Young Professional Event 2026

30 May 2026, 08:00 → 2 Jun 2026, 16:00 Europe/Paris

ESA HQ-N

This year, we are thrilled to celebrate the 9th edition of the Young Professional Event, for the first time ever at our Agency Headquarters in Paris!

 

The Young Professional Event (YPE) is an exciting annual conference for young professionals at ESA, where talks, hands-on workshops, panels, and social activities are organised over a four-day period. Young professionals from each site will come to HQ, transforming it into a hub for connection, networking, and knowledge exchange.

 

This year, the event will be held on June 1 and 2 at ESA HQ Mario Nikis. The theme is Trajectory to Tomorrow: Europe’s Partnerships and Paths to Space!

 

The YPE is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow professionals from all ESA sites, as well as to learn from our speakers’ expertise, providing insights into what is at the forefront of ESA’s activities right now!

 

Spaces to the YPE are limited, and priority will be given to those in ESA Entry Level programmes. Note that you may only join if you have a confirmed registration. We can't wait to welcome you to HQ!

 

Want to know more? Check out our FAQ.

Interested? Register here.

 

 

 

 

YPE 2026

Saturday 30 May

11:00 → 12:00 Social Activities: Boat Tour

15:00 → 17:00 Social Activities: Fondation Louis Vuitton Visit

15:00 → 17:00 Social Activities: Louvre Visit

15:00 → 17:00 Social Activities: Photo Competition

15:00 → 17:00 Social Activities: Walking Tour

17:00 → 18:00 Social Activities: Boat Tour

18:00 → 23:59 Social Activities: Social Activities: Ground Control

19:30 → 23:00 Social Activities: Dinner (Chinese Restaurant) + Karaoke

19:30 → 21:00 Social Activities: Dinner (French Restaurant)

21:00 → 23:00 Social Activities: Cinema

Sunday 31 May

10:00 → 12:00 Social Activities: Boulangerie Tour

10:00 → 19:00 Social Activities: Disneyland

10:00 → 19:00 Social Activities: Versailles

11:00 → 12:00 Social Activities: 5KM Running

15:00 → 17:00 Social Activities: Escape Room

15:00 → 17:00 Social Activities: Louvre Visit

15:00 → 20:30 Social Activities: Pic-Nic

Monday 1 June

08:30 → 09:30 Registration✍️

09:30 → 10:00 Opening Ceremony

10:00 → 12:00 🛰️DG Session🛰️

The session will open with an interview featuring the Director General, exploring the Agency’s strategic direction following ESA after CM25 and its evolving role in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. A round of rapid-fire questions and live Q&A will give the audience the opportunity to engage directly with the DG on priorities, missions, and partnerships. The session will conclude with a panel discussion bringing together the Director General and Directors to reflect on Europe’s space ambitions in the 21st century.

12:00 → 13:30 Lunch: Poster Session

12:00 Predicting Ablation for Re-entry: Modelling Plasma Wind Tunnel Experiments for TPS sizing

Plasma Wind Tunnel (PWT) tests are used to characterize the recession behaviour of ablative materials under re-entry heat fluxes, providing key data for validating ablation models.

This work has been completed in the context of the LEO Cargo Return Service (LCRS)/ALADDIN program and investigates the capability of porous material models to reproduce PWT experiments. Numerical reconstructions of the experiments are performed using the open-source software OpenFOAM PATO, comparing different models (1D, 2D) and boundary conditions with experimental data.

Results show that recession rates can be predicted within ±20% of experimental data. This work proves the suitability of the software for this use and proposes an approach to simulate PWT tests that can also be applied to obtain a first estimation of the Thermal Protection System (TPS) size.

Speaker: Silvia Picchi (European Space Agency)

12:00 When Oxygen Attacks: Atomic Oxygen Effects in Low Earth Orbit and beyond

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) exposes spacecraft materials to highly reactive atomic oxygen (ATOX), which can cause significant surface erosion, mass loss, and changes in optical and mechanical properties, particularly in polymer based materials. To evaluate material resistance under simulated LEO conditions, ground-based atomic oxygen testing is performed using a dedicated LEOX facility in ESA ESTEC. Testing is conducted in controlled laboratory conditions, where samples are mounted inside the chamber and
exposed to a calibrated ATOX beam. After
irradiation, samples are examined for erosion yield, surface morphology changes, and material degradation using
techniques such as mass loss measurements, optical microscopy, and surface analysis.

