Taskforce on e-textiles for Space

Aug 1, 2026

Interested in exploring opportunities for funded projects with potential for deployment in Space & on Earth?

In June 2026, STA launched a taskforce on e-textile solutions for Space with a visit to the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany.

Inside the Columbus Laboratory module at the Europeans Astronaut Centre

Highlights from the visit include:

A firsthand tour of the Columbus Laboratory module mock-up and spaceflight training equipment.
Deep-dive discussions on ESA Life Science and Technology programs with presentations from an experienced ESA project Officer.
A tour of the Lunar Analogue Facility, a world first simulation of the moon’s surface where ESA can test innovative solutions prior to launch.
An inspirational Brainstorm with insights from the world’s first astronaut with a physical disability (parastronaut), John McFall who is also a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon and Paralympian.

In November, we will follow up this event with a meet-up in Bloomsbury, London where we have invited a member of ESA’s Life Sciences Working Group, Colleen Deane, a Lecturer in Muscle Cell Biology at the University of Southampton who will deliver a talk on physiological adaptations to near-zero gravity in astronauts during human spaceflight. A second speaker from ESA is yet to be confirmed.

Save the date: 3rd or 4th of November:
And keep an eye on our webpage for updates or send us an email for more info. (see below)