The New-Space concept, with large numbers of dedicated small and low-cost satellites, is expected to provide opportunities for small nations to acquire their own space capabilities and services, tailored to own needs. And there is a renewed emphasize in the exploration of space, with a planned establishing of a manned base on the moon by 2028 and the further exploration of other planets. CENSSS will address science and technology challenges and business opportunities within New-Space satellites for Earth Observation and within Space Exploration “to the Moon and Mars”.

The research areas underpinning these business innovation areas will be sensor and sensor systems, and New-Space satellites system integration, operation and exploitation. CENSSS shall advance the knowledge frontiers in terms of novel sensors for small Earth Observation satellites, as well as novel sensors for planetary resource mapping and exploitation. CENSSS will take an active part in NASA`s Mars 2020 rover mission.