Astronaut talks with WIA Munich – Women’s Day Special

Two Astronauts. On Mission. In Conversation.

To mark International Women’s Day 2026, Women in Aerospace Munich invites you to a special live conversation with two extraordinary explorers joining directly from an analog space mission in Hawaii.

While conducting field observations and scientific experiments on an active volcano on the Big Island, two astronauts will take time from their expedition to connect with our community and share their experiences.

Dr. Amelie Schoenenwald, ESA Reserve Astronaut (2022), and Dr. Shawna Pandya, Canadian Commercial Astronaut, will speak about their journey into space exploration, their work on analog missions that simulate planetary environments, and what it means to operate at the frontiers of science and human capability.

Analog missions play a crucial role in preparing humanity for future exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Volcanic environments like those in Hawaii provide conditions similar to extraterrestrial terrain, allowing astronauts and researchers to test equipment, conduct experiments, and develop operational strategies for future space missions.

In this live online session, we will explore:

• What life and work on an analog astronaut mission looks like

• Why extreme environments on Earth are essential for preparing future space missions

• The mindset required to operate in high-performancehigh-risk, high risk environments

• The journey into space careers and pushing the boundaries of exploration

• The importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of space

The session will be moderated by Women in Aerospace Munich, followed by a live audience Q&A.

This special International Women’s Day event celebrates not only the achievements of women in space exploration but also the broader idea that capability, curiosity, and courage are what drive humanity forward.

Event Details

Date: 8 March 2026

Time: 09:00 – 10:00 CET

Format:

Sunday, 8. Mar · 09:00 – 10:00 am

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/yoz-vomp-ncz

Or dial: +49 40 8081616006 PIN: 971557161

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/yoz-vomp-ncz?pin=7712024890877

Or join via SIP: sip:7712024890877@meet.airbus.com

Speakers

Dr. Amelie Schoenenwald

ESA Reserve Astronaut (2022)

Dr. Shawna Pandya

Canadian Commercial Astronaut

Join Women In Aerospace Europe – Toulouse Regional Network, Lise Bachmann and Christine-Anne Chevry.

Ready to stop drifting and start steering? This interactive session is designed to help you bridge the gap between your daily to-do list and your long-term professional ambitions. We will take a strategic look at your diary to ensure it reflects the life you actually want to lead, while giving you the tools to intentionally map your career path. You will walk away with a redefined calendar, a clear sense of direction for your next career transition, and the momentum to show up fully for the journey ahead!

When: Thursday, 12 March 2026, 13:00 – 14:00 CET

Where: Online via Zoom

Language: Please note that this workshop will be held in English.

Space Exploration: From Earth to Commercial Space Stations, Moon and Beyond

Join professionals and curious minds for inspiring after‑work event celebrating women shaping the future of human space exploration.

The countdown to the Artemis missions is underway—and if you can’t wait for launch day, you’re not alone. While we wait to return to the Moon, join us for a special evening dedicated to the Artemis program, the Orion spacecraft, and the next era of human exploration.This event brings together space enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone curious about the future of human space missions.

Special Guest: Annamaria Piras (Thales Alenia Space)

We are honored to welcome Annamaria Piras, Program Manager of Orion MPCV and Head of LEO–MPCV Programs at Thales Alenia Space. As a key figure in Europe’s contribution to the Orion spacecraft, she will share:

• Insights from the Orion–MPCV program
• Europe’s role in the Artemis missions
• The evolution from Earth orbit to commercial stations, the Moon, and beyond
• Her personal career journey and vision for the Artemis Generation

Her talk will offer a unique look at one of the most ambitious human‑spaceflight programs of our time.

Networking & Community

After the keynote, enjoy a relaxed networking moment where participants can order drinks and snacks at the bar (expenses by the participants). It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow space enthusiasts, students, engineers, and professionals in a friendly, informal setting.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, 18 March
• Time: 19:30
• Location: Isle of Skye Pub, Corso Inghilterra 25bis, Torino
• Language: Italian
• Format: Keynote + networking

Ausflug zum Mond mit dem DFKI Bremen

Die Crew der Yuri’s Night Bremen mit WIA-E Bremen laden euch gemeinsam mit dem Deutschen Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz (DFKI) zu einem Kurztrip auf den Mond ein. Am 11. April 2026 von 12:00-16:00 Uhr, Robert-Hooke-Str. 1.

