Our doors are open on 9-10 December, so visit us and explore the EU Space Programme!

Our doors are open on 9-10 December, so visit us and explore the EU Space Programme!

The days are getting shorter, the temperatures colder – making it the perfect time to come inside and learn about the EU Space Programme. So, on 9 – 10 December, take one of Prague’s Galileo-enabled trams and make your way over to EUSPA Headquarters for our annual Open Days! 

“After two years of virtual and outdoor events, we are thrilled to be able to once again open our doors to the public,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “A highlight on our agenda, the Open Days event is a unique opportunity for EU citizens to explore the Agency, learn about our mission and discover the many benefits of the EU Space Programme.”

With the theme ‘See, Navigate, Communicate’, this year’s edition shines the spotlight on how Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, GOVSATCOM and Space Situational Awareness all bring added value to our everyday lives. “Put these programmes together as one EU Space Programme and you unleash an array of synergies and possibilities, all of which have a powerful impact on society and the planet,” adds da Costa. 

Coming on the heels of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Open Days will have a particular focus on how EU Space contributes to fighting climate change and achieving such European goals as the Green Deal. During the event visitors can learn how EGNSS and Earth Observation support everything from selecting the best location for building renewable energy infrastructure, implementing the most fuel-efficient flight paths, monitoring CO2 emissions, designing efficient and autonomous transportation networks and increasing agricultural yields to sustainably feed a growing population.

Immersive experiences and virtual reality games

As EUSPA works to reduce its own footprint by limiting paper use and waste, the event will present information largely through digital exhibits. Our immersive Copernicus experience invites visitors to walk through a collage of colourful Earth Observation images taken from around the world. 

The two-day event will also feature fun learning opportunities, exciting seminars, a hands-on space workshop and special activities for children, along with a number of competitions and prizes. And did we mention space simulators and virtual reality games? 

“Whether it be determining how to achieve the world’s climate goals, respond to natural disasters, or build the smart cities and mobility systems of tomorrow, as these exhibits and presentations make clear, the answer can often be found in space,” says da Costa.

For those interested in learning about a possible career in space or about EUSPA’s various funding and support initiatives for entrepreneurs and businesses, be sure mark your calendar for 9-10 December. EUSPA experts will be giving talks and be available to answer your questions throughout the day.  

A lot to celebrate! 

This year’s event coincides with the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the 10th anniversary of EUSPA headquarters calling Prague home. In the decade since its move to Prague, EUSPA has provided significant funding to start-ups, SMEs, enterprises and research projects, many of which are making substantial contributions to the EU’s robust space economy.

Open Days 2022 will take place Friday and Saturday, 9 – 10 December, from 09:00 to 18:00 at EUSPA Headquarters, located at Janovského 438/2, 170 00 Praha 7-Holešovice. 

Schools and universities interested in organising class visits on 9 December can still reserve a timeslot here

Learn more at: https://www.euspa.europa.eu/euspa-open-days-2022 

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

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