Welcome to the Opening Session of the ESA Annual Conference on Commercial Space Exploration, a pivotal moment where innovation, collaboration, and the future of space converge. Let’s step together into an atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation as we set the scene for a transformative journey.

The Opening Session is structured as follows:

1. Welcome by Lisa Burke, Moderator of the Conference
2. Keynote on European Space Exploration Programme by Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Human & Robotic Exploration Programmes (ESA)
3. Keynote on the Moonlight Initiative by Francisco-Javier Benedicto Ruiz, Director of Navigation (ESA)
4. Keynote on Commercialisation and Exploration by Luca Del Monte, Head of Commercialisation Department (ESA)

ESA Astronaut and LEO Cargo Return Service Team Leader Samantha Cristoforetti will address the outcome of the Space Summit and dive into the planned development of Europe’s first LEO Cargo Return Service.

Fuel your connections at the Space for Inspiration Networking Break! Join us for a refreshing pause in the day’s proceedings, where stimulating conversations blend seamlessly with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The Networking Break is more than just a pause: it’s also an opportunity to explore our exhibition area!

This session includes a series of exciting presentations followed by a dynamic panel discussion.

Presentations:

• ispace and its pioneering role in the Earth-Moon ecosystem: the story of the 1st commercial mission to the Moon – Charlotte Nassey, Senior Government Affairs & Policy Officer (ispace)
• Intuitive Machines & SpaceApps: landing very close with Nova-C & LUVMI-X – Richard Aked, Managing Director (Space Applications Services NV)
• Astrobotic Technology & Lunar Logistic Services: PEREGRINE and the first mission launch – Philippe Watillon, Founder & Chief Executive Officer (Lunar Logistic Services)
• Blue Origin: the Blue Moon – Logan Ware, Commercial Director Europe (Blue Origin)

Panel Discussion:

• Julien-Alexandre Lamamy, Managing Director (ispace)
• Richard Aked, Managing Director (Space Applications Services NV)
• Philippe Watillon, Founder & CEO (Lunar Logistic Services)
• Logan Ware, Commercial Director Europe (Blue Origin)
• Ahmed Fadl, Integration Manager CLPS (NASA)
• Giorgio Cifani, Future Argonaut Missions Study Lead (ESA)

Enjoy your meal while connecting with fellow participants – because great conversations are best paired with food! Step into the inviting ambiance of the ESTEC canteen and enjoy a breath of fresh air. Lunch tickets will be provided. 

This session is going to be divided into three main parts, respectively:

Panel: ESA perspective on the BSGN Industry Accelerators and Multi-domain collaboration

• Kenza Benamar, Technology R&D Engineer (ESA)
• Christian Walter, Applications Engineer (ESA)
• Bernhard Hufenbach, Commercialisation & Innovation Team Leader (ESA)
• Kais Barmawi,Commercialisation & Programme Management Expert (ESA)

Keynotes: Commercial services for life science research and production in LEO

• Yuri: Elevating the Growth of Commercial LEO Life Science & Manufacturing Markets – Felix Steiner, Space Access Lead (Yuri)
• Bioreactor Express Service – David Stefano Zolesi, Managing Director & President (Kayser Space Ltd)
• ICE Cubes Service, Hilde Stenuit, Business Developer & Scientist Lead (Space Applications Services NV/SA)

Keynotes: Refuelling for transportation in LEO and beyond

• Air Liquide refuelling: from terrestrial experience to in-orbit operations – Bertrand Baratte, Director of Space Market for Global Market & Technologies (Air Liquide)
• Orbit Fab Limited: How Refuelling Will Advance the Final Frontier – Manny Shar, Managing Director (Orbit Fab)

This session is dedicated to discussing a European-wide road mapping effort for guiding Europe’s ISAM strategy to inform and shape future technologies, application markets and services within the next 10 years.

Discussion Areas:

• The strategic case for a consolidated and industry-driven European-wide ISAM roadmap
• The groundwork for guiding the Advanced Manufacturing component of the ISAM roadmap
• Announcing the official release of ‘Why Space’: a pivotal publication highlighting the diverse capabilities and opportunities in Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, driven and enabled by space
• Framework formation for ISAM Strategy committee: Discussing the establishment of a dedicated committee, along with the mechanisms, timelines and consultation processes necessary for effective development of the Roadmap

Speakers:

• Advenit Makaya, Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (ESA)
• Thomas Sinn, Chief Executive Officer (DCUBED)
• Philip Carvil, Head of Clusters (UK Research and Innovation | Science and Technology Facilities Council)
• Hamid Soorghali, Senior Strategy Consultant (Satellite Applications Catapult)

Recharge your afternoon with a cup of inspiration at the Afternoon Networking Break! Join us for coffee and connections as we take a brief pause to rejuvenate. Share insights, network with peers, and enjoy a stimulating break. Your next great conversation awaits – see you at the coffee station!
Don’t forget to stop by our exhibition area!

This session will focus on the emerging Lunar Economy and is going to be divided into three main parts, respectively:

Introduction
The session will be opened by Francesco Liucci, Innovation Management Officer at ESA

Presentation of Chandrayaan-3
Indian plans and success in Lunar Exploration by Jatan Mehta, Independent Space & Moon Exploration Writer (Jatan’s Space)

Panel Discussion
With representatives from TU Wien, Qosmosys, EURO2MOON, and Jatan Mehta, and Francesco Liucci as moderator, the discussion will revolve around the question ”Lunar Economy: What’s The Vision?”’and the different embraced perspectives.

• Jatan Mehta, Independent Space & Moon Exploration Writer (Jatan’s Space)
• Francois Dubrulle, CEO (Qosmosys)
• Julien-Alexandre Lamamy, Vice President (EURO2MOON)
• Sandra Haeuplik-Meusburger, Academic Director of the EMBA Space Architecture (TU Wien)

Wrap up the Space for Inspiration on a high note at our Closing Reception! Join us for an evening of celebration, networking, and delectable snacks. Reflect on the insights gained, forge final connections, and indulge in a culinary finale. This is more than just a reception; it’s a delicious conclusion to days filled with inspiration. Don’t miss the chance to unwind, mingle, and savor the last moments of this remarkable Day 1!

The Space for Inspiration Networking Dinner is the perfect culmination of your conference experience, making your evening full of connection, delightful cuisine, and vibrant conversations.
Registered participants to the dinner will receive a voucher with their conference badge upon arrival. Please note that access to the dinner is only available for pre-registered participants due to limited availability.