Materials & surfaces for space – future technologies & challenges

27.05.2026 till 27.04.2026 | Empa, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf

Without innovative surfaces, space technology would not be possible. Materials that are resistant to radiation and temperature are just as important as those that are resistant to fatigue, corrosion and abrasion. Due to the high demands placed on it, space technology is also a source of innovation for terrestrial applications. In this workshop, forward-looking ideas will be presented and their potential discussed.

27 May 2026, from 1.00 to 5.00 p.m. at Empa, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf

Preliminary program:

12.45	Welcome coffee
13.00	Welcome & introduction Patrik Hofmann, Empa/EPF Lausanne / Markus Schölmerich, ESA Phi-Lab, Paul Scherrer Institut PSI
	Space activities @ Empa Lorenz Herrmann, Empa, Department Advanced Materials & Surfaces
	Title tbd Thomas Zurbuchen, ETH Zurich, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
	Space environment effects on optical instrumentation Nicolas Thomas, University of Bern, Space Research & Planetary Sciences (WP)
	4D Printing for Shape Morphing and Passive, Adaptive Structures Kristina Shea, ETH Zurich, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering
	Tailoring MXenes for durable friction control in extreme environment Manel Rodriguez Ripoll, AC2T research GmbH
15.10	Coffee Break
15.40	Innovative polymeric materials for sustainable space application Ugo Lafont, European Space Research & Technology Centre ESTEC
	R⁴: Radiation-Hard Refractory Robust Rotation Max Erick Busse-Grawitz, maxon international Ltd.
	What goes up must come down Stephan Hellmich, EPF Lausanne, Laboratory of Astrophysics
	From Earth to Space, small to large: technology bricks for space exploration Eleonore Poli, CSEM SA
17.00	Closing remarks & network-apéro