I will be in Copenhagen on 1–2 September 2026 for ESA’s annual conference on Commercial Space Exploration. This year’s cross-cutting theme is Scaling Research and Production in Space. The programme highlights four markets where microgravity, in-orbit and lunar resource capabilities are already creating opportunities for research, development, and production in space.
Health and Life Sciences. Therapeutic discovery, bioprocessing, diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health that use microgravity to advance biological research. The theme also covers astronaut health and innovations with dual benefits for space and terrestrial healthcare.
In-Space Manufacturing. Novel materials, higher-purity production, advanced characterisation, new manufacturing methods, automation concepts, and scale-up considerations. The focus: repeatable, high-quality production in space that creates value for markets on Earth.
Agri-Food. Microgravity-driven bioprocessing, fermentation, novel ingredients, controlled-environment cultivation, food quality and safety, and stability solutions. The theme also examines closed-loop food systems, waste-to-value processes, and plant biology relevant to both space missions and terrestrial applications.
Space Resources. Pathways for using lunar resources, especially regolith and water ice, to support construction and infrastructure. This includes excavation and handling, processing, binders and building materials, landing and road surfaces, radiation shielding, and the value chain needed for long-term lunar operations.
Beyond the four market themes, the conference offers a broader look at the commercial ecosystem enabling research and production in space.
The conference is hosted by the European Space Agency together with the Ministry of Higher Education and Science Denmark. It is organised by the ESA Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN) and ESA Business Incubation Centre (BIC) Denmark.
The BSGN Space for Inspiration Academic Challenge was launched in April 2026 to identify promising research concepts with long-term commercial potential in space-related markets. I look forward to meeting the Challenge finalists at the event.
Meet the Finalists of Space for Inspiration Academic Challenge
https://bsgn.esa.int/2026/07/22/s4i-academic-challenge-finalists/