Public guided tours at ESA
Mondays at 2 pm and Wednesdays and Fridays at 5 pm
ESA Darmstadt
Since 1967, space missions have been designed and controlled here in the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt.
The worldwide network of ESA ground stations is also operated from here in order to maintain contact with the missions.
In this control centre, more than 80 ESA missions were operationally supervised from the early start-up phase,
including Giotto, Huygens, Envisat, Mars Express, Rosetta, BepiColombo and Solar Orbiter, but also missions from other organisations.
ESA's activities in the area of space security to protect against dangers from space are also located here.
Public guided tours at EUMETSAT
Every Friday at 3 pm
EUMETSAT
The European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) has had its headquarters in Darmstadt since 1986.
From here, a system of meteorological satellites is operated, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
In addition to the data needed for our daily weather forecasts, they provide information used in measuring climate change and global warming.
Importatnt note on public guided tours
Our public tours are currently offered in German only.
If you would like a tour in another language (e.g. English or French), we are happy to arrange a private group tour for you.
Feel free to contact us via email – we’ll be glad to assist you!
Guided tours for groups
ESA Darmstadt - Control Centre of the European Space Agency ESA
Tour of the satellite control centre site. The main control room and various satellite models are viewed during ongoing operations. A film shows the tasks and objectives of ESOC.
Meeting point: Robert-Bosch-Straße 5, visitor gate
Duration: 90 minutes
The maximum number of people per tour group is 20.
Participation only with pre-registration, minimum age 10 years.
All persons aged 16 and over must carry a valid identity card!
Tour dates
Individual guided tours can only take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The scheduled times are:
- Monday: 10 am and 12 pm
- Wednesday: 1 pm and 3 pm
- Friday: 1 pm and 3 pm
Please refrain from enquiries for other weekdays or weekends.
The ESOC is closed to visitors on public holidays and bridge days!
Guided tours for groups
EUMETSAT - weather data for the world ‘made in Darmstadt’
A look behind the scenes of the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites. You will be given an exciting guided tour using full-size satellite models.
Meeting point: Eumetsat-Allee 1, visitor gate
Duration: 90 minutes
The maximum number of people per tour group is 20.
Participation only with advance booking, minimum age 12 years.
All persons aged 16 and over must carry a valid identity card!
Tour dates
Individual guided tours can only take place on Fridays.
The scheduled times are 11 am and 1 pm.
Other times are currently not possible!
Therefore, please refrain from making requests for other days of the week or weekends.
EUMETSAT is closed to visitors on public holidays!
Request your guided tour
Would you like to book a customised guided tour for your group? No problem!
Simply send us an e-mail with your specific preferred date. We will check the date as quickly as possible and get back to you as soon as possible.
Please note, however, that guided tours are only possible on the days of the week and at the times stated!
We need the following information from you to make a binding booking:
- Billing address and all necessary details for invoicing
- Contact person and mobile phone number
- Brief information on the composition of the group (age, group of people, etc.)
Safety instructions
A list of participants for all groups must be submitted to Darmstadt Marketing and ESA/EUMETSAT at least 5 working days before your visit.
No access will be granted to persons who have not registered or have registered incorrectly. Visitor badges must be worn visibly at all times. It is not permitted to leave the group of visitors during the tour. The instructions of the security staff must be followed. The security service reserves the right to deny access to persons who behave uncooperatively or to expel them from the premises.
All participants (aged 16 and over) must carry a valid photo ID. The following documents are accepted:
- Passport
- identity card
Driving licences, residence permits, health insurance cards or similar will not be accepted as proof of identity.
Large bags or rucksacks may not be carried. It is not possible to deposit these at the entrance.
Conditions
Guests should be dressed and equipped appropriately for the weather, as some of the tour takes place outside.
Please report to the visitors' gate 15 minutes before the agreed time.
ESA and EUMETSAT reserve the right to cancel the tour at any time for internal reasons. The customer shall not be entitled to any compensation for any costs incurred as a result.
Virtual tour "Discover ESA"
Find out more about ESA's tasks, projects and missions with a virtual tour. The tour covers the topics "Understanding our universe", "Safeguarding space activities", "Protecting our environment", "Building the best tools", "Sending Europe to the moon" and "Improving life on earth".
Link to the virtual tour "Discover ESA": discover.esa.int
Take a 360°-tour through the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) of ESA in Darmstadt: discover.esa.int
Your booking contact
Wissenschaftsstadt Darmstadt Marketing GmbH
Darmstadt Services
Elisabethenstraße 20-22, 64283 Darmstadt
darmstadtTel.: +49 (0) 6151 - 1345-11
Fax: +49 (0) 6151 - 1347-5858