ESA Open Day fully booked

The Open Day on Sunday 7 October is now fully booked, having reached its ceiling of 12 000 registrations.

We have a waiting list, if you have registered for tickets and find yourself unable to attend, please unregister to free up tickets for other people.

Voyage through Space with Europe - register now for ESA Open Day in The Netherlands

You can register now to see behind the scenes of Europe’s space adventure. We will open our doors for our annual ESA Open Day in the Netherlands on Sunday 7 October.

The Open Day is hosted at ESA’s ESTEC technical centre in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, but where you can see space science and technology from across the Agency – from astronauts to Earth observation, spacecraft control to satellite testing. With 22 Member States, ESA is the Space Agency for Europe, working in every aspect of space activities, working with people and organisations all across our continent, and beyond.

The theme of this year’s event is “Voyage to Space in Europe”’. This is your opportunity to come nose to nose with space hardware, hear where we’re going next and meet Europe’s space agents – space scientists, mission designers and astronauts.

Visitors are free to explore ESA’s largest establishment at their own pace, learn how we simulate space on the ground, plan future missions, try out hands-on activities and exhibits and join expert lectures and astronaut autograph sessions.

Confirmed guests so far include French CNES astronaut Patrick Baudry, Dutch ESA astronaut André Kuipers and German ESA astronaut and former ESA Director of Human Spaceflight and Operations Thomas Reiter.

The Open Day typically attracts upwards of 8000 visitors per year – but to keep everyone safe and happy we need to limit the numbers so don’t forget to register.

Because we are obliged to limit the total number of visitors, to ensure a great experience for all who do attend, we urge you to book early to avoid disappointment.

This annual event takes place as part of the Netherlands’ national Weekend of Science as well as World Space Week.

Because we are obliged to limit the total number of visitors, to ensure a great experience for all who do attend, we urge you to book early to avoid disappointment.

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Reis door de ruimte met Europa: Registreer je nu voor de ESA Open Dag 2018

Meld je gratis aan voor ESA's Open Dag 2018 en krijg een kijkje achter de schermen van de Europese ruimtevaart. De jaarlijkse open dag bij ESA vindt dit jaar plaats op zondag 7 oktober.

ESA's Open Dag vindt plaats bij ESTEC, ESA's technologische centrum in Noordwijk. Daar kom je oog in oog te staan met ruimtevaart, wetenschap en technologie uit heel Europa – van aardobservatie tot het werk van astronauten en van aansturing van ruimtevaartuigen tot het testen van satellieten.

Met 22 lidstaten is ESA hét ruimtevaartagentschap van Europa. Het agentschap is actief in alle aspecten van de ruimtevaart. De mensen die er werken zijn afkomstig van het hele Europese continent, en van daarbuiten.

Het thema van de open dag is dit jaar “Reis naar de ruimte in Europa”. Dit is je kans om ruimtevaart-hardware van dichtbij te bekijken, te ontdekken wat onze volgende bestemmingen zijn en om Europa's knapste koppen uit de ruimtevaart te ontmoeten. Van wetenschappers en missie-ontwerpers tot astronauten.

Bezoekers mogen tijdens de open dag op hun eigen tempo de grootste vestiging van ESA verkennen. Ze kunnen er onder andere ontdekken hoe we de ruimte nabootsen op aarde, hoe toekomstige missies worden gepland, tentoonstellingen bezichtigen en lezingen van experts bijwonen. Daarnaast zijn er talloze hands-on activiteiten en zullen diverse astronauten handtekeningen uitdelen.

Astronauten die al hebben toegezegd aanwezig te zijn bij ESA's Open Dag zijn de France CNES-astronaut Patrick Baudry, de Nederlandse ESA-astronaut André Kuipers en de Duitse ESA-astronaut (en voormalig hoofd van ESA's Human Spaceflight and Operations-afdeling) Thomas Reiter.

ESA's Open Dag trekt jaarlijks zo'n 8000 bezoekers naar Noordwijk. Om een prettig bezoek te garanderen voor alle aanwezigen, zijn we gebonden aan een maximaal aantal bezoekers.

Alle bezoekers moeten zich daarom registreren voor ESA's Open Dag. Wil je zeker zijn van een gratis toegangskaart, registreer je dan tijdig.