Meldet euch für ein kostenfreies Ticket an, die Platzzahl ist begrenzt.

Wenn ihr mit der Familie kommt, muss jede Person mit ihrem eigenen Namen registriert werden. Für Gruppen können sich maximal 10 Personen anmelden.

Wo sonst kann man dem Mond so nah sein wie beim DFKI in Bremen?

Die etwa 200 m² große, raue und zerklüftete Kraterlandschaft, nachempfunden den echten Umgebungsbedingungen, dient als Testfeld für die Entwicklung neuartiger Roboter und Rover zur Erkundung des Weltalls. Experten des DFKIs erklären euch, worauf man dabei achten muss und warum wir Menschen bei Weltraummissionen auf robotische Systeme angewiesen sind.

Die Veranstaltung ist kostenfrei. Groß und Klein sind herzlich willkommen. Meldet euch für einen der Rundgänge an.

Stündliche Intervalle: Termine werden ausschließlich zur vollen Stunde vergeben (z. B. 12:00 Uhr, 13:00 Uhr, usw.).

​Keine Flexibilität: Die gebuchten Zeitfenster sind nicht untereinander austauschbar.

​Pünktlichkeit: Da die Slots fest getaktet sind, führt eine Verspätung leider zu einer verkürzten Zeit in Ihrem Zeitfenster oder zum Verfall des Termins.

Stornierung

Wenn Sie stornieren möchten, stornieren Sie bitte Ihr Ticket über Eventbrite oder senden Sie uns eine E-Mail an bremen@wia-europe.org, damit wir Ihren Platz an jemand anderen vergeben können.

Yuri’s Night Crew and WIA-E Bremen

Mehr Informationen über WIA-E Bremen finden Sie unter: https://www.bremen.de/wissenschaft/women-in-aerospace-bremen

Mehr Informationen über Yuri’s Nigt finden Sie unter: https://yurisnight-bremen.de/

Join the WIA-Europe Strasbourg Regional Network for a digital workshop on Mastering ESRI StoryMaps. This session focuses on Place-Based Storytelling, transforming how we understand, communicate, and explore geographic information. Using the Geographic Thinking Framework, participants will learn to combine spatial data with compelling narratives to reveal the interconnectedness of places, from urban development to environmental change.

Workshop Highlights:

• Narrative-Driven Design: Master the StoryBuilder interface to create responsive, no-code stories.
• ArcGIS Integration: Learn to bring in web maps, dashboards, and Living Atlas assets.
• Geographic Competencies: Develop technical and spatial reasoning skills used in professional geospatial fields.
• Workshop Modules: Covers everything from initial account setup to the Final Challenge.

English version below

🌸 WIApéro de Printemps : Faites décoller vos projets de saison !

Le printemps est là, et avec lui, une nouvelle énergie ! Quoi de mieux pour célébrer le renouveau que de se retrouver autour d’un verre dans le cadre convivial de Liquides resto à boire ?

📅 Quand & Où ?

• Date : Jeudi 16 avril 2026
• Heure : À partir de 18h30 (et jusqu’à 22h pour les plus bavards !)
• Lieu : Liquides resto à boire, 4 Rue des Gestes, 31000 Toulouse.
• Accès : 🚇 Métro A Capitole (3 min) ou Métro B Jeanne d’Arc ou Jean Jaures (6 min).

✨ Au programme

Venez cultiver votre réseau et partager vos ambitions sous le soleil printanier :

• Networking & Échanges : Discutez de vos projets en cours et de vos objectifs pour le reste de l’année.
• Horizon Aérospatial : Partagez vos perspectives sur les actualités et innovations du secteur.
• Convivialité : Consommations à la charge de chacun (sélection de vins, bières artisanales et grignotages de saison).

💡 Petit rappel : Notre réseau n’est pas réservé qu’aux femmes ! Hommes ou femmes, membres de longue date ou curieux de passage — vous êtes tous les bienvenus pour enrichir nos échanges.

