A closed-door strategic workshop in Central Switzerland to co-create European–Swiss pathways for NewSpace, in-orbit services, and advanced manufacturing.
Aligning European NewSpace, Swiss industry, and innovation partners around concrete collaboration for 2026–2028.
Context
Why this workshop matters
The Elara Aerospace × SSIP × Technopark Luzern workshop is designed as a working environment where strategic discussions lead to tangible collaboration between European NewSpace actors and the Swiss innovation ecosystem.
A strategic, not symbolic, gathering
Hosted in Omega Room at Technopark Luzern, this session brings together selected leaders from aerospace, advanced manufacturing, microgravity R&D, and institutional stakeholders.
The ambition is to move beyond high-level panels and into concrete, time-bound collaboration pathways that can be activated in the 2026–2028 window.
Who is in the room
- Elara Aerospace leadership and technical experts
- SSIP representatives and Swiss ecosystem partners
- Technopark Luzern as innovation hub host
- Curated participants from industry and academia
Focus areas
Key themes we will address
A concise agenda centred on where joint efforts between Elara, Switzerland, and European partners can generate concrete results.
Strategic topics
- European NewSpace landscape & Elara's strategic positioning
The role of Europe in independent space access and where Elara fits within the emerging ecosystem.
- Advanced manufacturing & additive processes for space systems
Metal AM, advanced structures and industrialisation supporting Hopper, LV1, LV2 and LV3.
- In-orbit services, small launchers & emerging market opportunities
Trends in IOS and the importance of modular micro-launchers.
- Orbital launch capabilities & supporting infrastructure
Pathway toward LV2/LV3 orbital capability and required test, manufacturing and integration infrastructure.
- Launch pad operations & ground systems
Operations, reusability workflows, logistics and European ground segment considerations.
- In-space perspective & on-orbit services
Telemetry, data, recovery and future on-orbit service models, including dual-use considerations.
- Switzerland as a neutral, trusted hub for aerospace development
Stability, certification confidence, industrial precision and Lucerne's strategic position.
- Mapping collaboration & joint development opportunities (2026–2028)
Concrete pathways for co-development between Elara, SSIP, Technopark Luzern and partners.
Orbital launch
Rockets and launchers shaping the NewSpace economy
Launch pad operations
From ground infrastructure to in-orbit services
In-space perspective
Earth, orbit and the ecosystem Elara & SSIP want to serve
Programme
Programme – 20 February 2026
A full strategic workshop structured around the Lucerne Pitch chapters (1–7), presenting Elara Aerospace's roadmap, technology, Swiss integration plan and investor vision.
09:00 – 09:30
Welcome Coffee & Registration
Omega Room, Technopark Luzern
Arrival and informal networking with Elara Aerospace, SSIP, Technopark Luzern and selected participants.
09:30 – 09:50
Opening & Objectives — Overall Structure for the Lucerne Pitch
Omega Room
Introduction to the purpose of the workshop, the structure of the Lucerne Pitch, expectations for the day and the strategic Swiss–European context.
09:50 – 10:35
Session 1 — Overview of Elara Aerospace
Omega Room
Chapter 1: identity of the project, academic origins (TUM and partner universities), long-term vision and complete development roadmap including Hopper, Starlight LV1, LV2 and LV3.
10:35 – 11:20
Session 2 — Current State of Technology
Omega Room
Chapter 2: propulsion system (methane–LOX, CCZ, regenerative cooling, TVC), structures & mechanics (aluminium, CFRP, FEM, test campaigns), electronics & software (flight controller, telemetry), and current test infrastructure and technology network in Germany and Italy.
11:20 – 11:50
Session 3 — Why Switzerland and Why Lucerne
Omega Room
Chapter 3: Switzerland as a strategic innovation location, Lucerne's industrial density, partners such as Accelleron and Montanstahl, and integration with Swiss universities and research groups.
11:50 – 12:50
Networking Lunch (1 hour)
Technopark Luzern – restaurant area
Extended networking lunch enabling bilateral discussions and technical exchanges.
12:50 – 13:30
Session 4 — What We Aim to Build in Switzerland
Omega Room
Chapter 4: Lucerne as a specialised engineering hub; access to Pilatus, RUAG & Beyond Gravity, Emmen cluster, CNC & AM partners; Swiss-based test campaigns; Hopper demonstration flights.
13:30 – 14:15
Session 5 — What We Need from Lucerne (Interactive)
Omega Room
Chapter 5: infrastructure needs (offices, workshop access, machinery, selected 3D printing), industrial network support, research integration, test capacities and sponsor/investor interfaces.
14:15 – 15:00
Session 6 — Vision for Investors
Omega Room
Chapter 6: commercial roadmap for European reusable launch services, market overview, strategic independence, company positioning and Switzerland's long-term role in the launch ecosystem.
15:00 – 15:40
Session 7 — Dual Use & Regulatory Context
Omega Room
Chapter 7: dual-use considerations, export controls, responsible development frameworks, and discussion on Swiss and EU regulatory alignment.
15:40 – 16:10
Closing & Next Steps
Omega Room
Wrap-up of key insights, definition of next steps for 2026–2028, planning of Swiss-based testing activities and roadmap for follow-up engagements with partners.
Venue
Omega Room, Technopark Luzern
A modern, neutral and accessible venue in Central Switzerland, ideal for high-level workshops and strategic working sessions.
Address
Technopark Luzern – D4 Business Village
Omega Room
Lucerne region, Central Switzerland
The venue is easily reachable by public transport and car, with direct links to Lucerne and the broader Swiss innovation corridor.
Technopark Luzern – D4 Business Village (Omega Room)
The workshop will take place in the Omega Room at Technopark Luzern – D4 Business Village, Root.
Sponsorship & Partnerships
Sponsorship & strategic collaboration
The workshop and its follow-on activities are part of a broader effort to build a long-term European–Swiss NewSpace and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Strategic sponsors and partners help accelerate this vision while gaining early access to curated networks, projects and executive-level dialogues.
Why sponsor or partner
- Position your organisation at the core of the European–Swiss NewSpace dialogue.
- Gain visibility among selected decision-makers from industry and academia.
- Co-shape follow-on initiatives such as clinics, forums and executive sessions.
- Connect to the wider SSIP ecosystem and Global Microgravity Forum.