Center for Space and Habitability (CSH)

News, Press Releases & Major Announcements

Find all the latest news from CSH and the greater space research community in Bern.

News & Announcements

The latest news from CSH about our center, our researchers, and our achievements.

Learn more about our researchers through CSH and UniAktuell portraits and interviews.

The latest press releases, research news and publications from CSH members.

Read more about events the CSH organized or participated in and get a glimpse of the highlights with our image galleries.

Latest News

Research Highlights

BELA ready to explore Mercury’s surface

The joint ESA-JAXA BepiColombo mission to Mercury has entered its final phase after almost eight years in space. Following the successful separation of the Mercury Transfer Module (MTM) from the two orbiters on 3 September 2026, the mission reached another important milestone on 14 September 2026: the laser of the BELA altimeter was successfully activated for the first time in space. The instrument was built under the leadership of the University of Bern.

UniBE Press Release

Portraits & Interviews

Swiss precision in space – Interview with Raphael Marschall

Switzerland does not launch any large rockets of its own, but it is involved in missions throughout the solar system. Universities develop instruments, companies supply technology, and start-ups are seeking to develop new business opportunities.

Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences

Event Highlights

CSH Retreat 2026 – Welcomes, Goodbyes & More

In an annual two-day retreat in Kandersteg, members of the Center for Space and Habitability come together to look back at the past year, hear about latest news from different parts of our center, and collectively look to the future of the CSH.

CSH