Speaker: Maciej Skorupski (European Space Agency)

12:05 Hub for ESOC OPS-GA Software Assets

OPS-GA at ESOC manages over 250 software assets with complex interdependencies, varying versions, and mission-specific uses. While the department maintains a broad and capable software ecosystem, it can be difficult for teams—particularly in other departments—to clearly track what assets already exist or are reusable.

To address this, I developed a centralized, user-friendly hub that organizes key information such as ownership, links, visuals, and relationships between assets. The platform also enables better insight into resource usage and provides a clear, visual overview of the software landscape. Despite challenges in keeping such a system accurate and up to date, this project offers valuable lessons that I aim to share with others through the YPE poster session.

Speaker: Lucas Arlandis Liminana (Intern at ESA)

12:05 Rosalind Franklin Mission Reference Samples: tools to search for life on Mars

In 2021 the ExoMars Science Team selected a suite of terrestrial analogue materials to become ‘Mission Reference Samples', chosen for their Oxia Planum landing site representativity and their relevance regarding biosignature preservation. The science team undertook a campaign to analyse these samples with each ground model of the rover's Pasteur Payload Instruments.

Results have enabled application of the ExoMars Biosignature Score (EBS)[1], a metric to evaluate the degree of confidence that a location may contain sufficient evidence of past (or present) martian life. The EBS interrogates the geological context and the presence of morphological and chemical biosignatures.

The team used the same method and scoring system that it expects to employ during the rover's surface mission. We find that although several analysed samples originated from active microbial environments, EBS values are yet to exceed 100, the threshold for strong evidence of life as supported by multiple, independent enquiry avenues.

In this poster I will provide an overview of the campaign, present results and evaluations of the EBS for the first samples, and discuss overall findings and lessons learned that shall be considered in preparation for science operations.

[1] Vago J.L. et al., Astrobiology, 2017, 17, 472-510.

Speaker: Bianca Tacconi

12:10 Investigation of laser induced contamination and in-situ detection techniques in UV optical systems

Laser induced contamination (LIC) is a critical issue optical systems operating with high-power lasers, particularly in the ultraviolet (UV) range, face. These lasers form part of Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) missions such as ADM-Aeolus and EarthCARE.
The smallest amounts of outgassed contaminants originating from adhesives, coatings and other materials can significantly affect the lifetime and reliability of optical systems. This is due to cold optical surfaces, such as mirrors and lenses, acting as preferred deposition sites for outgassed molecules. Although the initial contamination layers may be of very low thickness and with limited optical impact, exposure to high-power UV radiation can substantially alter their physical and chemical properties. The laser’s high photon energy exceeds most molecular bond energies, driving photochemical and thermally activated effects in the outgassed species. These reactions include molecular fragmentation, recombination, polymerisation and cross-linking, leading to a chemically and structurally modified contamination layers with properties depending on both the originating material and the irradiation conditions. The resulting deposits exhibit increased optical absorption and scattering, leading to permanent laser energy losses and elevated thermal loading of optical surfaces. Ultimately, this degradation can result in reduced system performance, failure through insufficient transmitted laser energy or the onset of laser‑induced damage (LID) of the optics.
This work makes use of the newly commissioned Radiation Induced Environmental Effects Facility (RIEEF) at ESTEC to investigate the formation and evolution of LIC under controlled, space‑relevant conditions. The facility enables systematic and parameterised studies of contamination behaviour as a function of temperature, pressure, laser energy density, and contamination source. In-situ monitoring of contamination levels is performed by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as well as laser induced effects are observed via laser induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements (based on CCD based fluorescence imaging) and laser energy diagnostics. Post-test characterisation of the contamination layers includes optical transmission loss measurements using UV/Vis/NIR spectrophotometry, as well as chemical and structural analysis by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Raman microscopy. Further planned analyses include X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) to provide additional insight into the surface chemistry and morphology of the deposits. These results contribute to an improved understanding of LIC mechanisms and support the development of laser-based contamination detection and mitigation strategies for future space laser missions.

