Working Group Potential Topics
Working Groups are at the core of the 7th E-SGW. Thanks to our sponsors, we have put together a series of WGs covering a range of exciting topics that will allow fruitful discussions among delegates. Supported by Subject Matter Experts, these WGs will tackle some of the challenges (and opportunities) that the European space industry faces, and chart a new path forward.
WG1 – The Multifaceted Impacts of Space Weather: From Human Health and Safety to Societal Resilience and Beyond
Space weather is a complex and dynamic system that can cause a wide range of impacts on Earth and beyond. This interdisciplinary WG explores the diverse challenges posed by space weather, including its effects on human health and safety during manned missions, the health of our planet, and the use of space weather technologies for deep space observation. It also examines the connections between space weather and deep space applications in our solar system, while delving into the impacts of space weather on critical infrastructure and societal resilience. Drawing on insights from astrophysics, remote sensing, meteorology, climate science, risk management, and social science, The working group will aim to give a comprehensive perspective on the complex and dynamic nature of space weather and its implications for our world.
Moderator:
Rochelle Velho (SGAC)
Subject Matter Experts:
Prof. Francesco Giordano (Università degli Studi di Bari)
Serena Loporchio
WG2 – Space Commercialisation
Europe is offering many opportunities for the creation of new businesses in the Space industry, and the past ten years have seen the development of many programmes to turn innovative ideas into operational startups in Europe. But incorporating a company is only a step, a means rather than an end. While the European market holds the key ingredients for ‘New Space’ startups, it remains challenging for them to turn into successful, mature companies. For a thriving commercial space ecosystem to happen, startups must be supported in the scale up of their business and workforce. To this end, a new strategy going forward is needed. An ambitious European strategy for the public institutions and agencies is a condition of this future success.
Moderator:
Florian Kuegerl (SGAC)
Rapporteur:
Christine Dubbert
Subject Matter Expert:
WG3 – Boosting Green Activities and Digitalisation
Space technology could be critical to power the development of a green economy within a European ecosystem in the coming years, and several initiatives are already working towards this goal, promoting green development while supporting the shift to digital services. Research on ecological safety for space launches and green propellants is one example. But also, space technologies support a green transition in urban and agricultural sectors, monitor the biosphere, and collect critical data to face the climate emergency. These activities will play an increasingly pivotal role in expanding the European green market, on Earth and in space.
Moderators:
Chiara Cocchiara (SGAC) and Milica Milosev (SGAC)
Subject Matter Expert:
WG4 – Europe for a Safe and Sustainable Space
European space efforts have thus far taken the values of both safety and sustainability to its core and will continue to do so for the future. Specifically, through recent efforts towards developing Space Traffic Management practices, the support of space debris removal research and development, and the positive attitude towards the definition of norms of behaviour in space. All of these demonstrate how Europe intends to be a leader in creating a safe and sustainable space while showcasing an excellent capacity for building strategic autonomy and industrial competitiveness.
Moderator:
Salman Ali Thepdawala (SGAC)
WG5 – The Future of Europe on the Moon
Despite the incredible achievements of the Apollo program, across all its 6 missions that reached the Moon surface, only 80 hours of cumulated surface EVA time, for a total of almost 100 km, were travelled on the Moon surface.
The new Moon program, of which Artemis is the forerunner, is aimed at returning to the Moon to stay. This will have to be achieved in a gradual fashion; eventually, retracing the steps of the Apollo missions in the beginning; but its ambitions and expected benefits stretch well beyond what Apollo was able to achieve.
The Working Group should elaborate on the efforts requested to return to the Moon in a (environmental and financial) sustainable way; capitalizing from the existing technologies and reviewing those emerging capabilities that may enable the establishment of the requested conditions for a human settlement on the Moon. In particular, the synergies between humans and machines should be reviewed in a way that their collaboration will result in a continuous efficient Moon utilization program, also when humans are not present on the Moon surface. In summary, how do we bring Europe to the Moon?
Moderator:
Bram de Winter (SGAC)
Subject Matter Expert:
WG6 – Diverse and Inclusive Space Exploration
This Working Group will explore best practices, identify gaps, and provide recommendations for the development of inclusive and diverse space exploration programs that guarantee intergenerational equity and sustainability principles for the benefit of all present and future generations.