Advancing Space Research Through Global Collaboration
As part of the future Pan-University Research Institute’s initiative to foster international partnerships, the Surrey Space Centre was delighted to host two distinguished visitors: José María Ortega Hernández, CEO of Green Moon Project, and Alan Butcher, Chief Scientist & Technical Director of Hafren Scientific Ltd.
The day began with an in-depth tour of the University of Surrey’s Propulsion Laboratory, where cutting-edge research into advanced propulsion systems is shaping the future of space exploration. This was followed by visits to the clean room and ground station at the Surrey Space Centre, where satellites are developed, tested, and monitored.
A key highlight of the visit was an engaging seminar delivered by José María Ortega Hernández, who introduced the Green Moon Project—a pioneering initiative aiming to establish sustainable life beyond Earth. The project seeks to develop innovative agricultural and life-support solutions to enable human habitation on the Moon and, eventually, other planetary bodies.
Reflecting on his visit, José María shared his enthusiasm for future collaborations:
"I have truly enjoyed my day at the Space Centre, cradle of the space revolution. I am absolutely impressed by its facilities and the SpaceCraft programme. The Green Moon Project team is incredibly excited about the future collaborations to make living on the Moon and beyond a reality."
— José María Ortega Hernández, CEO, Green Moon Project
Following the seminar, fruitful discussions took place, leading to the identification of several promising avenues for collaboration between Green Moon Project and the research community at the University of Surrey.
To round off the visit, the group explored the Glass House and polytunnel at Manor Park, where researchers Zoe Harris and Alan Foy are developing an advanced aeroponic system. This technology has the potential to revolutionise sustainable food production—both on Earth and in extraterrestrial environments—by allowing plants to grow without soil, using a nutrient-rich mist instead.
This visit represents an exciting step towards strengthening international partnerships in space research. By bringing together expertise from diverse scientific fields, we are paving the way for new discoveries that will shape the future of human space exploration. We look forward to the collaborative projects ahead and to pushing the boundaries of what is possible beyond our planet.
