Frequently Asked Questions on the ESA Open Day at ESTEC on Sunday 6 October 2024

Q: How do I gain access to the site?
A: You need to be registered with a ticket, and display the QR code on the ticket at the ESTEC Main Gate, either by presenting it on your smartphone or printing it out.

Q: Can I still get tickets for the event?
A: Tickets for this year’s Open Day are no longer available.

Q: "Last admittance 4 p.m.” Does that mean we cannot enter after 4pm?
A: Yes. 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 dress code. 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 flyer including a map is available digitally beforehand and staff at the entrance will provide you with a hard copy.

The programme for Saturday’s ESA Open Day for people with a disability is available for you here:

https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/ESTEC/Open_Day_2024_Accessible_EN.pdf (In English)
https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/ESTEC/Open_Day_2024_Accessible_NL.pdf (in Dutch)

The programme for Sunday’s ESA Open Day attractions is available for you here:

https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/ESTEC/Open_Day_2024_Brochure_EN.pdf (In English)
https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/ESTEC/Open_Day_2024_Brochure_NL.pdf (In Dutch)

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 (0-3 years).

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: Please cancel the tickets and register new and make sure that the email address is spelled correctly.

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 ESAConferenceBureau@atpi.com, 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 ESAConferenceBureau@atpi.com

Q: Is the Map in Dutch or English?
A: The map and programme is available in both languages.

Q: What language are the talks in?
A: They are sometimes in Dutch but primarily in English. Information on the talks will be available on the day.

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: Yes, our Newton conference room will host careers talks. Further we advise you to refer to this website for job opportunities: http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA

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 430 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: All busses stop at the t-crossing Zwarteweg/Keplerlaan. From there, you have to walk the Keplerlaan towards the entrance. The stop of the busses is also the point for departure back to Leiden Centraal after you left the Open Day via the gate of Space Expo.

Q: What is the best connection with public transport, when coming from The Hague?
A: You can take Bus 385. Or else please take a train which stops in Leiden Central, from there take Bus 430.

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 Bus 430.

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