Mission X
All primary schools, families and clubs in the Netherlands can participate in Mission X free of charge. The aim is to introduce children to space, space exploration, science and technology. Children also train like astronauts by learning about healthy eating and staying active!
Keep an eye on this page: the Mission X dates will be announced soon.
Train like an Astronaut
During the challenge, you train like an astronaut and take part in a variety of activities. Every time you complete an activity, you record it on the official website, earning steps for the two mascots, Luna and Leo. Their goal is to walk all the way to the Moon! At the end of the challenge, the team that has helped Luna and Leo the most will win a fantastic prize: a VIP visit to Space Expo for the entire team (maximum 40 people, including supervisors)!
You can take part in the challenge in your own way and at your own pace. Choose the assignments and activities that best suit your team, and there is no need to participate for the entire duration of the challenge. You could organise a Space Week, for example, or dedicate Fridays to experiments.
Training Modules
Through the Mission X educational programme, children learn about coordination and endurance, as well as team building, spatial awareness, healthy eating and space technology. Many of the lessons and activities are linked to the science curriculum and cover a variety of STEM subjects, with a strong focus on health and nutrition.
Worldwide
Mission X is an initiative of ESA and other space agencies from around the world. Teams from more than 25 countries take part, including Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico and South Korea. In the Netherlands, the programme is organised by Space Expo on behalf of the Netherlands Space Office.
Join Mission X!
- All children, ages 6 -12, can take part. The lessons can be flexibly incorporated into the school's existing timetable.
- Families, after-school care organisations, scouting groups and other clubs can also participate in the challenge.
- The programme is designed for children aged 6 to 12.
- Mission X 2026 takes place from 2 March to 24 April.
- For questions, please email educatie@space-expo.nl.
Mission X VIP-visit