Prêts pour un nouvel élan ? Célébrons le printemps ensemble ! ✈️🚀🥂

L’équipe WIA-E Toulouse Regional Network

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

🌸 Spring WIApéro: Let your projects blossom!

Spring is in the air, bringing fresh energy! Join us for a drink at Liquides resto à boire to celebrate the new season and connect with the community in the heart of Toulouse.

📅 When & Where?

• Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2026
• Time: From 6:30 PM (we’ll be there until 10:00 PM!)
• Location: Liquides resto à boire, 4 Rue des Gestes, 31000 Toulouse.
• Access: 🚇 Métro A Capitole (3 min) or Métro B Jeanne d’Arc ou Jean Jaures (6 min).

✨ What’s on the Agenda?

Reconnect and grow your network in a relaxed, seasonal atmosphere:

• Networking & Growth: Share your current professional projects and spring ambitions.
• Industry Insights: Discuss the latest aerospace trends and upcoming challenges.
• Socializing: Everyone covers their own drinks/food (great wine selection and seasonal bites available).

💡 Friendly reminder: Our network isn’t exclusive to women! Men and women, long-time members or first-timers—you are all invited to join us and be part of the conversation.

Ready for a fresh start? Let’s kick off the spring season together! ✈️🚀🥂

The WIA-E Toulouse Regional Network Team

Des photos pourraient être prises le jour de l’évènement, si vous ne souhaitez pas que des photos de vous apparaissent sur les réseaux sociaux ou le site de l’association, merci de nous le signaler avant l’évènement.

Please note that photos may be taken during the event. If you do not wish to appear on our social media channels or the association’s website, please let us know before the event starts.

In a world full of information, Women in Aerospace-Europe believes in keeping things clear, truthful, and impactful. Quantum communication is redefining how the world connects — and so are we! We are excited to introduce our new series 5 Expert Essentials, committed to offering meaningful, engaging opportunities that strengthen our community and elevate the expertise within.

For our first session, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Rossella Falcone, Contract Manager at DLR GfR, with over 14 years of professional experience in satellite ground operations, who will walk us through the 5 Expert Essentials on Quantum Communication — one of the most rapidly growing fields in safe communications and the aerospace sector.

Sign up for an exclusive online session for WIA-Europe members, where you will get to know the principles of quantum communications, real-world applications, career prospects, and mostly how quantum communication is fundamental to the broader future of the space sector and its innovation!

What can you expect:

• A dynamical and engaging talk with a top-tier specialist
• Valuable insights
• An interactive Q&A
• Networking opportunity with WIA-Europe members

Date: 17th April 12:30 PM

Are you ready to expand your knowledge? Reserve your spot!

About:
5 Expert Essentials is a new knowledge-sharing series where WIA-Europe members step into the spotlight to share their expertise — whether that’s their field of work, research, education, or a topic they’re passionate about.

Each session is an opportunity for members to come together to exchange ideas, build supportive relationships, and deepen cross-regional bonds within the aerospace sector.

🎓 Uguaglianza e merito nella ricerca: un dialogo intergenerazionale sulla carriera accademica

In collaborazione con ADI – Associazione Dottorandi e Dottori di Ricerca Italiani al Politecnico di Torino, il gruppo Women in Aerospace promuove un panel dedicato a un tema che continua a trasformare il mondo della ricerca: l’evoluzione dell’uguaglianza e del merito nel percorso accademico.

Negli ultimi decenni, l’università e la ricerca hanno attraversato cambiamenti profondi: dall’ampliamento dei diritti e delle tutele per studentesse e ricercatrici, alla crescente attenzione verso politiche di equità, inclusione e trasparenza nei processi di selezione e avanzamento di carriera. Un’evoluzione ancora in corso, che merita di essere raccontata attraverso le voci di chi la vive ogni giorno.

Il panel riunisce cinque prospettive complementari:

• una studentessa magistrale,
• una dottoranda,
• una ricercatrice,
• una professoressa associata,
• una professoressa ordinaria.

Attraverso le loro esperienze esploreremo come la carriera accademica sia cambiata nel tempo, quali sfide persistono e quali opportunità si stanno aprendo per costruire un ambiente più equo, meritocratico e inclusivo.

Un’occasione per riflettere insieme sul passato, comprendere il presente e immaginare il futuro della ricerca.