surface technologies for space applications.
Programm/Ablauf
| 12:45 Uhr | Welcome coffee |
13:00 Uhr
13.10 Uhr
13.25 Uhr
13.35 Uhr
14.10 Uhr
14.30 Uhr
14.50 Uhr | Welcome & introduction Patrik Hoffmann, Empa / EPF Lausanne Markus Schölmerich, ESA Phi-Lab, Paul Scherrer Institut PSI
Space activities @ Empa Lorenz Herrmann, Empa
Keynote Surprise Speaker
Innovative materials for sustainable space application Ugo Lafont, European Space Research & Technology Centre ESTEC
Space environment effects on optical instrumentation Nicolas Thomas, University of Bern
4D Printing for shape morphing and passive, adaptive structures Kristina Shea, ETH Zurich
Tailoring MXenes for durable friction control in extreme environments Manel Rodriguez Ripoll, AC2T research GmbH |
| 15:10 Uhr | Coffee Break |
15:40 Uhr
16.00 Uhr
16.20 Uhr
16.40 Uhr | R⁴: Radiation-Hard Refractory Robust Rotation Max Erick Busse-Grawitz, maxon international Ltd.
What goes up must come down Stephan Hellmich, EPF Lausanne
High entropy oxide for extreme environments Rishabh Hellmich, Laboratory of Astrophysiscs EPF Lausanne
From Earth to Space, small to large : technology bricks for space exploration Eleonore Poli, CSEM SA |
| 17:00 Uhr | Closing remarks & network-apéro |
Ort
Empa Akademie
Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Schweiz
Karte Veranstaltungsort
Empa Akademie
Überlandstrasse 129
8600
Dübendorf
Schweiz
Details
Datum: 27.05.2026, 13:00 – 17:00
Ort:
Empa Akademie
Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Schweiz
Karte Veranstaltungsort
Veranstalter:
NTN Innovative Surfaces
Empa Akademie
nano.swiss
Hightech Zentrum Aargau AG
ESA Phi-LAb Net Switzerland
Dateien:
Flyer
Workshop fees:
NTN Innovative Surfaces members CHF 50.- (excl. VAT)
Non-members CHF 120.- (excl. VAT)
Cancellation policy: Administrative fee CHF 50.- (excl. VAT)
Substitutes are accepted
