From 26 to 27 September, ESA’s technical heart in Noordwijk opened its doors for ESA Open Days 2026, welcoming more than 10,000 visitors to discover where Europe’s space missions are designed, tested and prepared for the future. Guests met experts, explored ESTEC’s facilities and got closer to the people and technology behind Europe’s ambitions in space.

From standing beneath the Ariane 6 launcher and exploring spacecraft up close, to meeting robotic explorers, discovering the PLATO mission and bringing space science to life through interactive exhibits, there was something for every curious mind. Across ESTEC, visitors got a glimpse of the technology, ideas and people taking Europe further into space.