A scenic image representing space exploration

Exploring new
space horizons.
The Swiss way.

We boost space activities to establish ETH Zurich
as the leading university in space research,
education and entrepreneurship within Europe and beyond.

Apply for the Master in Space Systems
Find out about collaboration opportunities

200+

Professors & other researchers are interested in space

Professors ETH Zurich

20+

ESA projects were closed

ESA BIC Switzerland

250+

Students are active members of ARIS - from ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, HSLU, ZHAW and OST

ARIS

15/16

ETH Departments are involved with topics like geodesy, robotics, earth science, exoplanets, etc

ETH departments

2-3x

Higher citation ratio per space publication can be observed for ETH vs NASA JPL and DLR.

ETH Zurich | Space

20

20+ ESA projects were closed in the last 3 years – rapidly increasing from ca. 80 in the last 20 years.

ESA

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Explore our space research
groups and projects

Life Mission

Large Interferometer for Exoplanets on a mission to investigate exoplanets and search for life.

About the project

Life Mission

ETH Zurich is involved in several ongoing projects that explore a range of topics in space research. The LIFE Mission (Large Interferometer for Exoplanets) is an ambitious initiative aiming to investigate the atmospheres of distant exoplanets to search for signs of life. This project is currently in the conceptual phase, with ETH Zurich leading efforts to develop a space telescope interferometer.

LIFE Mission Website

eSA LISA & LISA Pathfinder

Laser Interferometer Space Antenna

About the project

eSA LISA & LISA Pathfinder

In gravitational wave detection, ETH Zurich plays a role in the ESA LISA & LISA Pathfinder missions. These missions focus on developing space-based observatories for detecting gravitational waves. ETH Zurich has contributed to key components such as control electronics and noise mitigation technologies, which are critical for ensuring the success of future gravitational wave observations.

ESA LISA Pathfinder

James Webb Space Telescope

The largest optical telescope in space.

About the project

James Webb Space Telescope

ETH Zurich is also part of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) project, having contributed to the development of the MIRI instrument. This tool is used to study the formation of early stars and galaxies, as well as the atmospheres of potentially habitable exoplanets.

ESA JWST MIRI

ROBOTS FOR SPACE EXPLORING

Spacebok, GLIMPSE, SpaceHopper & ARISE: various robots to research locomotion for space exploration.

About the project

ROBOTS FOR SPACE EXPLORING

As one of global leader in robotics, ETH Zurich has developed systems for space exploration. Projects like SpaceBok and SpaceHopper focused on autonomous robots for low-gravity environments like the Moon or Mars. Building on these, the LunarLeaper culminates ETH Zurich’s research in low-gravity locomotion, exploring hopping motions for more efficient mobility than wheeled or walking robots. The goal is a system capable of traversing challenging lunar terrain with minimal energy, boosting mobility for future lunar exploration missions.

LunarLeaper

See all space research groups & projects

Specialised Master in Space Systems

The new space industry is experiencing a period of massive growth and diversification, both in terms of technological advancements and market dynamics. The specialised master in space systems offers students the opportunity to enter this dynamic environment.

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Video

Are we alone in the universe?

In recent years, ETH Zurich has become one of the most renowned centres in the world for researching these matters:the former NASA research head Thomas Zurbuchen has been the Director of ETH Zurich Space since summer 2023.

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Video

ETH Global Lecture: Life on Earth and Beyond

How did life on Earth begin and proliferate? And is there life beyond our planet? At this ETH Global Lecture, Nobel Prize winner Didier Queloz and former NASA research head Thomas Zurbuchen discuss what is already known about the origin of life on Earth and beyond, what projects are underway at ETH Zurich – and what life itself has taught them.

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Video

ETH Global Lecture Series: Who Owns the Moon?

Unlike any other time in human history, humanity sits on the threshold of the universe. As the commercial space industry grows in influence and importance, complex legal and ethical questions emerge. Join us as we navigate the intricacies, gaps, and inconsistencies of space law.

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