Speaker: Sarah Krahl (ESA)

12:10 Revisiting Electromagnetic Levitator Data Using a More Detailed Theoretical Model to Improve Viscosity Measurement Accuracy

Viscosity measurements of metallic samples obtained from electromagnetic levitator experiments on the International Space Station have traditionally exhibited deviations of over 10% for very viscous samples. This study presents a recalculation of the original data using a more detailed theoretical equation, resulting in improved accuracy with deviations reduced to approximately 2% [1]. The enhanced model accounts for previously neglected factors affecting levitation dynamics and electromagnetic forces, enabling more precise interpretation of experimental results. These recalculated findings provide a more reliable basis for understanding the viscosity behaviour of metallic melts under microgravity conditions. The improved accuracy contributes significantly to materials science research and supports future experimental design in space-based levitation studies. [2]

[1] G. Lohöfer, Viscosity measurement by the “oscillating drop method”: The case of strongly damped oscillations. Int. J. Thermophys. 41 30 (2020) [2] H.-J. Fecht, M. Mohr, Metallurgy in Space: Measurement of Thermophysical Properties Using the ISS-EML (2022)

Speaker: Marcelina Stasik (European Space Agency)

12:15 A day in the life of an ion at the ESA Propulsion Laboratory

The poster aims to present my work as an EGT in the ESA Propulsion Laboratory during an ion thruster test campaign. The test campaign will be explained through the visual example of an ion created inside the thruster and flying through and eventually out of it to produce thrust. The poster includes explanations of thrust measurement principles and also difficulties encountered during the test campaign.

Speaker: Alexander Eckervogt

12:15 When Law Meets Satellite Navigation: Of Audits and Cybersecurity Norms

This poster presents a new structured methodology for categorizing and analysing cybersecurity regulations relevant to European Space Agency’s (ESAs) navigation programmes. It introduces a system that organizes European Union norms affecting cybersecurity, thereby enabling a systematic assessment of their applicability. By demonstrating how this categorization streamlines compliance checks, improves audit consistency, and anticipates future regulatory developments, the poster highlights the value of a legal analysis in strengthening the cyber resilience of the European navigation sector, which has an impact of EUR 260 billion market and five billion users.

Speaker: Ora Buch Kornreich

12:20 Predicting the efficiency of oxygen extraction from lunar regolith

The poster would explain the FFC molten salt electrolysis process, by presenting the results of an experimental campaign realized using the Large Diameter Centrifuge (LDC) at ESTEC, to predict the effect of gravity on the extraction of oxygen from lunar regolith, and estimate the efficiency of the process under lunar gravity.

The FFC molten salt electrolysis process is under study for the production of oxygen (life support) and metals (building materials) on the moon, through the reduction of oxides in the lunar regolith. It has shown promise as being able to extract 90+% of the oxygen in regolith simulants as well as in various regolith samples brought back from the Apollo missions.

Speaker: Arnaud Nizet

12:20 Reducing Sensory Deprivation and Stress in Astronauts Through Nature-Based VR and Olfactory Stimulation

As we prepare for prolonged missions in low Earth orbit and on the lunar surface, maintaining astronaut psychological wellbeing is a mission-critical priority. Grounded in evidence that natural environments reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, this research evaluates a multisensory VR experience delivered via a Nokia RXRM 5G satellite-enabled pipeline. Utilising 360° nature scenes, spatial audio and synchronised scent, the study assesses both system reliability and user stress reduction within a simulated confinement environment. These findings will validate real-time restorative interventions for space exploration while informing the design of immersive therapies for isolated patients in terrestrial healthcare settings.

Speaker: Cleo Nyborg

12:25 Lunar dust adhesion: It's a sticky situation!

Understanding these adhesive properties of lunar dust particles is vital so dust contamination can be mitigated. The adhesion of these dust particles is driven by a combination of electrostatic and van der Waals forces. The combined effects of the highly variable size and shape of lunar dust particles along with the ultra-high vacuum and radiative environment of the lunar surface, makes understanding the charging of particles and forces responsible for the adhesion of them a complex problem. This research project investigates the adhesion and charging behaviour of lunar dust simulant particles experimentally using nano-indentation techniques in the materials lab at ESA/ESTEC.

