Space materials have to fulfil many stringent requirements as they may be exposed to very harsh conditions: high vacuum, multiple thermal cycling between extremely cold and extremely hot temperatures, high-intensity particulate and electromagnetic radiation… Before these materials can be sent to space at high cost, they need to be sufficiently qualified on-ground to be fit for purpose.

In this talk I will introduce to you our work in the field of space materials at the European Space Research and Technology Center. The talk is meant as an informal, inspirational event.