ESA Darmstadt: Elevating the future of Europe since 1975 - Where missions come alive

When? Friday September 12th, 2025, 15:00-23:00.

Where? The European Space Operations Center, ESA ESOC, Darmstadt (Robert-Bosch-Straße 5, 64293 Darmstadt)

What? Join us as we celebrate 50 years of the European Space Agency with an exclusive ESA Open Day at ESOC! This is your chance to step inside Europe’s mission control and experience the world of space operations like never before.

ESOC is opening its doors to the public! Visit the site on a 90-minute self-guided tour through the facility and see the Main Control Room, the heart of ESA’s mission operations.

Whether you're a lifelong space enthusiast or just starting your cosmic journey, there's something for everyone.

Access to the ESOC site is only possible during the time slot you have booked. Throughout the site various activities will be offered, including but not limited to:

Meet ESA experts, stationed throughout the site, who will share insights into space operations, missions into our solar system and beyond, Earth observation, and more.
Take selfies with sci-fi cosplayers and other mascots!
Attend short presentations – deep dive into fascinating topics like space safety, astronomy, earth observation and planetary exploration. Plus, special kids' talks will introduce young explorers to the wonders of space!
Discover career opportunities – Visit the Career Corner to learn about ESA jobs, young professional programs, and contracting companies.
Explore interactive exhibits and activities, such as virtual reality experiences and interactive touch tables, from ESA’s partners and space industry leaders. Don’t miss the chance to see cutting-edge innovations and meet experts shaping the future of space!

Across the street: Open for you from 14:00!

With a valid ticket, you can visit the event area opposite the ESOC from 14:00 – before the official opening at 15:00. This area offers additional entertainment and activities, including:

Live entertainment – Enjoy stage shows and presentations.
Food trucks – Grab a bite and refreshments (food not available inside ESOC).
Kids’ Science Area – Hands-on experiments and interactive activities for young explorers.
...and so much more!

Site map for the Open Day >>> Download here

Come celebrate ESA’s 50th anniversary and be part of the future of European space exploration! Book your tickets directly here!

Discounts are valid for: Pupils/students, pensioners and holders of a severely disabled pass. Children (up to the age of 6) and accompanying persons (‘B’ or ‘H’ in their ID) must book a free ticket.

Pre-booking is required for participation! No tickets are sold on site!
Tickets can only be purchased in the Darmstadt Shop or online in advance.

Open to all ages!

Please provide the following information in full for each participant when booking: First and last name, date of birth, place of birth and nationality. The booking cannot be finalised without this information!

Unfortunately this event is already fully booked!

We can no longer offer you tickets.

You can find further information on visits at ESA here!

Notes on the event

The event will be held mainly in German, with some contributions in English.

Please note that the ESA visitor car park will be closed on the day of the event. Parking is available at P+R Hauptbahnhof, Robert-Bosch-Straße 15, 64293 Darmstadt. You can find the directions here!

Access to the site is barrier-free.

Terms and conditions

All participants should be dressed and equipped for the weather, as the event will also take place outdoors. Please note that reporting media will be present at the event and that parts of the event will be broadcast via live stream. By participating, you agree that pictures or video recordings may be made for the purpose of information and reporting on which participants may be seen.

Detailed information on image and video recordings at ESA events can be found here!

The following is not permitted

Bringing food and drinks to the event
the use of drones or selfie sticks
the bringing of pets
the use of scooters, bicycles or inline skates
the bringing of fireworks
the carrying of weapons

Please note that smoking is only permitted in designated areas.

Guests are allowed to bring personal food (for medical reasons, e.g. for diabetics, food allergies, etc.)!

ESA/ESOC reserves the right to cancel the event at any time for internal or weather-related reasons. The customer shall not be entitled to any compensation for costs incurred as a result.

Safety instructions

The European Space Operations Centre is a secure area and is subject to comprehensive video surveillance. Large bags or rucksacks (larger than A4 size) are not permitted. It is not possible to leave these at the entrance. In accordance with the provisions of the Federal Data Protection Act, personal data is collected and processed exclusively for a specific purpose and deleted after a certain period of time. The data is protected by technical and organisational means.

On the day of the event, we ask you to carry a valid identity card or passport with you (applies to all persons aged 16 and over). Persons who have not registered or have registered incorrectly will not be granted access!

The instructions of the security staff must be followed in the interests of the safety of all participants in the event. The ESA ESOC security service reserves the right to deny access to persons who behave uncooperatively or to expel them from the premises. Smaller bags or rucksacks will also be checked for dangerous objects; we ask for your co-operation in this regard.