Materials & surfaces for space – future technologies & challenges
27.05.2026 till 27.04.2026 | Empa, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf
As space becomes increasingly important economically and strategically, the need for innovation in space technology is on the rise. Space technologies are highly dependent on protective surfaces and innovative materials and have always been a source of innovation. Orbiting Earth and operating in space present challenges that are almost always far more demanding than those of terrestrial applications. The event brings together cutting-edge research with Swiss industry, which is renowned for its precision engineering and innovative surface technology. Participants discuss new ideas for highly demanding environments.
27 May 2026, from 1.00 to 5.00 p.m. at Empa, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf
In cooperation with: 
Download the Preliminary program and further information here
| 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 |
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| Keynote 1: Surprise Speaker tba Keynote 2: Innovative polymeric materials for sustainable space application Ugo Lafont, European Space Research & Technology Centre ESTEC |
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| Space environment effects on optical instrumentation Nicolas Thomas, University of Bern, Space Research & Planetary Sciences (WP) |
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| 4D Printing for shape morphing & passive, adaptive structures Kristina Shea, ETH Zurich, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering |
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| Tailoring MXenes for durable friction control in extreme environment Manel Rodriguez Ripoll, AC2T research GmbH |
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| 15.10 | Coffee break |
| 15.40 |
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 |
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| High entropyoxide for extreme environments Rishabh Shukla & Michael Stuer, Empa |
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| From Earth to Space, small to large: technology bricks for space exploration Eleonore Poli, CSEM SA |
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| 17.00 | Closing remarks & network-apéro |
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.