AGH University of Krakow is the leader and principal coordinator of the innovative CE4SPACE (Circular Economy for Space) project, funded under the prestigious Horizon Europe – MSCA Doctoral Networks programme.
With a budget exceeding €4.5 million, the project aims to introduce the principles of the circular economy into space exploration and utilisation. Its outcomes will contribute to protecting both the space and terrestrial environments while significantly reducing the costs of future space missions.
As the space sector continues to expand rapidly, the number of satellites in orbit and missions to the Moon and Mars is steadily increasing. At present, most space systems are designed without considering reuse, resulting in the accumulation of hazardous space debris.
Transporting new materials from Earth is extremely expensive and generates a significant carbon footprint. Transitioning to a circular space economy has therefore become a necessity.
The CE4SPACE project aligns with the European Space Agency's (ESA) Zero Debris Approach, which aims to ensure that, by 2030, the European space sector will no longer generate new debris.
The CE4SPACE consortium will develop innovative scientific, technological and business solutions to reduce and ultimately eliminate the problem of space debris.
The project focuses on three main areas.
Space Resources and Space Debris:
Technologies for a Circular Space Economy:
Business Models and Legal Frameworks:
The project is coordinated by the Faculty of Space Technologies at AGH University of Krakow under the leadership of Professor Tadeusz Uhl.
Researchers from AGH involved in the project include:
In addition to AGH University of Krakow, the international consortium includes five renowned universities:
The project is also supported by key industrial and institutional partners:
By bringing together academia, industry and technology leaders, the consortium provides a comprehensive approach to developing a sustainable circular space economy.
CE4SPACE places a strong emphasis on training the next generation of researchers and professionals in the space sector.
The project will establish an international doctoral network employing 15 PhD candidates, including four based at AGH University of Krakow.
The doctoral researchers will gain interdisciplinary expertise in:
Equipped with interdisciplinary skills and knowledge, they will be prepared to shape the sustainable development of the space sector and drive innovative solutions for future space missions.
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