Empa Advances Global Research on Metallic Glasses Through ISS Experiments in Partnership with the European Space Agency

The twin of this sample is currently installed on the outside of the ISS as part of the SESAME experiment. Image: Empa

(IN BRIEF) Empa is conducting advanced research into metallic glasses through a series of experiments aboard the International Space Station in collaboration with the European Space Agency, aiming to better understand their properties and improve industrial production methods. Metallic glasses, which form an amorphous rather than crystalline structure when rapidly cooled, offer exceptional hardness, elasticity, and corrosion resistance, making them valuable for applications in space, medicine, and watchmaking. However, manufacturing them remains difficult due to their tendency to crystallize, prompting Empa to study their behavior in microgravity under the THERMOPROP project led by Antonia Neels. Complementary laboratory work in Dübendorf and collaboration with industrial partner PX Group are helping translate scientific findings into improved production processes. In a separate ESA experiment called SESAME, Empa is also exposing metallic glass samples to real space conditions to assess their long-term durability, with further ISS experiments planned through 2030.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜBENDORF, 2-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — EMPA is advancing international research into metallic glasses, a class of innovative amorphous metals with promising applications in space technology, medical devices, and high-precision watchmaking. To gain deeper insight into their behavior and improve manufacturing methods, Empa scientists are carrying out a series of experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), while conducting parallel investigations at their laboratories on Earth.

Unlike conventional metals, which typically solidify into highly ordered crystalline structures, metallic glasses form a disordered atomic arrangement when cooled extremely rapidly from a molten state. This glass-like internal structure, combined with metallic properties, gives them exceptional hardness, high elasticity, and strong resistance to scratches and corrosion. These characteristics make them particularly attractive for use in demanding environments, including outer space and advanced medical technologies.

ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst installs the Electromagnetic Levitator (EML) on board the ISS. Gerst later used this instrument to conduct Empa’s experiments with metallic glasses. Image: NASA

Despite their advantages, producing metallic glasses remains technically challenging. Most metals naturally tend to crystallize during cooling, making it difficult to preserve their amorphous structure—especially in larger components. Empa researcher Damien Terebenec, who specializes in metallic glass research at the Center for X-ray Analytics, explains that maintaining this non-crystalline state requires highly controlled conditions and sophisticated processing techniques.

Empa researcher Damien Terebenec analyzes the structure of metallic glasses using an X-ray diffractometer. Image: Empa

To address these challenges, Empa is conducting experiments in microgravity aboard the ISS under ESA’s THERMOPROP research project, led by Antonia Neels. In the near-weightlessness of low Earth orbit, researchers can study molten metallic droplets without the distortions caused by gravity. On Earth, such droplets must be levitated using strong electromagnetic fields to prevent contact with a crucible, which could trigger unwanted crystallization. However, gravity still deforms the droplet, complicating precise measurements. The microgravity environment of the ISS eliminates this problem, allowing for more accurate data collection.

At the same time, complementary experiments are being carried out at Empa’s facilities in Dübendorf, where Neels, Terebenec, and their team analyze the internal structure of metallic glasses using advanced X-ray techniques. The findings from both space- and ground-based experiments are then integrated into computational materials models, which help refine industrial production methods.

From the outset, Empa has collaborated closely with industry partners, including the Swiss company PX Group in La Chaux-de-Fonds, which manufactures metallic glasses for the watch sector. These materials are used in precision mechanisms and durable watch components. According to Neels, insights gained from the ISS experiments have already been incorporated into improved manufacturing processes by the company.

Beyond terrestrial uses, Empa’s research is also directly relevant to space applications. Metallic glasses are well suited for use in satellites and spacecraft due to their elasticity, durability, and resistance to extreme conditions. As part of a second ESA project, Empa researchers are exposing samples of metallic glass to the harsh environment of space.

This experiment, known as SESAME, was launched to the ISS in November 2024 and installed on the exterior of the European Columbus laboratory module in December. It includes material samples from 15 European research institutions. After approximately one year in orbit, the samples will return to Earth for detailed analysis. Neels notes that while individual space conditions such as vacuum, radiation, or temperature fluctuations can be simulated on Earth, it is impossible to replicate them all simultaneously, making real-space exposure crucial.

Empa’s work aboard the ISS is not a one-time effort. Additional experiments involving liquid metallic glasses are scheduled for the coming year, and both ongoing research projects are expected to continue until the planned end of ISS operations in 2030. The work is conducted under ESA’s PRODEX Program and supported by the Swiss Space Office (SSO) and the PRODEX office.

Media Contacts:

Prof. Dr. Antonia Neels
Empa, Center for X-ray Analytics
Phone +41 58 765 45 07
antonia.neels@empa.ch

Dr. Damien Terebenec
Empa, Center for X-ray Analytics
Phone +41 58 765 41 38
damien.terebenec@empa.ch

Editor / Media Contact

Anna Ettlin
Communications
Phone +41 58 765 47 33
redaktion@empa.ch

SOURCE: EMPA