Laboratory studies on actual and analogous space materials under simulated space conditions are fundamental for the development/calibration of experiments on-board present and future missions targeted to study Solar System bodies and the interplanetary medium and for the interpretation of returned data (e.g.: Cassini-Huygens, STARDUST, Mars-Express, SMART1, ROSETTA, Venus-Express, Messenger, BepiColombo, Dawn, Exo-Mars, Deep Space missions, and other planetary and astro-biology missions, experiments for the International Space Station).

Areas of interest:
1. Mars
2. Mercury
3. Moon
4. Titan
5. Phobos and Deimos
6. Small bodies
7. Planetary surfaces
8. Interplanetary medium
9. Relations between interstellar and solar system materials

Scientific disciplines addressed in the session:
1. Planetary physics and chemistry, astrophysics and astrobiology
2. Planetary formation (dust experiments / modelling), surfaces (mineralogy, chemistry, materials, physical processes) and atmosphere (interaction with surface)
3. Icy bodies / ice-physics
4. Space engineering technology: laboratory tests of space-experiments, landers, rovers and robots
5. Investigation related to exo-biology/astro-biology, search of life (Mars) and life-science experiments in space and under simulated space conditions in Earth laboratories

Special emphasis will be given to:
> laboratory investigation on analogue planetary / astrophysical materials under simulated space conditions and comparisons with interplanetary / meteoritic samples
> investigation of planetary, astrophysical, physical, chemical and biological processes by experiments in the laboratory under simulated space conditions and by modelling
> laboratory experiments for the development of sampling techniques and sample-return technology, laboratory aspects related to planetary protection
> Earth-based field experiments aimed at planetological simulations

Aims of the session are:
-> to give scientists involved in space simulation activities the possibility to present their projects / results;
-> to have the opportunity of an open discussion about the role of simulations for the success of space mission;
-> to delineate guidelines of future activities about space simulation and promote exchange of information / collaboration among interested scientists.

Enough time will be devoted to open discussion on the themes under debate