Science and innovation
Space
2024 was a landmark year for space innovation at LIST. From securing long-term support for the European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC) to preparing Luxembourg’s first scientific CubeSat for orbit, LIST continued to anchor cutting-edge research in a fast-growing global field.
New framework agreement
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A new framework agreement was signed between the Government of Luxembourg and LIST covering the operation of the European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC) until 2029. This agreement, with a €26 million budget, reinforces ESRIC’s role in advancing research on space resources, fostering economic activities and supporting key technological developments. ESRIC is a pivotal part of Luxembourg’s space ecosystem, connecting scientific research with industry innovation. The collaboration promises to further position Luxembourg as a leader in space resource exploration, benefiting both the national economy and global research initiatives.
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Accelerating research activities in the field of space
LIST announced the launch of LIST-SAT-01, Luxembourg’s first scientific nanosatellite carrying a homegrown experiment into orbit. Scheduled for 2026, the 1.2 kg CubeSat aims to test a pioneering energy harvesting system using pyroelectric materials that convert heat fluctuations into electricity. As the satellite orbits, it will experience extreme temperature shifts, which power the system. The project also includes advanced thermal sensors and a super black coating, all developed at LIST. This flagship mission aims to raise the technology’s readiness level and explore alternatives to solar panels in space.
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From schoolyard to stratosphere: LIST leads student space mission
LIST and Lycée Atert-Rédange launched a stratospheric balloon, turning the schoolyard into a space lab. Students, teachers and LIST researchers joined forces to send a 1.6 kg payload to an altitude of almost 30 km, brushing the edge of space. Packed with student experiments and cutting-edge sensors designed by LIST, the balloon collected vital data on pressure, radiation and temperature. More than simply a launch, it was a hands-on leap into real science — empowering students, testing future tech and setting the stage for LIST’s CubeSat mission.
Watch the video https://youtu.be/eAZ2hGTRtks?si=xgDy2I7OALZXzyYl
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Launch of ESRIC’s Space Resources Accelerator’s first cohort
ESRIC announced the first cohort for its Space Resources Accelerator, including six innovative ventures aiming to advance space exploration and in-situ resource utilization. The projects, ranging from lunar power generation to fuel supply in orbit, will receive support from ESRIC and the European Space Agency (ESA) to prepare for lunar demonstrations. This initiative reinforces Luxembourg’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge technologies for the Moon, helping ventures create and scale opportunities in the space industry.
Collaboration
Forging aerospace futures: LIST hosts first Partnership Material Day
LIST welcomed aerospace innovators from Luxembourg and Belgium for the inaugural Partnership Material Day, co-organized with AWEX, WBI and SKYWIN. Held at LIST’s Belvaux and Hautcharage sites, the event gathered 20+ Belgian companies to dive into next-gen materials — composites, coatings and control tech. With lab tours, live demos and pitch sessions, the day sparked cross-border synergies and paved the way for joint aerospace R&D. A promising step towards a stronger collaboration between Luxembourg and Belgium in high-performance materials and tomorrow’s space-ready technologies.
- Launch of Luxembourg’s first scientific CubeSat to test space energy harvesting technology
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