2 June 2025 Countdown to the next generation of astronauts Austria's young people experience weightlessness Austria's young people experience weightlessness

The ‘Astronaut for a Day’ initiative is a joint project between Austria, Luxembourg and Estonia to promote young talent in the fields of space, science and technology. The centrepiece is a joint parabolic flight on 15 October 2025 in Luxembourg, during which the selected students will experience weightlessness for a short time.

The countdown for Austria's young people to take part starts on 2 June. As part of a multi-stage selection process - consisting of a 60-second application video, logic, comprehension and fitness tests as well as a personal interview - 13 young people will be sought as ‘Austronauts’ and five reserve candidates. A medical examination to determine fitness to fly is also planned. The competition, which will be held in English, is being organised in Austria by Ars Electronica. Students who are at least 15 years old on 15 October 2025, attend a school in Austria in the school years 2025/26 and 2026/27 and have a good command of English are eligible to take part.

The selected young people from all three participating countries will experience weightlessness - known as microgravity - for a short period of time. The parabolic flights offer a realistic training environment and are therefore also regularly used to prepare for space missions.

"With the “Astronaut for a Day” initiative, we are creating a bridge between vision and reality: we are showing young people that space is not a distant future scenario, but a place for research, technology and international cooperation. When young people feel weightlessness on their own bodies, they not only experience a physical phenomenon - they also experience the opportunities that science and innovation open up. We are not only investing in an unforgettable experience, but also in the talent and innovative strength of tomorrow. Together with its European partners, Austria is sending a strong signal for education without borders - on the ground and beyond," emphasises Space and Innovation Minister Peter Hanke.

Young people will become ‘space ambassadors’

On the day before the flight, 14 October 2025, the selected young people will take part in a joint team-building event to get to know each other, exchange ideas and grow together as an international crew. They will be travelling by bus and will be supervised by representatives of Ars Electronica, BMIMI and FFG. The students are covered by student accident insurance for the entire duration of the programme. Apart from private expenses, there are no costs for the nominated participants.

"Space travel stands for technological excellence, international cooperation and visionary thinking like almost no other field. With “Astronaut for a Day”, we bring this dimension closer to young people in an impressive way - and make scientific curiosity and the spirit of research a tangible experience. As FFG, we support this initiative with conviction because it opens up new horizons for young talents - both literally and figuratively," says Karin Tausz, Managing Director of FFG.

After the flight, the young people take on a special task: they become space ambassadors for a year and share their experiences in schools, at events and via social media. In this way, they help to spread interest in space and inspire others.