Embassy of the Moon at Space Expo

Practical information

• Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
• Time: From 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
• Location: The event will take place in the Ariane auditorium at Space Expo. Our staff will be happy to show you the way!
• Cost: €10 per person or free with your Museumkaart or VriendenLoterij VIP-kaart.
• Language: English
• Registration: You can register through this website. You will pay for your ticket at the entrance on June 19.

Program

In four short, thought-provoking lectures, experts will highlight the moon as a sovereign entity. Moving beyond economic gain, we will ask crucial questions such as:

• What does the Moon need to thrive?
• Which lunar landscapes require immediate protection?
• How do we give the moon a voice in the growing space industry?

Marjolijn van Heemstra and Marc Klein Wolt will host the evening. The following speakers will also be taking the floor:

• James Carpenter: Lunar Scientist, European Space Agency (ESA).
• Prof. Dr. Katrien Kolenberg: Astrophysicist (UA, VUB), Professor of Science Communication (KU Leuven) and artist.
• Dr. Darshan Vigneswaran: Associate Professor of Political Science (UvA) and Director of Spaceinterface (communication).
• Mary Kuiper: Artist working at the intersection of art and lunar exploration.

What is Embassy of the Moon?

Embassy of the Moon is a multidisciplinary initiative driven by concern for the future of the moon. Business, commercial and scientific interest in the moon is growing rapidly and the prospect of an industrialized moon is becoming a reality every day. In this process, economic interests threaten to overshadow ecological cultural, and spiritual values.

Together with a group of experts from various fields (such as science, art, law, ethics, philosophy and industry), we are exploring questions and ideas. Through this, the embassy aims to lay the foundation for a global representation of the moon's non-commercial values. The embassy seeks to represent the voice of the moon and map out what the moon means to humanity, beyond economic gain.

The goal is not to find ready-made solutions or to prevent space exploration. The embassy investigates how the moon can best be represented in discussions about lunar exploration while simultaneously informing the public about how people intend to use the moon and what the potential consequences might be.