SPACE ERA CHAIR Workshop explored icy moons, space chemistry and mass spectrometry

The SPACE ERA CHAIR Workshop: Chemistry of Icy Moons and Applications of Mass Spectrometry in Space took place on September 23–25, 2026, at the Heyrovský Institute of the CAS in Prague. The three-day event brought together researchers working at the interface of astrochemistry, planetary science, laboratory analogue experiments, and advanced mass spectrometry for space applications.

The workshop followed the successful Summer School 2025: Icy Moons Chemistry and Technology and continued the discussion on how laboratory experiments and analytical instrumentation can help us understand icy moons, ocean worlds, and other extraterrestrial environments. The event was organized by Prof. Bernd Abel and Dr. Ján Žabka from the Heyrovský Institute of the CAS and was funded by the European Union.

The scientific programme covered a broad range of topics, including molecular diversity and isotopic fingerprints in carbonaceous chondrites, mass spectrometry and photoionization in astrochemistry, ion-induced reactions relevant to planetary atmospheres and interstellar chemistry, complex gaseous ions, dust detection, cryovolcanic processes, hypervelocity ice particles, LIBS and machine learning for space mining applications, Orbitrap control, and laboratory analogue experiments related to Enceladus and future space missions.

The workshop welcomed leading international speakers, including Christelle Briois, Veronique Vuitton, Roland Thissen, Wolf Dietrich Geppert, Frank Postberg, Ralf Srama, and Jonas Warneke. Their lectures were complemented by talks from members of the Department of Space Chemistry and Technology and other invited researchers, as well as by poster presentations, laboratory tours, and informal discussions.

By connecting fundamental chemistry with mission-oriented instrumentation, the workshop highlighted the growing role of mass spectrometry in the exploration of icy moons and other planetary bodies. It also strengthened international collaboration around the SPACE ERA Chair project and the newly established Department of Space Chemistry and Technology at the Heyrovský Institute of the CAS.