The adhesion of lunar dust simulant particles is measured using in-SEM nano-indentation. Anorthosite particles, which compromise a large fraction of the lunar highland regolith, are attached to metal surface using a high stiffness glue the a microforce sensing probe measures the adhesion between the anorthosite particle and silicon. The anorthosite particles are characterised in the SEM after testing has been completed to obtain the size and shape of the individual particles.

The results from these experiments will better inform future adhesion testing and enable informed interpretations of lunar dust adhesion on the Moon based on on-Earth testing results.

Speaker: Corinne Barker

12:25 Modular Autonomy Stack for the MaRTA Rover

Being able to make autonomous decisions on Mars is crucial, as TM/TC communication can take up to 21 minutes one way. This work focuses on the autonomy stack of MaRTA (a 2:1 scale model of the Rosalind Franklin rover developed at the Planetary Robotics lab), by developing and integrating different approaches to localization, mapping, and autonomous exploration within a modular framework. Autonomous exploration based on frontier detection was validated in multiple field trials. The resulting modular design enables straightforward integration and testing of new developments by visiting researchers, students and industry.

Speaker: Eline De Groote

12:30 A Modular, Low‑Cost 6‑Axis Force/Torque Sensor for Haptic Teleoperation within Double‑Walled Isolators

Commercial 6‑axis force/torque sensors for industrial robotics typically cost £15,000–£50,000, limiting access to high‑fidelity haptic teleoperation for low‑TRL research. This work presents a £1,000, open‑source 6‑DOF force/torque sensor based on a flexure body, foil strain gauges, and 24‑bit wireless telemetry, designed for rapid prototyping using off‑the‑shelf components and validated against an ATI sensor on a KUKA 7‑DOF robot. The sensor is compatible with vacuum and inert or nitrogen atmospheres, fits within a double‑walled isolator, and enables haptic telemanipulation of regolith simulants via a Force Dimension Sigma.7 controller.

Speaker: Finn Grennan (European Space Agency)

12:30 Exploring Science Impact Metrics in Human and Robotic Exploration

This poster presents work within the Human and Robotic Exploration (HRE) Directorate focused on developing a structured approach to understanding and describing the impact of exploration science. The work responds to the need to move beyond commonly used metrics by considering a broader set of indicators related to scientific output, participation, diversity, and wider benefits of space research. It explores how such indicators can support clearer communication of the value of exploration science across missions and environments. The poster reflects an ongoing effort to support more coherent and transparent impact thinking within HRE.

Speaker: Siiri Koskinen

12:35 Assessing the Risk of Mars Contamination: An ExoMars Rover Case Study

Biological contamination of Mars by robotic and crewed missions could threaten the integrity of extra-terrestrial life detection. Currently, no model exists to reliably assess this risk. We present a new modelling framework to assess the contamination risk posed by spacecraft sent to Mars. Using data for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover, we quantify the reduction in spacecraft bioburden due to solar UV radiation and thermal-vacuum synergy during cruise and surface operations. We also provide a structured overview of the knowledge required to estimate microbial transport by Martian winds and microbial growth at the ExoMars rover landing site.

Speaker: Benjamin Andrews (European Space Agency)

12:35 Evaluating GNSS Interference Mitigation Using a Multi-Beam Luneburg Lens

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) underpin everything from aviation to critical infrastructure – but their weak, unencrypted signals make them dangerously vulnerable to jamming and spoofing attacks. This research explores a novel, low-cost solution: a Luneburg lens, a 3D-printed, multi-beam antenna system that enhances signal reception while inherently resisting interference. Unlike traditional mitigation techniques, the lens leverages directional gain to strengthen legitimate satellite signals and suppress off-axis interference, while also offering potential spoofing detection through anomalous signal reception patterns. Real-world testing at Norway’s 2025 Jammertest demonstrated that, even under intense jamming, the lens-enabled system maintained satellite tracking where a standard patch antenna failed completely. These early results suggest that Luneburg lens technology could offer a practical and scalable path toward more resilient GNSS systems in increasingly contested environments.