De jaarlijkse open dag bij ESA is onderdeel van Het Weekend van de Wetenschap en van de World Space Week.

Omdat ESTEC alle bezoekers graag een goede ervaring wenst, is het aantal toegangskaarten beperkt. Daarom wordt aangeraden om vroeg te registreren, om zo teleurstelling te voorkomen.

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IMPORTANT SECURITY INFORMATION Owing to the prevailing security situation please note that random checks of identification documents may take place when accessing ESTEC. You are therefore advised to have your Identity card or passport with you. All bags will be searched prior to access, so please do not bring any unnecessary or large items of baggage. ESTEC reserves the right to refuse admission to the site for any person or item. ESTEC accepts no responsibility for any injury to visitors or loss or damage to their personal belongings during their stay at the ESTEC site. No pets allowed. For security reasons, families and groups, please register individually; one registration per person. Please print and bring your tickets to the event entrance. Tickets displayed on smartphones accepted as well.

BELANGRIJKE VEILIGHEIDSMEDEDELING Vanwege de huidige veiligheidssituatie dient u rekening te houden met steekproefsgewijze controles van identiteitsbewijzen bij de ingang van ESTEC, U wordt dan ook geadviseerd om uw identiteitsbewijs bij u te hebben. Daarnaast kan u verzocht worden om uw tassen te openen voor inspectie door onze veiligheidsfunctionarissen. Wij verzoeken u dan ook dringend om geen onnodige of grote stukken bagage mee te nemen. ESTEC behoudt zich het recht voor om toegang tot de site voor een persoon of voorwerp te weigeren. ESTEC aanvaardt geen aansprakelijkheid voor persoonlijk letsel en/of diefstal, verlies, vermissing en schade aan bezittingen van bezoekers ontstaan tijdens en/of ten gevolge van het bezoek aan ESTEC. Huisdieren zijn helaas niet toegestaan. Gezinnen en groepen: graag individueel registreren; aub één inschrijving per persoon. Wilt u aub uw ticket printen en meennemen naar de Open Dag? Als u uw ticket op uw smartphone kunt tonen aan de toegangscontroleur is een geprinte ticket niet nodig.

FAQs

Q: Are the tickets for free?

A: Yes. Go to https://EsaESTEC.eventbrite.co.uk [change] to register.

Q: "Last admittance 4 p.m.” Does that mean we cannot enter after 4pm?

A: The event is from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. At 4 p.m. the last visitors can go on ESTEC site and have one hour to visit the facilities. Visitors will have to leave ESTEC by 5 p.m.

Q: How long can we stay at ESTEC?

A: There is no time restriction. Yet, we are only allowed to admit a certain amount of people at a time; meaning that others will need to wait until people leave so they can enter ESTEC.

Q: Is there a dress code?

A: No. In case of rain, we advise you to bring an umbrella or raincoat.

Q: Will we be given a map of the premises or do we have to get those ourselves beforehand?

A: A map will be available digitally beforehand and staff at the entrance will provide you with maps of the premises.

Q: Is there a security check?

A: Yes, there will be a security check before you are allowed to enter the premises. Large bags and luggage are not allowed onsite.

Q: Is it possible to organise a group to visit the Open Day?

A: Of course a group can come to visit the ESTEC Open Day, but all group members have to register and there are no guides available for groups on the day.

Q: Does one need to book an extra ticket for a baby?

A: No, you do not need to book a ticket for your baby. Children who are in a pushchair do not have to register.

Q: I booked tickets but one of us has cancelled. Could I bring a different friend using their ticket?

A: Yes, this is possible, as long as the swap of the names does not interfere with the total amount of registered persons.

Q: Is there an age limit?

A: No.

Q: Do I need to bring ID?

A: Yes.

Q: What should I do if a name change on the ticket is required, as it was spelt wrong when registering?

A: It should not be a problem!

Q: Can we buy any ESA merchandise?

A: There is an official ESA online shop http://www.esa.int/esashop. In the meantime, you can purchase ESA goodies from Space Expo and at a gift shop in the main building.

Q: Can we buy food at ESA?

A: Yes, you can.

