Space Innovation is pleased to reflect on the exceptional 21st edition of the European Space Mechanisms and Tribology Symposium (ESMATS), held from 24 to 26 September at the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne. Co-organised with EPFL, CSEM, Almatech, ESA, and a network of valued partners, this edition brought together the global space mechanisms community for three inspiring days of knowledge sharing, technical excellence, and meaningful connections.
A symposium marked by excellence and community
ESMATS’s reputation as the leading event dedicated to Space Mechanisms Engineering continues to grow. The 2023 edition in Warsaw brought together over 300 participants; in 2025, the symposium reached a new milestone with nearly 400 visitors, marking the highest attendance in its history.
Established as a biennial event since 1983, ESMATS returned to Switzerland after 20 years, this time to western Switzerland, a region whose mastery of mechanisms spans from centuries of watchmaking to the forefront of today’s high-precision space technologies.
A dedicated organising committee, composed of Space Innovation (with Gilles Feusier as co-chair), Almatech, and CSEM, led this year’s event, with ESA’s Lionel Gaillard (Head of Mechanisms Section) serving as Chair. The Technical Committee, composed of international experts, once again ensured scientific and engineering excellence across all sessions.
From the outset, ESMATS 2025 set a high standard. The quality of presentations and papers reflected the impressive momentum of the field, while discussions throughout the week, during sessions, breaks, and social events, highlighted the depth and dynamism of our community.
The opening day featured remarks from Gilles Feusier (ESMATS co-chair), Lionel Gaillard (ESA), Renato Krpoun (Head of the Swiss Space Office), Raphaël Conz (Head of Economic Development and Innovation, Canton of Vaud), Edouard Bugnion (VP Innovation, EPFL), Steve Lecomte (VP Instrumentation, CSEM) and Fabrice Rottmeier (Technical & Commercial Director, Almatech).
Participants then enjoyed two memorable technical interludes: a live demonstration of Sylvain Pasini’s ultra-light aircraft, and a showcase of EPFL Xplore’s European-champion rover, representing the next generation of engineering talent.
We warmly thank Eleonore Poli of CSEM for leading the talk between space buddies French “spationaut” Jean-François Clervoy and Swiss astronaut Claude Nicollier. Their reflexions on space missions added an emotional and profoundly human dimension to the symposium
Training courses: a strong start
As per tradition, two days of specialized training preceded the symposium, offering participants the chance to deepen their expertise in key areas of mechanisms and tribology.
The ESA Advanced Mechanisms Design Course (AMDC) and the ESTL/ESR Technology Space Tribology Course (STC) were led by experts including Lionel Gaillard and his mechanism section team, Simon Lewis, as well as Michael Buttery. These courses continue to play a crucial role in strengthening European engineering capabilities and cultivating the next generation of mechanisms specialists.
Day-by-day highlights
Day 1: Innovation and exchange
The first day offered technical sessions on components, tribology, and testing, enhanced by interactions with exhibitors and sponsors. A dynamic poster session and evening cocktail created ideal conditions for networking and new collaborations.
Day 2: Tribology, mechanisms, and a memorable gala
The second day focused on tribology, space mechanisms, and the specific challenges of LISA. Discussions extended far beyond formal sessions, reflecting the deep engagement of the community.
The gala dinner at the Olympic Museum, featuring a museum tour, an alphorn interlude, and spectacular views over Lake Geneva, was an unforgettable highlight.
Day 3: Exploration and future horizons
The final day opened with presentations dedicated to mechanisms for lunar and planetary exploration.
In the closing session, Lionel Gaillard and Gilles Feusier symbolically passed the baton to OHB Italia S.p.A., host of ESMATS 2027 in Milan.
In the afternoon, participants explored some of EPFL’s most advanced laboratories, including:
- the Swiss Plasma Center
- the Center of MicroNanoTechnology (CMI)
- the Reconfigurable Robotics Lab (RRL)
- and the Biorobotics Laboratory (BioRob)
Demonstrations by CSEM and Almatech at the EPFL Space Center further showcased Switzerland’s expertise in precision engineering and space innovation.
A collective achievement
This edition would not have been possible without the dedication of our partners, exhibitors, sponsors, and volunteers. We gratefully acknowledge the presence of officials including Renato Krpoun, Raphaël Conz, and Edouard Bugnion, whose support reflects Switzerland’s active role within the European space ecosystem.
A special thank-you goes to the participating EPFL student teams: EPFL Xplore, EPFL Rocket Team, Asclepios, EPFL Spacecraft Team, and Callista, whose energy brought an intergenerational spirit to the event.
Feedback from participants reflects the exceptional spirit of ESMATS 2025. Here are three testimonials shared on LinkedIn:
Laura Pérez Navas, Aerospace Engineer at Airbus Defence
“It was an incredibly inspiring experience, full of cutting-edge discussions on space mechanisms, tribology, deployment systems, and in-flight performance, and above all, an amazing opportunity to connect with brilliant professionals from across the aerospace industry. I came back with new ideas, insights, and great connections!”Sébastien Assouad, CEO at APO-GEE
“At APO-GEE, we were delighted to take part in ESMATS 2025. It’s always a pleasure to meet with the space mechanisms community, share ideas, and explore new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. We’re already looking forward to the 2027 edition in Milan.”Alvaro Pascual Molero, Mechanisms Engineer at ESA ESTEC
“A week of knowledge, collaboration and inspiration in Lausanne! Chairing the Tribology session was a privilege, and the quality of contributions was outstanding. I’m grateful to be part of this vibrant community and already looking forward to the next edition.”
Looking ahead
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their engagement, expertise, and enthusiasm. The spirit of collaboration felt throughout ESMATS 2025 will undoubtedly carry forward into future editions.
We already look forward to seeing you in Milan in 2027 for the next chapter of ESMATS!
Photos: Adriano Koch | Roasted Agency
Link to gallery: https://space-innovation.ch/esmats-2025/
For more information and to access all papers presented at ESMATS 2025:
https://www.esmats.eu/esmatspapers/completelist.php?whichYear=2025