Celebrating the Legacy of the Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL)

Europe/Brussels
Meridian Room (Royal Observatory of Belgium)

Meridian Room

Royal Observatory of Belgium

Ringlaan 3 Avenue Circulaire 1180 Uccle
Description

 

For almost two decades on board the International Space Station, the Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL) has enabled excellent scientific research with experiments such as FASES, GEOFLOW, FOAM-C, RUBI, COMPGRAN and PASTA, as well as fostering unique collaborations across Europe and beyond. 

Its success has been built upon the dedication, expertise and passion of a community of scientists, engineers, operators and partners at the different USOCs, industrial partners and universities.

With the final experiment completed on 17 July 2026, FSL decommissioning will begin on 9 October. This is the perfect moment for those who shared in this adventure to come together and celebrate a final farewell to the Fluid Science Laboratory, either in person or joining virtually.

Practical Information

This hybrid event, hosted by the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB), will take place in the Meridian Room at the Royal Observatory of Belgium, in Brussels (information on how to get to the Observatory can be found here).  A livestream will be set up for online attendees.
The event will take place between 9:30 and 17:00. Registration is mandatory.

Accessibility

The Meridian Room is wheelchair accessible. 
This event does not require any strenuous physical activity. 
Food and beverages will be served: vegetarian food options will be available. 
Alcohol may be present during the event.

 

 

Registration
Participants
    • 10:00 10:25
      Morning session: Introduction
      • 10:00
        Opening Remarks 5m
        Speaker: Michel Kruglanski (B.USOC (BIRA-IASB))
      • 10:05
        Welcome Address 5m
        Speaker: Ann Carine Vandaele (BIRA-IASB)
      • 10:10
        Welcome Address 5m
        Speaker: Alex Nitsch (ESA/HRE-OO)
      • 10:15
        Special Video Message 5m
        Speaker: Sophie Adenot (ESA)
      • 10:20
        Crew Activity Introduction 5m
        Speaker: Samiksha Mestry (SpaceApplications)
    • 10:25 12:20
      Morning session: AM Presentations
      • 10:25
        FSL Development 25m
        Speaker: Luigi Castiglione (cosine B.V.)
      • 10:50
        Personnal story 15m
        Speaker: Giorgio Trinchero (TAS-I)
      • 11:05
        GEOFLOW 25m
        Speakers: Christoph Egbers (Brandenburgische TU), Innocent Mutabazi (U Le Havre)
      • 11:30
        Break 10m
      • 11:40
        Operations @ MARS 15m
        Speaker: Anna Rita Donnarumma (ESA/HRE-HT)
      • 11:55
        COMPGRAN 25m
        Speaker: Jan Gabriel (DLR)
    • 12:20 13:20
      Lunch break 1h
    • 13:20 15:55
      Afternoon session: PM Presentations
      • 13:20
        FSL and the Astronauts 5m
      • 13:25
        VMU Mkll 25m
        Speaker: Jean-Marc Wislez (SpaceApplications)
      • 13:50
        FOAM-C 25m
        Speaker: Nicolo Galvani (CNR-ISMN Bologna)
      • 14:15
        RUBI 25m
        Speaker: Axel Sielaff (TU Darmstadt)
      • 14:40
        Break 20m
      • 15:00
        PASTA 25m
        Speaker: Luigi Cristofolini (U Parma)
      • 15:25
        Operations @ B.USOC 15m
        Speaker: Carla Jacobs (SpaceApplications)
      • 15:40
        Lessons Learned 15m
        Speaker: Sébastien Vincent-Bonnieu (ESA/HRE-SU)