Speaker: Ben Wadsworth

12:40 Climate-Induced Crop Migration in the MENA and Mediterranean Regions

Across MENA and the Mediterranean drylands, irrigation has become the dominant response to agricultural water stress but it masks the climate signal and puts water resources under threat. Using three MSG-derived thermal drought indicators from dirurnal Land Surface Temperature (LST) data (ΔLST, RTI-β, SATDA) at 0.05° over 2005–2024, combined with GPP-weighted quantile regression and GRACE terrestrial water storage, we show that (i) agricultural drought has intensified region-wide, (ii) the dominant adaptation mode is productivity redistribution within a stable cropland footprint with a continuous gradient from rainfed cooling to irrigation-buffered warming (β: −0.05 to +0.23 K/yr across irrigation-fraction deciles), and (iii) where irrigation sustains productivity, GRACE reveals accelerating depletion of the groundwater storage.

Speaker: Adrian Kreiner (European Space Agency)

12:40 Using Multiple, Interconnected Machine Learning Approaches to Enable and Control 3D Dendrite Simulations of Metal-Alloy Solidification

The crystal microstructure of a metal alloy has a significant impact on its performance, with consequences for any components manufactured using it. Over the course of decades, ESA has researched the impact that microgravity can have on these crystals, referred to as dendrites, via the use of in-situ X-ray radiography imaging of the solidification process. As experiments move away from model alloys, chosen for their contrast within X-ray videos, the challenge of isolating, measuring and comparing visible dendrites will only increase. Thus, a new, 3D modelling based approach is being developed to allow for simulation-based-inference to overcome previously insurmountable image properties. This poster demonstrates the core of this new approach, two interconnected machine learning networks which learn the necessary parameters for the 3D modeller to successfully simulate unclear or obscured areas of highly valuable and unique experimental data.

Speaker: Jonathan Mullen (European Space Agency - Human and Robotic Exploration - Science Utilisation)

12:45 Closing the European Space Computing Gap: A 7nm UDSM Radiation-Hardened CGRA Accelerator IP for AI and Telecom Workloads

AI-based capabilities are increasingly enabling onboard satellite intelligence, but European solutions are currently limited to 28nm FDSOI technology, trailing US competitors like AMD's 7nm FinFET-based VERSAL. To close this gap, we present what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first radiation-hardened Coarse-Grained Reconfigurable Array (CGRA)-based hardware accelerator IP synthesised in 7nm UDSM technology — a landmark step for European space-grade computing. Built around a CGRA accelerator core, the architecture delivers energy-efficient, reconfigurable data processing capable of handling diverse AI and signal processing workloads under the strict power, reliability, and radiation constraints of satellite payloads.

The increasing complexity of space missions — spanning real-time Earth observation, in-orbit data analytics, and adaptive mission control — demands computing platforms that are simultaneously flexible, efficient, and radiation-hardened. CGRA-based accelerators are uniquely suited to this environment: their reconfigurability allows dynamic adaptation to evolving AI workloads, while their dataflow architecture minimises energy consumption compared to conventional processor-based solutions. Targeting 7nm UDSM technology further yields transformative improvements in transistor density and computational throughput over 28nm baselines, enabling a new class of onboard intelligence previously unachievable.
The same architectural advantages extend naturally to next-generation telecom applications. The growing computational demands of 5G and emerging 6G systems — including beamforming, regenerative payload processing and massive MIMO signal processing — impose strict latency, throughput, and energy constraints that CGRA-based designs are well positioned to meet. The insights gained from characterising and hardening this architecture at the 7nm node therefore carry broad relevance, contributing to Europe's strategic push for sovereignty in advanced-node IC design across both space and telecom domains.

In this poster, we provide an overview of the current hardware accelerator landscape for space applications, demonstrate the architectural advantages of our CGRA-based design for AI, telecom, and data processing workloads, and present quantitative performance, power, and area (PPA) synthesis results in TSMC's 7nm standard-cell library.

Speaker: Gabriela Mystkowska (ESA)

12:45 Sunshading with origami cones

Sunshading as a geoengineering solution to combat global warming has been proposed as early as the 1920s. This usually involves placing a large disk shaped structure between the sun and earth near the L1 Lagrange point to partially block the incoming solar flux. The size, mass and engineering requirements are immense which motivates research on reducing mass and deployment difficulties by, for example, splitting the shade up into a swarm of smaller ones.

