Alpbach Summer School - Elsa's testimonial

What motivated you to apply for the Alpbach Summer School?

The 2025 edition focused on Small Bodies of the Solar System, which perfectly matched my research interests and PhD work. The combination of high-level lectures and practical mission design immediately appealed to me.

I was especially drawn by the opportunity to experience space mission design for the first time. I wanted to understand how scientific ideas are transformed into real missions. Even though some engineering aspects were outside my comfort zone, I saw this as a chance to learn, grow, and challenge myself. The possibility to learn directly from experts and to build strong professional connections with students and tutors from across Europe made the experience even more compelling.  

What key skills or knowledge have you developed during the Alpbach Summer School?

Above all, the Summer School taught me the power of teamwork. Working long hours in an intense environment requires trust, communication, and mutual support. Our team quickly developed a strong dynamic, where everyone felt responsible for the success of the project and was ready to step in wherever needed.

Scientifically, I deepened my knowledge of Centaurs through our mission to 29P/Schwassmann–Wachmann 1. I also gained an understanding of how a space mission is built, from defining scientific questions to translating them into technical systems. For the first time, I also explored engineering domains such as thermal control systems, which broadened my perspective on spacecraft design.

Can you tell us about a memorable moment during the programme?

One of the most powerful moments was the second-to-last night, when we had to submit our final report and presentation at midnight. The room was filled with focus and excitement as everyone made last-minute adjustments.

When we finally submitted our work, there was a sense of accomplishement. Two weeks of effort, stress, learning, and teamwork had come together into something concrete. We celebrated together as a team, thanked our tutors, and shared the moment with other groups, ending the night playing Just Dance.

How has working in an international team enriched your experience?

Working in an international team transformed experience on every level. Everyone brought different skills, academic backgrounds, and perspectives, which made our mission design stronger and more creative.

But it went beyond work. We shared meals, late nights, and the little free moments we had, sharing each other’s cultures. These connections did not end in Alpbach: we continue to collaborate on our mission, and these international bonds now form a network that will shape the future of our mission.

How has this programme strengthened your interest or commitment to the space sector?

I was already committed to the space sector through my PhD, but Alpbach gave me a new perspective on the field, particularly on space mission design. It showed me another side of space science that I had not experienced before and made me more aware of how scientific research connects to mission development.

This experience strengthened my interest in being involved in space missions in the future and helped clarify how this could fit into my longer-term career path.

What have you learned about innovation and collaboration in the space field through this experience?

I learned that innovation in space does not always mean inventing something entirely new. Often, it means intelligently adapting existing, proven technologies to new scientific goals. This balance between innovation and reliability is essential for building feasible missions.

Collaboration is just as fundamental. Every subsystem of a spacecraft depends on the others, which makes communication and coordination vital. Even between competing teams, collaboration played a key role, sharing knowledge made the learning experience richer.

How does this experience influence your future academic or professional projects?

Our team continues to develop the mission concept, with plans to publish a scientific paper and present the project at conferences. This allows us to share our work with the wider space community and gives visibility to what we built in Alpbach.

On a personal level, the Summer School has reshaped my long-term goals. I now see space mission involvement as part of my future career.

What would you say to a student who is hesitant to apply for a future edition?

I would tell them not to miss out on this opportunity. If you are motivated, curious, and willing to work hard, you will find your place and make a real contribution, no matter your academic level.

It pushes you intellectually, professionally, and personally. You grow as a scientist, as a team member, and as a person. And at the end, you leave not only with new skills, but with friendships and a powerful sense of what can be achieved when people from different backgrounds work together toward a shared goal.

Could you share a photo that is meaningful to you and tell us why it is particularly important or symbolic for you? 

This photo from Alpbach holds a special place in my heart because it perfectly captures the atmosphere and spirit of our team. It was taken just after we submitted our final presentation and written report — only eight minutes before the deadline. “The Final Countdown” was playing, we were exhausted, but also incredibly happy and proud of what we had achieved together over those two intense weeks. It represents not just the end of a project, but the shared effort, energy, and bond we built as a team. 

Inspired by Elsa’s experience?

The next edition of the Alpbach Summer School could be your opportunity to challenge yourself, expand your international network, and take a decisive step toward a career in the space sector.

If you are a Luxembourg-based student in science or engineering, don’t miss this chance. The Luxembourg Space Agency, with the support of FNR and GLAE, is committed to supporting talented students ready to push their boundaries.

For more information, click on the following link.