Over the past three years, Thomas Zurbuchen, Director of ETH Zurich Space, has had a major impact on space research and education at ETH Zurich. He is now leaving the university to join US space technology company Blue Origin.
Thomas Zurbuchen, why are you leaving ETH Zurich after just three years?
Thomas Zurbuchen: My position was limited to three years from the start. I have always said I would reassess at the end of that period and consider other options. My team and I have laid a lasting foundation for space education and research. I am deeply grateful to ETH Zurich for its support, especially to ETH President Joël Mesot and incoming President Günther Dissertori. Together, we have achieved the goals we set for ourselves.
What goals have you achieved?
I would like to highlight four projects. First, we launched Switzerland's first master's programme focused on space systems: the Master in Space Systems. Its first graduates are already working in the space industry. Second, we established an innovation and project hub that brings researchers and industry together to advance ambitious research and technology projects and move them into space. For example, a space experiment featuring a new material is being developed for testing aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in December. Third, through the ESA Business Incubation Centre, we have supported numerous start-ups, many of which have gained international recognition.
About
Thomas Zurbuchen was head of Science at US space agency NASA from 2016 to 2022. In August 2023, the Swiss-American astrophysicist took charge of the ETH Zurich Space initiative as Professor of Space Science and Technology. The goal of this initiative is to expand ETH's research and teaching activities and to strengthen collaboration with the space industry.
And what about the fourth project?
With support from the Bucherer-Foundation and the Canton of Lucerne, we launched the ETH Swiss GeoLab. This interdisciplinary centre of excellence for Earth observation will combine the power of space and in-situ data with advanced AI and high-performance computing to develop solutions to address specific challenges, ranging from the early detection of natural disasters to crop monitoring.
What's next for ETH Zurich Space after you leave?
ETH Zurich Space is in good hands, and I'm proud of the team we've built here. After I leave, each of the four projects will continue under the leadership of highly capable directors. For example, Professor Richard Kornfeld has been overseeing the day-to-day operations of ETH Zurich Space for over a year. He is an experienced engineer with 25 years at NASA. GeoLab also has an exceptionally competent leadership team that includes ETH Professor Verena Griess and Managing Director Dr. Felix Seidel. I will continue to support the team on a part-time basis through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.
What will you be doing in your new position?
In my role as Senior Vice President, I will lead Blue Origin's Advanced Concepts team in the US, which develops next-generation concepts and systems to advance a sustainable future of living and working in space. That means we'll have a major say in what this space technology company builds next. This challenge really appealed to me. In my opinion, Blue Origin sits at the forefront of space technology development.
How do you see the future of Switzerland's space ecosystem?The future remains promising. We have the technological expertise and talent. Now we need to invest more boldly in ambitious space projects, promising start-ups, and strengthen cooperation between universities and industry. Today, we are well positioned within the Swiss ecosystem to undertake ambitious projects, such as a space robot from Zurich that integrates technologies from Bern and Lausanne. With ETH Zurich Space, we have taken an important step in that direction. I am confident that Switzerland will benefit from this groundwork and play a more significant role in space activities and research.