As part of our research at the Advanced Concepts Team, we found out that considering a cone instead of a flat disk, leads to a reduction of up to two order of magnitudes of mass compared to the classical sunshade design, since the cone deflects incoming sunlight instead of simply blocking it.

This poster will show how to find the size, materials and how to deploy traditional and conical sunshades and their effects on global warming. Additionally, we will show how to effectively fold cones via origami patterns to fit more into the same fairing and how to unfold them via centrifugal force alone for easier deployment!

Speaker: Jonas Seiler

12:50 A methodology for investigating shock propagation through CubeSat structures subject to hypervelocity impacts

With an estimated 130 million untrackable debris particles currently orbiting the Earth, Hypervelocity impacts pose a significant and increasing threat to spacecraft structural integrity, particularly in Low Earth Orbit (200 – 2000 km)[1]. This study focuses on small debris (1 mm to 1 cm), comprising space debris and micrometeoroids, for which evasive manoeuvres are not feasible due to their high velocities (> 7 km/s). In this hypervelocity regime, impacts impart large amounts of localised energy into the structure, leading to perforation, the generation of a dense secondary cloud of vaporised debris (or plasma due to material sublimation), and the propagation of shock waves throughout the structure. These shock waves can affect sensitive payloads and critical units, and may induce failure in structural joints, potentially leading to mission loss.
This work investigates shock generation and propagation resulting from small debris hypervelocity impacts through numerical simulations in LS-DYNA, with a primary focus on representative panel configurations and Whipple shield impact scenarios. A coupled Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) and Finite Element Modelling (FEM) approach has been adopted. Here, SPH has been used to model a localised region of the impacted front panel due to its superior abilities in capturing fragmentation behaviour; this region is then coupled via specifically formulated adaptive contacts to the rest of the front panel to allow for smooth, uniform shock propagation across the SPH-FEM interface. The numerical results are correlated with data (secondary debris cloud digital image dispersion and velocities, and crater dimensions measurements) obtained from two-stage light gas gun impact tests. Ongoing work involves extending the model to that of a full CubeSat-scale structural FEM to assess shock transmission across critical interfaces, including internal frames and solar array attachments. This work aims to improve spacecraft resilience to hypervelocity impacts from the early design phase through better understanding of the effects of HVI and to support the development of structural health monitoring strategies throughout the mission lifetime.
[1] European Space Agency (2025). ESA’s Annual Space Environment Report, GEN-DB-LOG-00288-OPS-SD

Speaker: Anushka Dongare (TEC-MSS)

12:50 Deep Space Long-Distance Relationships Need Commitment.. and a Global Optical Ground Station Network: Feasibility Analysis of Deep Space Optical Communication Links and Dimensioning of a Global Optical Ground Station Network

Future space missions are expected to generate increasingly large volumes of data. As a result, traditional radio frequency communication systems are becoming a limiting factor. Optical communication is therefore being investigated as an alternative, as it enables much higher data transmission rates. However, laser signals are strongly affected by weather conditions, particularly cloud coverage, which can interrupt communication links.
In this study, the feasibility of supporting deep space laser communication using a global network of Optical Ground Stations (OGSs) is assessed. A representative space laser terminal, based on NASA’s Psyche mission, is used as a reference to estimate achievable data transmission performance under different mission conditions. These estimates are combined with long‑term global weather data to evaluate communication reliability.
By analysing cloud coverage hourly data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) data base and considering the link geometry, the number and location of OGSs among existing optical ground stations and optical astronomical observatories is determined, in order to meet the specified requirements. The duration of OGS network outages over a period of 5 years with a temporal resolution of 1 hour is estimated.

Speaker: Lena Eberhardt

12:55 Multi-source Market Intelligence function in support of strategic decision making in Earth Observation

To support ESA Earth Observation teams in their daily and strategic decisions, a comprehensive, centralised, up-to-date and fully transparent market intelligence function was missing.

