Circular space batteries workshop

This workshop will explore the transition toward economy for batteries in space, moving beyond abandonment toward systems designed for reuse, repair, and material recovery. This shift aligns with the emerging In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) market, which is projected to reach a valuation of $14.3 billion by 2030. By enabling in-orbit battery replacement or refurbishment, mission operators could potentially extend the functional life of billion-dollar assets by 3 to 5 years, significantly improving the return on investment while reducing the need for new launches.

Workshop to establish cross-disciplinary dialogue

Solving the battery circularity challenge requires perspectives beyond traditional engineering. It involves a complex interplay of:

• Technical Pathways: design-for-disassembly, robotic refueling/servicing interfaces, and modular energy storage.
• Policy and Governance: new regulatory frameworks for orbital resource management and "Right to Repair" in space.
• Economic Incentives: funding models from national research councils, space agencies, and private sustainability programmes

Workshop outputs

The workshop will work towards the publication of two documents:

Concept Paper: Outlining the technical and operational framework for circular battery systems in future space infrastructure.

Policy Briefing: Highlighting key risks, economic opportunities, and actionable recommendations for international space stakeholders and legal bodies.

By connecting engineering innovation with policy and economic foresight, this workshop seeks to catalyze the development of the first truly sustainable energy ecosystem for the final frontier. 

Expressions of interest in participation are being invited. 

Please use this link to submit your expression of interest to participate in the workshop

Draft Programme (subject to revision)

09:30 - Registration & Welcome Coffee
Participant arrival and networking

10:00 - Opening & Framework Briefing
Opening remarks and presentation of the pre-drafted Technical Concept Paper and Policy Report points

11:00 - Expert Keynotes and Invited Talks
Presentations and strategic feedback on the draft frameworks from leading experts spanning battery technology, space systems, robotics, space economy, and space law.

(Includes a mid-morning coffee break and transitions into a networking lunch at 12:30)

13:00 - Plenary Panel Discussion
Building Cross-Disciplinary Ecosystems - A focused dialogue on breaking down silos and establishing practical pathways for cross-sectoral collaboration to achieve orbital circularity. Chaired by Dr Yige Sun. (Panelist list to be announced shortly)

14:00 - Pressure Testing Breakouts
Participants divide into 4 specialized workstreams (Technical, Policy, Economic, and Legal) to stress-test the draft documents against pre-set challenging scenarios

16:00 - Closing Remarks and Reflection
Summary of key takeaways from the workstreams, outlining the next steps for the Concept Paper and Policy Briefing, and the formal close of the workshop

16:30 - Networking Drinks and Reception
Continued discussions and formal reception in the Nadel Room concluding the event

Confirmed speakers

• Prof Martin Freer, Chief Executive Officer - The Faraday Institution
• Dr Adam Mitchell, Materials & Processes Evaluation Engineer - European Space Agency (ESA)
• Dr Laura Lander, Battery Life Cycle Analysis - King's College London (KCL)
• Dr Rudra Samajdar, Senior Representative - National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
• Mike Curtis-Rouse, Head of IOSM - Satellite Applications Catapult
• Dr Oguz Karasu, Space economist - Saïd Business School, Oxford
• Prof Samia Nefti-Meziani OBE, Chair in Robotics and AI - Director of the Birmingham Robotics Institute
• Dr Irantzu Garmendia, Policy Lead - EU Safe & Sustainable by Design (SSbD)
• To Be Announced, Senior Representative - Dept. for Business and Trade (DBT)
• Prof Jin Xuan - University of Surrey
• Prof Adam Amara - University of Surrey and UKSA

Panellists will include: Natasha Scanes from FieldFisher

Workshop sponsorship by:

Henry Royce Institute, Faraday Institution, Satellite Applications Catapult and with the support of Linacre College