Working Groups are at the core of the 9th E-SGW. Thanks to our sponsors, we have put together a series of 7 WGs covering a range of exciting topics that will allow fruitful discussions among delegates following the theme of the event: lunar exploration. 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. Lunar Science and Exploration
2. Building the Lunar Economy
3. Laws and Policy
4. Industry, Technology and Infrastructure
5. Humans on the Moon 
6. Inspiration and education
7. Sustainability 

WG1 – Lunar Science and Exploration

The Moon is becoming increasingly accessible, which opens the door to exciting new missions and scientific opportunities across fields such as geology, astronomy and more. In this WG, delegates will interact with experts in Lunar science and space exploration technology to imagine innovative ways to investigate scientific questions on the Moon. Together, they will prepare short mission proposals to conduct groundbreaking science on the Moon with the help of the latest advancements in spaceflight technology.

WG2 – Building the Lunar Economy

As space transitions into a commercial frontier and governments pursue a sustained human presence on the Moon, private and public actors alike are turning their attention to the opportunities of a lunar economy. From in-situ resource utilization to lunar-based data and energy solutions, this working group will explore how start-ups, established industry leaders, and space agencies can co-create a lunar economic ecosystem that is sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial to both Earth and future space missions. 

Delegates in this working group will face the challenges of navigating this new environment to imagine some business cases and exciting new applications for lunar spaceflight. Delegates will critically assess: (1) the enablers and barriers to a thriving lunar economy; (2) the role of public-private partnerships and international collaboration; and, (3) potential business cases and applications through hands-on activities.

WG3 – Law and Policy

The Moon Agreement (1979) is a cornerstone of space law, establishing foundational principles such as the notion that the Moon and its resources are the common heritage of mankind and cannot be subject to national appropriation or ownership. However, the Treaty has faced limited adoption and is challenged by countries like Luxembourg and the United States, which have enacted national laws permitting private appropriation of space resources. In May 2025, the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities of UNCOPUOS released a draft set of guidelines addressing this issue.

The proposed Law & Policy Working Group is a mini Model UN simulation based on this very case. Delegates, divided into small groups representing different countries and supported by experienced experts, will develop an amendment proposal. This real-world and newly released case study offers a unique opportunity to explore international space law while practicing negotiation, diplomacy, and public speaking skills.

WG4 – Industry, Technology and Infrastructure

The Moon is no longer just a distant dream; it represents the next frontier for innovation, scientific advancement, and strategic presence. Delegates are invited to delve into the pressing challenges that must be addressed to enable safe, sustainable, and effective lunar exploration and colonisation, while fostering Europe’s industrial and technological capacity in the space domain. From autonomous robotics and AI-driven operations to in-situ resource utilisation, lunar surface mobility, and long-duration mission support, the Working Group will explore the key technological and operational hurdles currently shaping lunar ambitions.

Participants will be tasked with identifying and prioritising both near-term and long-term challenges that must be overcome to ensure the viability of future Moon missions and the permanent human presence on our natural satellite. Particular attention will be paid to issues requiring focused European engagement—technologies and capabilities where Europe must take decisive steps to lead or collaborate.

The Working Group will be structured to facilitate open, solution-oriented discussion in sub-groups, enabling a broad yet targeted exchange of ideas. This process will culminate in the identification of three critical challenges that, if left unaddressed, could significantly hinder Europe’s role and autonomy as well as the broader success of sustained human operations on the Moon.

WG5 – Humans on the Moon

The Humans on the Moon Working Group explores the critical challenges of building a safe, sustainable, and internationally collaborative human presence on the Moon. At the heart of this session is a high-stakes scenario: an astronaut in distress, injured and isolated on the lunar surface. Participants will work together to devise immediate rescue responses and propose system-level improvements to prevent or mitigate such emergencies in the future.

Using this scenario as a launchpad, the group will tackle topics such as the design of lunar spacesuits optimised for safety and autonomy, inflatable emergency shelters, protocols for inter-base cooperation, and strategies to support diverse, international crews living and working on the Moon.

By weaving together engineering, operations, human factors, and mission safety, the workshop offers a hands-on, multidisciplinary space to explore real problems, and real opportunities – for Europe’s role in future lunar exploration.

WG6 – Inspiration and Education

The Inspiration and Education Working Group will develop a hands-on workshop toolkit to educate and inspire children across Europe about lunar exploration, with a focus on the Artemis missions. Designed for use by teachers, outreach leaders, and space enthusiasts, the toolkit will include age-appropriate activities for students aged 5–18. Over two days, the group will create fun and educational content tailored to three age groups – simple storytelling and crafts for younger children, interactive experiments and engineering tasks for middle years, and debates and mission design challenges for older students. The content will be designed to adapt across cultures and languages, using visual storytelling, universal symbols, and locally relevant examples. In addition to the toolkit, the group will explore how to support teachers through follow-up activities, international classroom connections, and basic training materials. The outcome will include student worksheets, teacher slide decks, printable materials, and translation-ready files in different European languages. The group will also draft a pilot plan involving five schools in five countries, along with a clear roadmap for toolkit updates and expansion over the next year. This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about education, outreach, and space to help spark curiosity about the Moon in the next generation.

WG7 – Sustainability 

In this Working Group, participants will tackle the question: What does a sustainable future on the Moon look like—and how do we get there? Through a fast-paced, scenario-based simulation, delegates will take on roles ranging from space agencies and private companies to policy makers and sustainability advocates. Each team will bring its unique goals and constraints as they co-design a collaborative lunar mission architecture that balances ambition with sustainability.

Over the course of the session, participants will develop and refine a shared lunar exploration scenario, negotiating across competing priorities and responding to dynamic challenges. Final presentations will highlight each team’s mission concept, key trade-offs, and built-in sustainability measures.

This Working Group aims to raise critical technical and ethical questions while empowering young professionals—especially from Europe—to shape the future of lunar exploration. All disciplines are welcome. . Whether you’re an engineer, policy student, space lawyer, scientist, or simply passionate about space sustainability, your voice matters in ensuring the Moon’s future is one of responsible, inclusive, and lasting stewardship.