Initiated by ISAE-SUPAERO, the Chair is supported by two global leaders in the aerospace industry: Airbus and Ariane Group. Created to answer the challenges of the next space missions, the Chair leads studies on advanced space concepts, in other words design of unidentified systems, some of which are even inspired from Science Fiction . Future missions to explore the solar system face many challenges such as managing space debris, autonomous navigation missions to asteroids, in-orbit maintenance of satellites (ex telecommunications), space traffic management and the architecture of manned space stations on the surface of the Moon or Mars.

Collaboration between researchers and industry is crucial for these future missions. “We have transitioned from a period during which space missions had a singular, nearly artisanal aspect, to an era of industrialization of space concepts making possible regular activities in space”, explains Stéphanie Lizy-Destrez, associate professor and head of the Chair for Advanced Space Concepts (SaCLab).

The SacLab is affiliated with the Department of Aerospace Vehicles Design and Control (DCAS) at ISAE-SUPAERO. It has a diverse spectrum of expertise including system architecture and engineering, mission analysis and optimization, human factors or robotics, to answer the following integrated themes: In-orbit servicing for telecommunication satellites; In-space structural assembly – 3D printing; Active Debris Removal; Architecture of manned space stations (Moon and Mars); Space weather; Architecture of new space transport systems (reuse, concepts integrating innovative space propulsion systems).