A leading position in Europe's Commercial Space Revolution
Vice President Elisabeth Stark from the University of Zurich reveals how the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA) aims to transform Switzerland and Liechtenstein into a key player in the low-Earth orbit economy. With Starlab Space's intention to establish its European operations in Dübendorf and initiatives like the Fram2 mission that makes space more accessible, the "Space Valley" aims to drive the next industrial revolution beyond our atmosphere.
“The Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA) embodies the vision and mission to shape the New Space Economy for future generations.” (Prof. Elisabeth Stark)
An interview with Prof. Elisabeth Stark, Vice President Research at the University of Zurich and member of the board of trustees of the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA)
Vice-President Stark, you are a member of the board of trustees of the newly established Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA). The University of Zurich (UZH) and now the CSA are pushing space-related activities at the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich (IPZ). What were the decisive factors for this engagement and what strategic goals do these two institutions pursue?
Vice-President Elisabeth Stark: Since 2018, after the foundation of the so-called «Space Hub» at UZH, an innovation cluster to foster our activities in space research and innovation, UZH has successfully aimed at establishing itself as a leader in space-related disciplines such as Earth observation, astrophysics, drone research and space life sciences. In December 2024, the UZH Space Hub became one of eignt founding partners of the new Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA), which considers itself a catalyst for Switzerland’s leadership in the low-Earth orbit (LEO) economy. Its mission is to accelerate innovation through public-private partnerships and technology development, fully aligned with the Government Council’s flagship decision on space, the long-term vision for the Dübendorf Airfield area, and with Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich as outlined in the 2021 synthesis report “flight plan”. These strategic foundations position the CSA as a driver of sustainable scientifical and economical impact over decades to come and fit perfectly to those of our UZH Space Hub.
What specific role does the CSA play in building the Space Ecosystem at IPZ that could not be fulfilled by either the cantonal economic development or industry alone?
Vice-President Elisabeth Stark: With its eight partners, the CSA is building an interdisciplinary ecosystem that fosters knowledge transfer and lays the foundation for the next industrial revolution in space. By enabling access to the space economy, driving innovation in low-Earth orbit (LEO), and forging dynamic partnerships between science and industry, the CSA positions the Zurich region and Liechtenstein as a leading hub in the global New Space Economy. Anchored at Dübendorf Airfield, the CSA spans a wide range of disciplines such as life sciences, Earth observation, drones and autonomous navigation, astrophysics and supercomputing (UZH), aerospace medicine (UZH and Swiss Air Force), business and management (HSG), space engineering (HSLU), laboratory medicine (UFL, Liechtenstein) and space law and cybersecurity (AK, Liechtenstein), driven by more than 50 teams from two countries. All of these activities are complemented by a flight program established ten years ago in Dübendorf, featuring a broad portfolio of R&D flights (parabolic flights, green aviation, remote sensing, etc.) and an end-to-end development chain extending all the way to laboratories at the launch site in Cape Canaveral (Florida, USA), therefore creating a unique platform for sustainable, cross-sector innovation. This holistic approach ensures not only technological leadership but also economic resilience and global relevance.
What is the ”Space Valley” concept of the CSA ?
Vice-President Elisabeth Stark: The Space Valley unites leading institutions of the Greater Zurich Area and the Rhine Valley into a powerful alliance, leveraging their combined expertise to drive the New Space Economy from the heart of Europe. The CSA integrates top universities, research centers, and governmental partners from Switzerland and Liechtenstein into one cohesive space innovation ecosystem. Dübendorf Airfield and the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich serve as the physical and virtual hub of this ecosystem, bridging Europe and the U.S. through aerospace infrastructure and trade. The Greater Zurich Area leads in economic sectors that will benefit most from production in low Earth orbit in the coming years: biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, semiconductors and new materials. With a strong regional identity, long-term political backing, and a unique geographic advantage, our local and regional «Space Valley» positions itself as a globally competitive site for the infrastructure, talent, and value chains of the emerging space economy.
In December, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Starlab Space, IPZ and the CSA regarding the establishment of the ground segment for the new space station in Dübendorf. What opportunities does this create for research and innovation at this location?
Vice-President Elisabeth Stark: Starlab Space, an international joint venture of Airbus, Voyager Space, Mitsubishi and MDA Space, that is building the successors of the International Space Station ISS, has decided to establish its European site at IPZ in Dübendorf. The MoU concerns the intended establishment of a Payload Control & Operations Center, a User Support Center including R&D flights and a Science Park with a focus on biotechnology, biomedicine and pharmaceuticals. This would establish the European center of research, development and production of one of the most important commercial space station systems of the post-ISS era in the heart of the canton of Zurich in Switzerland. Economists expect a new industrial revolution in low Earth orbit towards the end of this decade. According to the World Economic Forum, the global space economy is expected to reach a value of over 1.8 trillion USD in ten years.
What motivates you personally to engage in the space sector alongside your extensive duties as Vice President Research at UZH?
Vice-President Elisabeth Stark: As Vice President Research at UZH, Switzerland’s largest comprehensive university, it lies in my direct responsibility to support all kinds of innovation activities. This would be the boring answer. In reality, what began as a visionary step in 2018 has now the chance to be transformed into a pioneering journey that is actually redefining the boundaries of what is possible in low Earth orbit. The founding of the CSA lays the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive use of low Earth orbit, driven from our own university with its partners in the center and our own canton. This constellation is transcending my professional duty into an actual fascination and dedication.
Is there a current activity at the CSA that fascinates you in particular right now?”
Vice-President Elisabeth Stark: Yes, it is the Fram2 mission. This mission beautifully demonstrates that human spaceflight in low-Earth orbit is gradually becoming more accessible. Until now, astronauts were mostly male, middle-aged citizens of major nations, in perfect health and physical condition, often with military backgrounds, and selected through lengthy processes from thousands of applicants. In contrast, the Fram2 mission featured a mixed crew of women and men of various ages, including individuals from smaller countries such as Malta, Norway, and St. Kitts and Nevis - ordinary people like you and me, who were not selected by governmental agencies. This shows that "normal" people are indeed suited for short-duration missions in space. Human spaceflight is diversifying. It is precisely the synthesis of our diverse minds, our histories, our experiences, and our people, where the greatest potential for discovery lies.