Join us for an exciting series of seminars featuring leading international experts from industry, academia, and space agencies. Hosted by the Chair of Spacecraft Systems at TUM, this seminar series explores key topics shaping the future of space exploration, satellite technology, and the New Space Economy.
From 24th April to 24th July 2025, every Thursday at 16:00*, you'll have the unique opportunity to gain insights from prominent speakers, engage in stimulating discussions, and expand your knowledge on cutting-edge developments in space technology, logistics, and entrepreneurship.
The seminars will be held in a hybrid format—both on campus at the TUM Ottobrunn facility and online—making it accessible to everyone interested in the latest advancements in the space sector.
We look forward to your participation and to an inspiring semester of discovery, innovation, and collaboration!
*On some specific dates, the Seminar will be held at 13:00h, for more details and schedule updates, please visit our webpage.
Prof. Dr. Chiara Manfletti
24th of April, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00
Bio:
Chiara Manfletti holds a degree in engineering from Imperial College London, a masters degree in space studies from the International Space University and a PhD from RWTH Aachen. She worked for the German Aerospace Center as a research engineer in liquid rocket propulsion and later joined the European Space Agency as Head of Policy and Programmes. In 2019 she was nominated the first President of the then just founded Portuguese national space agency. Today she is CEO of Neuraspace and Professor of Space Mobility and Propulsion at the Technical University of Munich.
Title:
Navigating Ambiguity in Space Research, Policy, and Business
Abstract:
In the talk I will explore the critical role of embracing uncertainty and introducing new methods as a catalyst for innovation in the space sector. I will use my experience working in a research environment, in leadership positions in European space agencies and at the helm of a startup giving examples of what worked and also what did not.
Martin Born
8th of May, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00
Bio:
Martin Born graduated from the TU Munich in 1998, with a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to his graduation, he spent 6 months at the Japanese Space Agency JAXA in Tokyo as part of his Master's Thesis. Afterwards, he worked at NASA in the USA for 14 years in various Quality & Safety Team Lead positions on the Space Shuttle and satellite development programmes. In 2014, he joined the European Space Agency ESA at the ESTEC campus in the Netherlands, where he is currently the ESA Product Assurance, Safety and Configuration Control Manager for the Artemis Orion European Service Module (ESM).
Title:
TBD
Abstract:
TBD
Dr. Paolo Ferri - starts at 13:00h
15th of May, 2025, 13:00-15:00
Bio:
Paolo studied theoretical physics at the University of Pavia (Italy).
He worked almost four decades for the European Space Agency (ESA) at the European Space Operations Centre, starting as visiting scientist on the Exosat X-ray astronomy mission, and then moving to the field of mission operations, where he worked on various scientific missions, such as Eureca, Cluster, Rosetta, Mars Express, Venus Express, ExoMars, BepiColombo and Solar Orbiter.
2006 he became Head of the Solar and Planetary Missions Division, and from 2013 to 2020 Head of the Mission Operations Department, in charge of ground segment and mission operations preparation and execution for all ESA robotic space missions.
He is full member of the International Academy of Astronautics and of the British Interplanetary Society.
Title:
The Long, Difficult Journey to Mars
Abstract:
In the history of Solar system exploration Mars is the planet that has been targeted by most space missions by far. Nevertheless, the Red planet poses still today difficult challenges to mission designer and operations, and about half of the space missions sent to Mars have ended in failure.
This talk will go through the history of Mars exploration, explaining the main aspects that make it difficult to reach Mars orbit and land and operate on its surface, using examples from various space missions, and in particular the operational experience for the two European missions to Mars, Mars Express and ExoMars.
The current status of and future plans for Mars exploration will also be described.
Claudia Kessler
3rd of July, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00
Bio:
A life dedicated to spaceflight- fascinated by the Moon landing in 1969, the then four-year-old Claudia decides that one day she too will fly into space!
Communication and outreach of space content has always been her passion, she is a well-known speaker at company events and public shows. In 2023 she founded the Universe Pavilion together with Janine Thungen and Claudia Schnugg, to bring the dimension of space through an art and architecture exhibition to Venice.
Since 1990 she has worked as a space engineer, manager and entrepreneur in the space field.
Her passion for astronauts and human spaceflight led her to work in various areas of human spaceflight, from the first missions of German astronauts to the Russian MIR station, through the responsibility for the commercial use of the International Space Station.
Claudia is an entrepreneur and visionary. In 2017 she founded Astronautin GmbH to ensure the female future of (traditionally “manned”) astronautical space travel. Claudia Kessler has a clear goal: to get the first German woman into space. The new female astronaut will become an inspiration to encourage young women into technology professions. For this she built and privately organized an astronaut selection and training program that can also be applied to other needs.
As CEO of HE Space from 2004 to 2018, a personnel service provider specializing in space professionals, Claudia achieved a 55% representation of women among her 200 technical employees. The Family-Friendly certificate, the Diversity Charter, and the Diversity Personality of the Year 2016 awards are just a few examples of the results of her numerous campaigns to improve the position of women in technical professions who are also balancing work and family.
Today, she offers her experience in the areas of leadership, strategy, market development, business development, as well as her network to space start-ups and other companies as consultancy service.
Claudia Kessler is a qualified aerospace engineer, the holder of an MBA, and has more than 30 years of experience in the international space industry.
Title:
The First Female German Astronaut
Abstract:
TBD
Andrea Casasco - starts at 13:00h
10th of July, 2025, 13:00-15:00
Bio:
Andrea is a co-founder of 2100 Ventures, a venture capital vehicle focused on investments across Europe, with one of its core missions being to bridge the European north-south divide. Prior to 2100 Ventures, Andrea was part of the founding team at Equation Capital, co-founded the social impact startup Trovamascherine, and served as a Senior Associate at Keystone Strategy. Andrea earned degrees in Law from Bocconi University and Harvard Law School.
Title:
Rockets, Risk & Returns: Space Tech Through a VC Lens
Abstract:
TBD