Space-based R&D and Microgravity Manufacturing: State of Play and Outlook
Join us online to explore the latest advancements in space-based research and microgravity manufacturing, and discuss future opportunities i
Date and time
Location
Online
Agenda
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Welcome
European Space Agency
Satellite Applications Catapult
12:45 PM - 1:25 PM
Session 1: Microgravity R&D and Innovations for Adv Materials & Manufacturing
Rose Hernandez (ISS National Lab)
Erik Kulu (Factories in Space)
Ken Savin, (Redwire)
Hamid Soorghali (Satellite Applications Catapult)
1:25 PM - 2:10 PM
Session 2: Translating Research into Commercial Ventures
Advenit Makaya (ESA)
Dr. Phil Carvil (STFC)
Vito Di Pietro (TWI, ESA Tech Broker)
Dr. Gilles Billet (University of Glasgow)
2:10 PM - 2:40 PM
Session 3: National & European Initiatives for Market + Innovation Stimulation
Francesco Liucci (ESA BSGN)
Carl Savage (STFC / ESA Business Incubation)
Mike Curtis (Satellite Applications Catpault)
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM
BSGN Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Accelerator: Phase 2 Open Funding Call
Hamid Soorghali (Satellite Applications Catapult)
3:00 PM - 3:40 PM
Session 4: Commercial Services Platforms - Today and Post ISS
Neil Monteiro (Space Forge)
Mathieu Goudot (Space Cargo Unlimited)
Joost van Tooren (ALATYR)
Victor Maier (Exploration Company)
3:40 PM - 4:15 PM
Session 5: The Payload Development Journey for Space and Non-space
Hubert Moser (Flawless Photonics)
Olga Monaru (Nanoracks / Voyager Space)
Amir Ghaffari (Photocentric)
Daniel Campbell (Space Pharma)
Closing Reflections and Key Takeaways
Mike Curtis (Satellite Applications Catpault)
About this event
- Event lasts 4 hours
This live, multi-session webinar brings together key industry and institutional leaders driving the future of Europe’s in-space R&D and microgravity-enabled manufacturing.
Over five expert panel sessions, we’ll examine the current state of play, emerging opportunities, and long-term growth pathways for commercial microgravity applications in advanced materials and manufacturing. Discussions will address where commercial momentum is building, as well as where structural gaps persist across the market, supply chain, enabling technologies, innovation pipeline, and commercialisation.
With more than 15 speakers—including payload developers, platform operators, public agencies, and funding bodies—the webinar offers insights into how the ecosystem is evolving and what it will take to co-develop a scalable, commercially viable microgravity market for Europe.
This event is a joint initiative of the Satellite Applications Catapult’s Beyond Earth Mission and the European Space Agency’s Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN).
Key discussion topics will revolve around:
- Where commercial and technical opportunities are emerging across the value chain
- How European and national programmes are stimulating market formation and early adoption
- What support exists for early-stage ventures and market-ready solutions
- How space-enabled R&D aligns with broader national industrial &innovation strategi
For newcomers to the domain:
The webinar offers a clear visbility into the ecosystem, opportunity landscape, and entry points. It highlights how microgravity innovation connects with broader industrial trends, and outlines available funding and non-funding support—from the BSGN Accelerator to commercial platform providers—to help early-stage concepts progress toward deployment.
Why you should attend:
Whether you're developing next-generation materials, shaping policy, or building commercial space-based services and infrastructure, this webinar offers an excellent opportunity to engage directly with ecosystem leaders building Europe’s microgravity market. Participants will leave with practical insight, network connections, and a clearer view of the road ahead.
Who should attend:
Industry R&D leaders, innovation teams, deep-tech pioneers, venture builders, policy makers, institutional programme managers, and commercial platform or payload developers.