Switzerland has been a spacefaring nation from the very beginning.
As a founding member of the European Space Agency (ESA), it has helped shape European space exploration and continues to provide key technologies for launch vehicles, satellites, and scientific instruments to this day.
On the occasion ofthe “Days of Technology” inSeptember 2026, the SATW will bring together technical papers, interviews with experts, and events on this topic—with a clear goal: to highlight space exploration as a technological infrastructure and as a key factor in Switzerland’s competitiveness.
Space travel is no longer a vision of the future, but rather an everyday part of our infrastructure.
Navigation, telecommunications, weather forecasting, and disaster response all depend on systems in orbit. These systems are increasingly operated by private companies.
Technology is advancing faster than the regulations and the next generation of professionals who would need to implement them.
This is where the “Space” theme month comes in.
On the occasion of the Days of Technology in September, SATW is shining a spotlight on the Swiss space industry and bringing together key questions surrounding the topic of space:
Each week, an editorial article is published on a specific technology field—ranging from 5G direct-to-cell to in-orbit manufacturing and energy from space, to Swiss participation in international research missions.
In addition, various experts from the field have their say—those shaping the field through research, technology, and outreach.
Production in zero gravity
‘Life on other planets is of equal value’ – Kathrin Altwegg on the risks, opportunities and limitations of space travel
‘I’m committed to ensuring that others can make free choices’ – Eleonore Poli talks about space, innovation and the power of role models
‘We’re not making the most of this opportunity right now’: Claudia Röösli on Switzerland’s decision not to participate in Copernicus
The SATW views space exploration as a key technology-driven field with direct implications for education, research, and value creation in Switzerland.
With this themed month, it establishes an overarching framework that organizes existing initiatives and strategically consolidates them.
The SATW’s contribution lies in three functions:
The “Theme Month” offers various formats and thus serves as a tool for strategically positioning a field that shapes Switzerland more profoundly than is reflected in public debate.
