FocusPhysics · Engineering · Politics
Typical length5 days
SuitsAges 11–16
Why this journey
The learning behind it.
The Euro Space Center in the Belgian Ardennes offers astronaut-training simulations, mission scenarios and rocket-engineering workshops for school groups. Combined with the Royal Observatory and the European Parliament's visitor centre in Brussels, it connects science with how international decisions about it are made.
What students take away
- Physics and engineering through simulation
- Teamwork in a mission scenario
- How Europe makes science and space policy
- Presenting findings with confidence
An indicative outline
- BrusselsArrival, city orientation walk and welcome dinner.
- SpaceTwo days at the Euro Space Center: astronaut training, a Mars mission scenario and a rocket-engineering workshop.
- EuropeThe European Parliament visitor centre and the Royal Observatory.
- PresentTeams present their mission findings before flying home.
BFC signature Can include our Walking Hunt, a gamified challenge in place of a standard tour, and a Photo Marathon shot on disposable analogue cameras. How they work ↗︎
Every journey is designed around your brief. Length, activities and accommodation change with your group.
Learning in action
Teams plan and run a simulated Mars mission, then present what went wrong and how they solved it.
Practicalities
- Accommodation
- Chosen for the destination and your budget. Hotel in Brussels and space-centre accommodation.
- Transport
- Private for your group throughout, with flights or rail where needed.
- Access & medical
- Planned case by case from the first conversation, so every student can take part.
- Dietary needs
- Vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free and allergies catered for; kosher and other requirements on request.