European Space Agency to Host 2026 Open Day at ESAC Facility in Madrid

The European Space Agency (ESA) announced it will host the ESAC Open Day 2026 on Saturday, 3 October, at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) located in Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid. The event will invite media representatives and the public to explore science and space exploration initiatives.

According to ESA, the open day will run from 10:00 to 18:00 CEST and will include talks, workshops, and interactions with specialists from ESA, the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), the Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), and private sector companies. The agency stated the programming is designed to showcase significant space missions and highlight opportunities within the sector for younger generations.

The media itinerary begins with registration at 12:00 CEST, followed by a public panel discussion titled "Spain in Space" at 12:30 CEST. The discussion will cover Spain's involvement in European space activities, scientific leadership, and future exploration efforts. Scheduled participants include Carole Mundell, ESA Director of Science and Head of ESAC, representatives from the Spanish Space Agency, and ESA reserve astronaut Sara García Alonso.

Following the panel, a session for spokesperson meetings and media interviews is scheduled from 13:15 to 14:00 CEST. ESA indicated that media members must register for accreditation by 12:00 noon on Friday, 2 October, with individual interview requests subject to availability.

Source