Learn about the ESA Open Days 2023, a platform that brings space enthusiasts together from across Europe.

ESA Open Days 2023: An Unforgettable Journey Through Space

More than 15,000 space enthusiasts are eagerly preparing to embark on a journey through the wonders of space at ESA’s Open Days 2023. This Europe-wide series of events aims to bring space closer to the public than ever before, offering unforgettable days of discovery, inspiration, and scientific divulgation.

The Open Days will take place at three of ESA’s establishments: ESRIN, ESTEC, and ESAC. Each establishment will open its doors to the public on different dates, providing a unique experience for visitors.

The first Open Day will be held at ESRIN on September 29, 2023. Located in Frascati, near Rome, this event will take place within the framework of European Researchers’ Night. With an expected attendance of 1,200 people, the Open Day at ESRIN will feature presentations of the Discover ESA Live platform and activities based on ESA’s programs for scientific research and space exploration. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy guided tours of the Earth Observation Multimedia Centre (Φ-Experience), explore the Heritage Missions Walkthrough exhibition area, and discover ESA’s areas of activity through a permanent exhibition.

Following closely after ESRIN’s Open Day, ESTEC will open its doors on October 7 and 8, 2023. Approximately 12,000 people are expected to attend this event at ESTEC, where they will have the chance to explore state-of-the-art facilities, meet ESA astronauts, and learn about the wide range of job opportunities offered by ESA for students and young professionals. A highlight of this year’s Open Day at ESTEC is the rare opportunity for visitors to view ESA’s next deep space mission, the Hera mission for planetary defense, before its launch. The mission will study the distant Dimorphos asteroid starting next year.

Lastly, ESAC will welcome space enthusiasts on October 21, 2023. The Open Day at ESAC will feature exhibitions of ESA’s famous science missions, including Juice, Bepi-Colombo, Gaia, James Webb, and Euclid, among others. Visitors will have the chance to engage in activities related to icy moons and space debris. Through the use of Virtual Reality, attendees will be able to step into the future and experience what it’s like to be an astronaut exploring the Universe. Additionally, there will be opportunities to observe the Sun through ESAC’s telescope and visit the control room to learn about the operations of space missions.

The Open Days offer a full program of activities for visitors to enjoy. This includes tours, hands-on laboratories for children, and opportunities to interact with science communicators, ESA astronauts, and experts. Attendees will also have the chance to admire spacecraft and rocket models, explore ESA’s cutting-edge laboratories, and participate in fantastic experiences.

Moreover, the ESA Careers Office will be present at each establishment, providing information about science and research careers. The aim is to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts.

ESA’s Open Days 2023 promise to be an incredible experience for European citizens who are passionate about space. With a wide range of activities and opportunities to engage with ESA’s missions and experts, these events will undoubtedly bring space closer to the public and ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity about our Universe. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey through space!