This led to the development of the EO MIDB within the Φ-lab, essential backbone to the targeted multi-dimensional analysis, including technical, commercial and financial data, e.g. key stakeholders’ analysis, value chain gap identification, satellite capability comparison.

The key innovation lies in the combination and harmonisation of multiple input data sources, including public, premium and ESA exclusive data, via a correlation function and associated trustworthiness scores. It ensures all relevant complementary information is captured, while allowing to backtrack the single data origin.

The digested data is displayed in a ready-to-be-used, cross-view report, which simplifies decision making, such as for the operations of the InCubed programme.

Speakers: Adele Shi, Alessandro Crispiels

12:55 Shoot for the Stars: Hypervelocity Gas-Gun Impacts into Metal Meteorites

The asteroid 16 Psyche is the largest known metal asteroid in the main belt, and as a result is a prime target for potential in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) and commercial asteroid mining. Before it can be determined if this would be physically or financially viable, a significant amount of research is needed, particularly into the surface material, conditions and behaviours.

This work aims to improve the understanding of impact processes on such metal asteroids and to predict if there will be an iron-nickel rich regolith present, which could be used for ISRU. This investigation focuses on the response of the internal Widmanstätten crystal pattern to high-speed impacts.

Small copper projectiles (~2mm) were fired into a piece of the metal meteorite Henbury at approximately 4kms-1 to determine if the crystals would melt or shatter, and whether the crystal structure would be a significant factor. If the crystals shattered out, producing metal-rich ejecta then it would be more likely that on a large metal asteroid, there would be a metallic regolith. If instead they melted, then it would be unlikely that these crystals would significantly contribute to the production of an asteroidal regolith. Initial analysis of these experiments will be presented in this poster.

This work aims to better predict the impact processes on the surface of the asteroid Psyche by performing hypervelocity impacts on to a metal meteorite. Further investigation into the nature of surface processes and regolith formation on metal asteroids will provide progress towards enabling and derisking near future ISRU activities.

Speaker: Danielle Vosper (European Space Agency)

13:30 → 14:30 🌐ESA Behind the scenes: External and Internal Relations🌐

How do changing national space strategies shape ESA? This panel explores the balance between national interests and European programs, and how these dynamics influence decision-making within the Agency. Speakers will also discuss ESA’s cooperation with external partners such as NASA, the EU, and industry, offering insights into the relationships that shape Europe’s role in space.

Please note that session times are subject to change.

13:30 → 14:30 👩‍💻DEI Workshop: Challenges and Opportunities of DEI in International Organisations👩‍💻

This year’s YPE highlights the strategic, political, and collaborative dimensions of Europe’s space ambitions. Yet the success of these trajectories ultimately depends on people: diverse teams working across cultures, languages, and backgrounds.

Our DEI workshop aims at exploring diversity, equity and inclusion as core capabilities for navigating complex international environments, offering practical and reflective insights into how to navigate and ultimately benefit from the inherent diversity that surrounds us. We will be joined by Sylvain Seguy and Leonie Werner, the team in charge of DEI workforce activities at UNESCO through the UNGlobe association.

Please note that all time slots for the sessions are subject to change, meaning that overlapping sessions may change.

14:30 → 16:15 ☄️Environmental × Entrepreneurs ESA Sustainability Fund Projects' Ideation Workshop☄️

Join us for the joint Environmental × Entrepreneurs ESA Sustainability Fund Projects' Ideation Workshop — a fast‑paced, collaborative session where Young ESA professionals explore how innovation and environmental responsibility can reinforce each other. Through guided brainstorming, team discussions, and creative ideation tools, participants will identify future sustainability challenges and develop solutions that could implemented at ESA in the years ahead: concrete projects that reduce the Agency’s environmental footprint, enhance the sustainability of ESA’s physical assets, encourage workforce's sustainable practices.
All ideas generated during the workshop will be proposed to the Sustainability Fund, ensuring that the most promising concepts can be taken forward, developed, and potentially implemented. Important: to take part in the workshop, participants must be willing to own their idea, carry it forward after the workshop, and lead its submission to the Fund.
If you are driven by climate action, innovation, or entrepreneurial thinking, this is the perfect space to connect, co‑create, and shape impactful ideas for a more sustainable ESA.

