More details to follow soon.

The European Space Agency (ESA) are holding an Open Day on 10th October 2026 at ESA ECSAT, Harwell.

The sessions will focus on how ESA is using space technology to improve daily life and push the boundaries of exploration. To showcase these activities, ESA has put together a packed programme of talks and hands-on demonstrations, delivered by scientists, engineers – and UK ESA astronauts.

It will feature: panel sessions with UK members of ESA’s astronaut class of 2022; ESA professionals who will highlight the career and learning opportunities available at ESA; and Earth observation experts who are using space data to help tackle the climate crisis.

A dedicated demonstration area will highlight the work taking place at ECSAT’s many cutting-edge facilities, including its 5G/6G Hub and its Vulcan Sample Analogue Facility.

Vistors will be invited by the 5G/6G team to don virtual reality headsets to experience how space is transforming connectivity, while experts from Vulcan will present their efforts to use terrestrial samples to simulate rocks found on other planetary bodies. Other demonstrations will include: a replica Mars rover; advanced robots connected over space-enabled networks; climate visualisations created using Earth observation imagery; and much more. 

Date: Saturday 10th October 2026

Time: 9.00 am – 5.30 pm 4hr sessions (09:00 – 13:00 and 13:30 to 17:30)

Venue: ESA ECSAT, Fermi Avenue, Harwell Campus