Q: Can we bring our own food?

A: Yes.

Q: Can we take photographs?

A: Yes, unless security staff instruct you otherwise.

Q: Inquiries about special entrance due to sickness or physical disabilities, etc.

A: Please send them in advance to estecpr@esa.int, depending on your needs we will see if we can arrange for special assistance.

Q: Are dogs allowed?

A: No.

Q: Are guide dogs allowed?

A: Yes. Please inform us in advance at estecpr@esa.int.

Q: Is the program in Dutch or English?

A: It is both in Dutch and English.

Q: What language are the talks in?

A: They are sometimes in Dutch and sometimes in English. Please refer to the Program for detailed information.

Q: Are there guided tours?

A: No, but volunteers can answer your questions because they are all employees of ESA ESTEC.

Q: Is there information for school and university students?

A: There will be stands which hand out information booklets for both school and university students. Feel free to approach our staff as they can answer your questions; furthermore, have a look at this website: http://www.esa.int/Education

Q: Is there information about job opportunities?

A: We advise you to refer to this website for job opportunities: http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA

Q: Can I volunteer and have a stand at the Open Day?

A: That depends, please contact us at estecpr@esa.int

Q: Will a photographer be there for official pictures?

A: There will be photographer(s) at the ESTEC Open Day. Visitors are advised they may be photographed during the Open Day. The photos will be published on our www.esa.int website.

Q: Is there an extra shuttle service on the open day from the airport?

A: There will be no extra shuttle from Schiphol, but buses from Leiden station.

Q: I would like advice on the best airport/transfer routes for this event.

A: You can take the train from Schiphol to Leiden Central, and then bus 30 to Noordwijk. You can also have a look at www.9292.nl and fill in your details, the website will display your best travel options according to your location.

Q: When taking public transport to the Open Day, does the bus stop directly in front of ESA/ESTEC? Or do we need to walk additionally?

A: Depending on which bus you take, walking time to ESTEC varies. Buses 30 and 37 stop directly in front of ESTEC’s visitor centre.

Q: What is the best connection with public transport, when coming from The Hague?

A: Please take a train which stops in Leiden Central, from there take buses 30 or 37, direction Katwijk. The buses will stop opposite the ESTEC visitor centre.

For further travel information, please visit www.9292.nl

Q: What is the best connection with public transport, when coming from Amsterdam?

A: Please take a train which stops in Leiden Central, from there take buses 30 or 37, direction Katwijk. The buses will stop opposite the ESTEC visitor centre.

For further travel information, please visit www.9292.nl

Q: What is the best connection with public transport, when coming from Wassenaar?

A: Please take bus number 90, in direction Katwijk.

For further travel information, please visit www.9292.nl

Q: What is the exact address of ESTEC?

A: Keplerlaan 1, Noordwijk, 2200 AG, Netherlands.

Q: What can we see at Space Expo?

A: Space Expo is ESTEC’s year-round visitor centre. At the moment we have the “Terug uit de ruimte” exhibition, where you can view objects that have travelled to and from space. The actual Soyuz capsule used by ESA astronaut André Kuipers on his last spaceflight is also on display.

Q: Is Space Expo also open during the Open Day?

A: Space Expo is accessible to ESTEC Open Day visitors for a special 50% discount. There is no need to buy tickets in advance.

Q: Can we take a ride on the Space Train during the Open Day?

A: The Space Train will not be running on the Open Day as visitors will be walking around the premises.

Q: Which astronauts are coming?

A: The astronauts so far confirmed to be attending are French CNES astronaut Patrick Baudry, Dutch ESA astronaut André Kuipers and German ESA astronaut and former ESA Director of Human Spaceflight and Operations Thomas Reiter.

Q: What will the astronauts be doing?

A: The astronauts are schedule to give talks about their experiences in space. All the astronauts will sign autographs during scheduled signing sessions.

Q: Can we take photographs with the astronauts?

A: Yes, as time allows.

Q: Can we get astronauts autographs?

A: Yes, during their signing sessions.

Q: Is it possible to pay by card on ESA's ESTEC premises?

A: It is not possible to pay by card on all locations at ESTEC. Please also make sure to bring cash for your purchases.