The European Space Agency (ESA) is marking an exceptional jubilee in 2025 – fifty years of existence and dedicated work in space exploration. This significant anniversary will be celebrated in a unique and publicly accessible way, through a series of exclusive Open Days held at key ESA centres across Europe. Visitors in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands will get a rare opportunity to step into the world of European space research, get a close look at revolutionary missions, and meet the scientists, engineers, and astronauts behind them. The events are designed not only as a showcase of state-of-the-art technology but also as a celebration of the immense impact ESA has on Europe's prosperity, its technological leadership, and its mission to inspire new generations. With a clear goal – to elevate Europe's future through the power of space – the 2025 Open Days will offer a rich programme of interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and immersive experiences for all ages.

Europe's control centre opens its doors in Darmstadt

The celebration begins on 12 September in the German city of Darmstadt, home to the European Space Operations Centre (ESA ESOC). This event offers exclusive access to the very heart of European space operations, the place where missions are controlled and visionary ideas are turned into reality. Visitors will have the opportunity to see how teams of experts monitor and control complex satellites and spacecraft 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ESOC is the operational brain of the agency, responsible for everything from the critical launch and early orbit phase (LEOP) to the daily manoeuvres of spacecraft located millions of kilometres away from Earth. Since its foundation in 1967, more than 80 missions have been successfully conducted from this centre, including legendary feats like the Rosetta mission that landed on a comet, Mars Express which is still exploring the Red Planet, and ambitious projects such as BepiColombo on its way to Mercury and JUICE (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer) exploring Jupiter's icy moons. Through live demonstrations, interactive exhibitions, and meetings with experts, guests will gain insight into the technologies that drive astronomy, planetary science, Earth observation, and, crucially, space safety. ESOC is the centre of excellence for protection against space hazards, coordinating ESA's activities in tracking and removing space debris and planetary defence. Registrations for this unique event will open later in the summer via the official ESOC Open Day 2025 page.

The political heart of ESA in Paris

Just a week later, on 20 September, the ESA Headquarters in Paris will also open its doors. Although the details of the programme will be announced later, this is an opportunity for visitors to peek into the political and strategic centre of the agency. In Paris, key decisions are made that shape the future of European space activities. This is where programmes are defined, budgets are agreed upon, and collaborations with member states and international partners are established. A visit to the headquarters will provide insight into how the interests of numerous member states are harmonised and how long-term goals are set – from developing new launch vehicles to sending humans to the Moon and Mars. It is the place where scientific curiosity meets politics and diplomacy to ensure Europe's leading role in space. Registrations for the visit to the Paris headquarters will also be available later in the summer via the HQ Open Day 2025 page.

A view of Earth from Frascati

ESA's centre for Earth observation, ESRIN, located in Frascati near Rome, will welcome visitors on 26 September. ESRIN is Europe's window onto the state of our planet. This is where data from satellites that constantly monitor the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, ice sheets, and land surfaces are collected, processed, and distributed. This data is vital for understanding climate change, predicting extreme weather events, managing natural resources, agriculture, and providing aid in crisis situations such as earthquakes and floods. ESRIN manages the largest environmental database in Europe and Africa and works closely with the European Union on programmes like Copernicus. The Open Day in Frascati will offer a unique experience for all ages, with expert lectures, interactive quizzes, educational workshops for children, telescope stargazing, and model rocket launches. Visitors will be able to learn firsthand how ESA's work directly benefits life on Earth and supports a sustainable future. Registrations will be available from the beginning of September via the ESRIN Open Day 2025 page.

Space telescopes and the secrets of the cosmos in Spain

Fans of astronomy and the mysteries of the universe will get their treat on 4 October at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESA ESAC) in Villanueva de la Cañada, near Madrid. ESAC is the scientific heart of ESA's astronomy and planetary missions. From here, the scientific operations of some of the most important space telescopes are managed, such as XMM-Newton, which studies black holes and other high-energy phenomena, and the Gaia mission, which is creating the most precise three-dimensional map of our galaxy. ESAC is also home to the science archives for missions such as Herschel, Planck, Mars Express, and Rosetta, making an invaluable treasure trove of data available to scientists worldwide. On this special day, visitors will be able to talk with astronomers and data experts, discover how signals from distant galaxies and exoplanets are analysed, and get acquainted with the state-of-the-art tools used for space exploration. It will be a journey through the wonders of the cosmos, from our Solar System to the farthest corners of the visible universe. Registrations for the ESAC Open Day 2025 will open in September via a special online form.

The technical heart of the agency in the Netherlands

The grand finale of the event series will take place on 11 and 12 October at ESA's largest centre, the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESA ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. Over two full days, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the technical heart of the agency firsthand. ESTEC is where most of ESA's projects are born and where they are managed through all stages of development, from idea to launch. With nearly 2,500 engineers, technicians, and scientists, ESTEC is the incubator of Europe's space effort. It also houses unique testing facilities, such as the Large Space Simulator (LSS), which can replicate the extreme conditions of space, acoustic chambers that simulate the noise of a launch, and electromagnetic chambers. Almost all equipment launched by ESA undergoes rigorous testing at ESTEC to ensure it can withstand all the challenges of travel and life in space. The event will provide visitors with a direct experience of the latest achievements in space science and technology, with the help of scientists, engineers, astronauts, and other space professionals. Registrations will open later in the summer, and for all details, it is recommended to follow the official website and ESA's social media channels.