Prof. Dr Thomas Schildknecht is currently leading the Optical

Astronomy group of the Astronomical Institute of the University of Berne and is the Director of the Zimmerwald observatory. kindly invite you to a He has more than 20 years of experience in research and established a research group which asserts a worldleading position in optical space debris surveillance and characterization. In this context he conducted numerous (ESA) Swiss Space Briefing studies for the optical detection of space debris.

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From basic science to results:

Daniel Neuenschwander has been the Head of the Swiss the new Swiss Space Strategy Space Office and Head of the Swiss delegation to European Space Agency (ESA) since July 2009. In his function he chairs a number of national bodies linked to space, such as the board of directors of the Swiss Space Center. With The licensed airline pilot and holder of a degree in physical geography from the University of Freiburg also attended a higher Thomas Schildknecht education business programme at the HEC in . Daniel Institute for Astronomy, University of Berne Neuenschwander joined the space sector in 2002 and held from mid-2006 to mid-2009 the position of permanent delegate to the Daniel Neuenschwander ESA. Swiss Space Office

4 June 2014, 12:00 – 14:00

Mission of to the 1, place du Luxembourg in 1050 Brussels

A Swiss Strategy for Space Programme A small country with a strong culture both in fundamental sciences and high-tech industries, Switzerland has taken a structured path towards more investment in space Wednesday 4 June 2014, 12:00 – 14:00 applications and technologies.

Space surveillance and tracking (SST) issues related to space debris have beecome an integral pillar of any sustainable . With a strong component relating to 12:00 Sandwich lunch fundamental sciences, SST forms an excellent example of the complex yet productive synergies that lead to societal and economic relevance in the space sector. 12:30 Welcome and introduction Roberto Balzaretti Combining existing strengths and smart incentives, a new Swiss Space Implementation Ambassador Plan (SSIP) was released in December 2013. This 10-year plan aims to encourage the Mission of Switzerland to the EU use of space-based services and defines national focus areas in existing or potential fields of excellence for Switzerland (high-precision mechanisms, atomic clocks, small satellites, 12:40 Cutting edge capacities in Space Surveillance and Tracking: miniutarisation, etc.) in which targeted measures will be implemented. Bridging the gap between science and application

Prof. Dr Thomas Schildknecht Professor for optical astromony and Vice-Director Prof. Thomas Schildknecht will first explain why a better understanding of the space Institute for Astromony, University of Berne debris environment is needed and how Swiss capacities and competence can contribute to that. Swiss space debris research bases on 45 years of experience acquired with 13:05 Realising ambitions: from basic science to a national Swiss observation activities using the unique Zimmerwald observatory. The observations form Space Implementation Plan an essential contribution to ESA space debris observation activities and serve for space Daniel Neuenschwander debris cataloguing and characterization which are indispensable prerequisites for Head of the Swiss Space Office sustainable use of space. 13:30 Panel discussion Daniel Neuenschwander will then elaborate on the SSIP. He will focus on how this is moderated by Danièle Rod embedded in the broader European space policy but also how it should boost the Science and Technology Counsellor contribution of space in sectorial national policies. Finally he will address how to foster an Mission of Switzerland to the EU innovative and competitive space sector in a small country.

14:00 Coffee

Space Surveillance and Tracking: where do we stand today? What can be the role of fundamental science in today’s space challenges? Technology transfer in the space sector: is there a receipe? How can small countries organise their space sector in order to maximise their capacity and return on space investements?

This Swiss Space Briefing will reflect on these questions and offer time for discussion and debate amongst the participants.

We look forward to your presence at this Swiss Space Briefing.