Interview with Daniel Neuenschwander
On 19 March, we presented the “ESA” special coin and took the opportunity to interview Daniel Neuenschwander, Head of the Department of Human and Robotic Exploration.
“We launch projects and
work on solutions without
fully understanding the issues
involved.”
Switzerland is participating in the Ariane 6 programme. How significant is Switzerland’s involvement, and what makes it indispensable?
The Swiss contribution is, quite literally, top-class, as the payload fairing is located at the very top of the rocket. This fairing protects satellites during the first few minutes as they pass through the densest layers of the atmosphere, where extreme thermal, acoustic and aerodynamic conditions prevail. This technology represents a major contribution by Swiss leading-edge expertise.
This payload fairing, made in Switzerland, is now also being used in North America – simply because it is top-class. In addition to the payload fairing, there is a second Swiss player involved in the Ariane 6 project. Whilst the payload fairing comes mainly from German-speaking Switzerland, the second player is based in French-speaking Switzerland – a detail that is not insignificant to me. This is where the booster mountings are manufactured, which are used to attach the engines to the rocket’s core stage. These must withstand the immense upward thrust transmitted to the core stage – yet another Swiss masterpiece.
ESA has had a site in Switzerland since May 2025. Could you briefly tell us about it?
Our new site in Villingen ESDI is about harnessing truly advanced technology development from the ETH Domain for future topics within a deep tech space logic context. These topics will then be incorporated into the preparations for future technologies for space missions. In my opinion it is not enough for Switzerland to be “ahead of the pack” with every rocket today. We must also position ourselves at the forefront of new technologies and topics. Only then can we continue to demonstrate Swiss excellence now and in the future.
We expect that the new “ESA” special coin will appeal to new collectors. What makes this coin unique in your view?
I like the fact that every Swiss person could, in effect, carry a piece of space exploration around in their pocket. But what seems far more important to me is raising awareness about the extent to which we depend on space data. Just think of the apps on our smartphones – almost all of them are based on space-based technologies or space-based infrastructure. Without space exploration, these apps would not work. We should all be aware that space technology enables weather forecasts and navigation systems. It provides data for all the apps we use every day. Let’s be frank: space exploration has become an integral part of our daily lives.
What fascinates or inspires you most about your work at ESA?
We launch projects and work on solutions without fully understanding all the relevant issues. And it’s precisely these opportunities to push cutting-edge technology and scientific excellence to the limits of what is possible that fascinate me. I also find it very satisfying and enriching to work in an environment with such diverse professional backgrounds and cultures..
