Luxembourg launches 'Astronaut for a Day 2025' competition

Ministers Lex Delles, Claude Meisch and Georges Mischo announced the return of the "Astronaut for a Day" competition organised by the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) with the support of the Ministry of the Economy, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sport. This competition offers a unique opportunity for young people to immerse themselves in the world of space, develop scientific and technical skills, and test themselves as future explorers of the universe.

Following the success of the first programme, the competition is going international in 2023. In 2025, parallel competitions will also take place in Austria and Estonia, and additional events are planned throughout the year to popularise space professions among young people.

The competition is not just fun, but part of Luxembourg's strategy to attract new talent to the space industry. In the face of fierce international competition, the government is keen to motivate young people to study science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), as the space industry needs skilled professionals.

Lex Delles, Minister of Economy, said that "talent development is essential for Luxembourg's and Europe's economy, especially in the space sector. This competition not only inspires young people, but also introduces them to promising professions of the future".

All adolescents over the age of 13 who are enrolled in Luxembourg schools are eligible to participate. The selection will include logic and physical fitness tests similar to those used in the selection process for space agencies. The tests will take place between March and July 2025.

The finalists will join the "astronaut class for a day", be promoted to the status of space ambassadors for their countries and take part in a parabolic flight on 14 October 2025, during which they can experience a state of weightlessness.

The competition also includes lectures, conferences and a summer space academy to help young people learn more about space science.

Sports Minister Georges Michaud emphasised the importance of physical fitness: "The physical tests will help participants understand the importance of an active lifestyle and endurance. It will also help to demonstrate that the astronaut profession requires not only intellectual but also physical qualities.

Education Minister Claude Meisch added that "participating in the competition gives young people the opportunity to develop key skills: critical thinking, teamwork, perseverance and problem solving. It is a valuable experience that will help them better realise the career prospects that the space sector offers".

All contest details, rules of participation and schedule of selection stages are published on AstronautForaDay.lu.

The press conference was attended by the winners of the 2023 competition, who shared their impressions and how participation in the programme changed their educational and professional trajectory.

Thanks to such initiatives, Luxembourg continues to strengthen its position as one of Europe's leading space hubs, inspiring a new generation to explore space and scientific disciplines.