A chemical engineer with experience in mineral processing and beneficiation, Hadler will join Esric “to lead the further development of the Centre, advancing scientific discovery and technology development in ‘In situ Resources Utilisation’ (ISRU) and asserting Esric and Luxembourg’s position in space resources.” Hadler replaces ad-interim director Dr Mathias Link.

by the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), with the European Space Agency to join shortly as strategic partner, Esric aims to become an internationally recognised centre of expertise for scientific, technical, business and economic aspects related to the use of space resources for human and robotic exploration, as well as for a future in-space economy.

Hadler, who is backed by €3.7m investment over five years--thanks to the FNR-funded Pearl programme--, will build the centre’s knowledge in mineral processing and beneficiation. She says: "For humans to travel further and stay longer in space requires the development of systems to support human life and refuel spacecraft using resources found locally.” With this objective in mind, Hadler and Esric will further push the development of In Situ Resource Utilisation practices, among others.

Economy minister Franz Fayot commented on the nomination, saying that it “will allow to further advance SRU (Space resource utilisation) research and continue positioning Luxembourg as a trailblazer in the field, while putting sustainability at its core.”

Dr Mathias Link, also international affairs director of the LSA, will remain involved in the centre’s activities as chair of the Esric steering committee, it was also announced. He will also continue coordinating the SpaceResources.lu initiative.