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
    • Morning session: Introduction
      • 1
        Opening Remarks
        Speaker: Michel Kruglanski (B.USOC (BIRA-IASB))
      • 2
        Welcome Address
        Speaker: Ann Carine Vandaele (BIRA-IASB)
      • 3
        Welcome Address
        Speaker: Alex Nitsch (ESA/HRE-OO)
      • 4
        Special Video Message
        Speaker: Sophie Adenot (ESA)
      • 5
        Crew Activity Introduction
        Speaker: Samiksha Mestry (SpaceApplications)
    • Morning session: AM Presentations
      • 6
        FSL Development
        Speaker: Luigi Castiglione (cosine B.V.)
      • 7
        Personnal story
        Speaker: Giorgio Trinchero (TAS-I)
      • 8
        GEOFLOW
        Speakers: Christoph Egbers (Brandenburgische TU), Innocent Mutabazi (U Le Havre)
      • 11:30
        Break
      • 9
        Operations @ MARS
        Speaker: Anna Rita Donnarumma (ESA/HRE-HT)
      • 10
        COMPGRAN
        Speaker: Jan Gabriel (DLR)
    • 12:20
      Lunch break
    • Afternoon session: PM Presentations
      • 11
        FSL and the Astronauts
      • 12
        VMU Mkll
        Speaker: Jean-Marc Wislez (SpaceApplications)
      • 13
        FOAM-C
        Speaker: Nicolo Galvani (CNR-ISMN Bologna)
      • 14
        RUBI
        Speaker: Axel Sielaff (TU Darmstadt)
      • 14:40
        Break
      • 15
        PASTA
        Speaker: Luigi Cristofolini (U Parma)
      • 16
        Operations @ B.USOC
        Speaker: Carla Jacobs (SpaceApplications)
      • 17
        Lessons Learned
        Speaker: Sébastien Vincent-Bonnieu (ESA/HRE-SU)