Please note that all time slots for the sessions are subject to change, meaning that overlapping sessions may change.

14:30 → 15:30 🚀Launching Europe to Space🚀

How can Europe secure autonomous and competitive access to space in a rapidly evolving global landscape? This panel brings together experts from across the launcher ecosystem to explore future technologies, emerging commercial players, and established programmes, highlighting the innovation and strategic decisions shaping Europe's future access to space.

Please note that session times are subject to change.

15:30 → 16:15 Networking Coffee and Break ☕

Come meet fellow Young Professionals from other sites around a French "goûter" with coffee and some icebreakers.

16:15 → 17:15 🌍ESA Council Ministerial Simulation🌍

This interactive workshop simulates an ESA Council at Ministerial level, placing participants in the role of Member States to negotiate programmes, debate priorities, and experience first‑hand how strategic decisions are shaped. Through guided moderation, structured proposals, and collaborative decision‑making, the session offers a practical insight into ESA governance, consensus‑building, and the dynamics behind real ministerial outcomes.

Please note that all time slots for the sessions are subject to change, meaning that overlapping sessions may change.

16:15 → 17:15 📈CM25 results towards 2040📈

This session will present the key outcomes of CM25 as the starting point for shaping ESA’s long-term strategy toward 2040. It will outline the agreed vision, the stepwise roadmaps under development, and the strategic initiatives, resource planning, and transformation efforts required to deliver Europe’s space ambitions over the next decade and beyond.

Please note that session times are subject to change.

17:15 → 17:45 Closing Remarks

19:00 → 00:00 🌟Gala🌟

Imagine dancing under the Eiffel tower, on the edge of the Seine, golden sunset behind you, listening to music and chatting with other Young Professionals - that's the energy for this year's Gala! A chance to network, and de-stress after a day of learning at YPE. Stay tuned for the venue, food options, and dress code, but be sure of this: a wonderful evening awaits you!

Tuesday 2 June

10:30 → 11:00 Welcome Coffee☕

11:00 → 12:30 👩‍💻Career Trajectory: Conversations on Mentorship and Professional Growth👩‍💻

This interactive networking session brings together eight alumni of ESA’s early career programmes to share insights into the diverse career paths available within ESA, industry, and academia. Panellists will explore how professional trajectories evolve over time, highlighting key decisions, skills, and opportunities that have shaped their journeys.
The discussion will cover topics such as navigating transitions between roles and sectors, the role of mentorship in career development, and lessons learned along the way.
The session will begin with a moderated panel followed by an open Q&A with the audience. It will transition into an informal networking event, providing a great opportunity for current and former ESA young professionals to connect, exchange experiences, and build relationships.

12:30 → 13:45 Young ESA Lunch and Learn 🧠

Interested in becoming involved with Young ESA activities, or even just curious to learn more about what we do? This is your chance to speak face to face with the Core Team of Young ESA and ask all your questions. Working group leads will set up a poster session where you can come and see what they've been up to this year and hear about future plans... maybe even suggest some of your own! Site representatives will also be available for discussions on site specific concerns, ideas, events and more.

It’s never too late to actively join Young ESA, we invite you to join us and get started today!

13:45 → 14:45 🌍ESA Council Ministerial Simulation🌍

This interactive workshop simulates an ESA Council at Ministerial level, placing participants in the role of Member States to negotiate programmes, debate priorities, and experience first‑hand how strategic decisions are shaped. Through guided moderation, structured proposals, and collaborative decision‑making, the session offers a practical insight into ESA governance, consensus‑building, and the dynamics behind real ministerial outcomes.

13:45 → 14:45 🔥Space Slam🔥

Are you passionate about space? Do you have a cosmic idea or project you'd love to share? Here's your chance! Present your space-related topic in a fun and engaging 5 minute presentation. Whether you choose to dance, sing, rhyme, or showcase dynamic slides filled with memes, the stage is yours. Every participant will win the audience's admiration, but the most entertaining and innovative talk will receive a unique prize. No rules, except the time limit. Gain public speaking experience in front of the friendliest crowd imaginable. Share what inspires or challenges you about space, and let your creativity shine!

14:45 → 15:00 Closing Remarks