Working Groups

Working Groups are at the core of the 8th 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.

Working Group Topics:

  1. Space Safety and Sustainability
  2. European Autonomy in Space
  3. New Space, Entrepreneurship & Commercialisation
  4. Inclusion of International Workforce in the European Space Industry 
  5. European Settlement on the Moon

WG1 – European Autonomy in Space

Airbus

Europe is currently facing significant challenges in various areas including society, economy, and security. Space technologies are crucial in ensuring European sovereignty in navigation, connectivity, climate monitoring, and security. Although the European Union has achieved some strategic autonomy in space with successful projects like Galileo and Copernicus, there are still areas where it falls short, such as the lack of a European launcher.

Space has become a political arena influencing geopolitical competition on Earth, making it vital for European security and defense. Europe is already leading in climate monitoring and navigation and aims to focus on secure communications and space traffic management for a safer and more connected future.

Airbus emphasizes the importance of sustainable use of space for shaping humanity’s future. The company is committed to supporting Europe’s vision by developing a multi-layered, highly secure, European-built, and operated constellation. Airbus believes that to be disruptive in Europe, all industry competencies, from large to small, need to come together and avoid fragmentation in the face of global competition.

Europe should seek ways to attract private investment in the space ecosystem and make it more accessible, efficient, and sustainable. Space can certainly provide optimized and sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by our civilization.

The working group will discuss:

  1. Technology disruption in Europe
  2. Critical infrastructure and supply chain
  3. Sustainability as an enabler to a strong European space industry
  4. Success stories
  5. European autonomy vs. global market

 

 

Moderator:

Nicolas Moraitis (SGAC)

Subject Matter Experts:
Silvio SANDRONE (Vice President Navigation Programmes, Airbus Defence and Space)
Ignacio VICIANO-SEMPER

 

Rapporteur:

Matus Babjak

WG2 – In-Space Manufacturing for Space Exploration and Exploitation

DCubeD

In-space manufacturing (ISM) is the key for overcoming the “tyranny of launch”, i.e., the restriction that all space (sub)systems are prebuilt on earth and thus must be made to withstand the extreme mechanical loads at the launch of the rocket all while fitting into tight volumetric restrictions. ISM will save material and circumvent the limits in dimensions and mass. This is especially important for small satellites that make up the majority of the New Space market in Earth’s orbits, as well as expensive and complex long duration missions for planetary or cosmic exploration. A new strategy for designing large space structures will determine the success of overcoming current constraints. This WG will explore the applications of ISM in LEO and GEO, in planetary as well as deep space exploration.

 

Moderator:

Kiira Tiensuu (SGAC)

Subject Matter Experts:

Valentina Luchetti, Sales and BD Representative
Katja Nader, Project Manager

Rapporteur:

Marco Riagamonti

WG3 – AI for Space – Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for the Future of Space Exploration

ESA

This working group has the objective of exploring and developing innovative AI solutions for the challenges faced in space exploration, satellite operations, and data analysis. Delegates will identify opportunities, propose frameworks, and address the ethical and technical considerations of implementing AI in the space sector.

 

Focus areas

  1. AI in Space Exploration and Autonomous Systems
    1. How can AI enhance the autonomy of rovers and landers on planetary surfaces?
    2. What are the potential benefits and challenges of using AI for real-time decision-making in deep space missions?
    3. What frameworks and algorithms are most suitable for autonomous spacecraft navigation?
  2. AI for Satellite Operations and Space Traffic Management
    1.  How can AI improve the real-time monitoring and maintenance of satellite constellations?
    2.   What role can AI play in predicting and mitigating potential collisions in increasingly crowded orbits?
    3.    What are the current limitations and future possibilities for AI in satellite traffic management?
  3. AI in Space Data Analysis and Interpretation
    1. How can AI be leveraged to enhance the analysis of data from Earth observation satellites for climate monitoring and disaster management?
    2.   What AI techniques are most effective in processing and interpreting large datasets from space telescopes and planetary probes?
    3. How can AI help in identifying and categorizing new astronomical phenomena from space-based observations?

 

Moderator:

Katrin Dietmayer (SGAC)

Subject Matter Experts:

Maren Huelsmann (PhD Scholar and Research Associate, UniBw-M)

Salman Ali Thepdawala (PhD Scholar and research Associate, UniBw-M)

Christpher Vasko (ESA) – TBC

Rapporteur:

Francesco Covella

WG4 – Lunar and Planetary Exploration and Economy

Telespazio

Lunar & Planetary Exploration and Economy encompass the study, exploration, and utilization of celestial bodies such as the Moon, Mars, asteroids, and moons of other planets for scientific, commercial, and industrial purposes.

When we deal with exploration missions, we need to consider the huge complexity of the activities to perform and the related technologies to develop. Many different disciplines enter the game, so people with different background, expertise and horizons are required. This Working Group aims at facing Lunar & Planetary Exploration and Economy improving our understanding in different fields, such as resources assessment/utilization for infrastructure development, economic models & Strategies, Environmental and Regulatory Considerations, etc.

The following topics may be discussed:

  1. Resources Assessment/Utilization for Infrastructure Development 
  2. Economic Models/Strategies for New Space Economy
  3. Environmental & Regulatory Considerations

 

Moderator:

Francesco Ventre (SGAC)

Subject Matter Experts:

Luca Andolfi

Rapporteur:

Victor Eduardo Vasquez

WG5 – Diversity, Access & Inclusion across the European Space Industry

SGAC Education & Professional Development Platform

The European space industry is a rapidly evolving sector with a global impact on technological advancement, scientific discovery, and economic growth. As the industry expands, it is essential to ensure that it reflects the diverse society it serves and leverages the full spectrum of talent available. This necessity makes Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives not just ethical imperatives but also strategic priorities for fostering innovation and sustainability.

Diversity in the space industry encompasses a wide range of dimensions, including gender, nationality, age, and technical background. A diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives and experiences, driving creativity and innovation. However, achieving diversity is only the first step. Equality ensures that individuals have equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background. This objective requires addressing systemic barriers and biases that may hinder the participation and progression of underrepresented groups.

Inclusion goes a step further by creating an environment where all individuals feel valued and can contribute fully. An inclusive workplace fosters collaboration and respect, enabling every team member to bring their best ideas to the table. In the context of the European space industry, inclusion also involves integrating different cultural perspectives and working styles, given the continent’s rich diversity.

Despite progress in some areas, the European space sector still faces significant DEI challenges. Gender disparity is a persistent issue, with women underrepresented in many technical and leadership roles. Additionally, non-EU citizens often encounter barriers when seeking opportunities within the European space industry, limiting the talent pool. Young professionals, too, face hurdles such as limited access to mentorship and career development resources, which can impede their growth and contributions. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward addressing them.

The Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) has been at the forefront of promoting DEI within the space community. Through various initiatives, SGAC empowers young professionals and students from diverse backgrounds to engage with and contribute to the space sector. This working group, supported by the Education & Professional Development Platform of SGAC, aims to serve as a platform to share experiences, discuss challenges, and co-create solutions to provide actionable recommendations for enhancing DEI across the European space industry.

The following focus areas will be explored:

  1. Current DEI Initiatives in the European Space Sector
  2. SGAC’s DEI Initiatives
  3. Challenges for Non-EU Citizens
  4. Gender Equality in the Space Sector
  5. Young Professionals in the Space Sector

 

Moderator:

Milica Milosev (SGAC)

Subject Matter Experts:

Marcos Eduardo Rojas Ramirez, SGAC EPD Coordinator

Rapporteur:

Serena Campioli