First time ever: German astronaut Matthias Maurer of the European Space Agency (ESA) visits Namibia for the World Space Week

From 01 – 10 October 2026, Dr. Matthias Maurer, a material scientist turned astronaut, will visit Namibia to strengthen the connections between Namibia and the European scientific and space community, while inspiring young people to explore the possibilities offered by science, technology and innovation related to outer space.

Matthias Maurer will attend events as a representative of the European Space Agency (ESA) at the World Space Week in Namibia (05 – 09 October 2026), organised by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST). The World Space Week is an initiative within the United Nations, the motto for 2026 is “Rocket Revolution”.

An ESA astronaut since 2015, Matthias Maurer spent 177 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2021/2022. He is currently preparing for the NASA Artemis Mission to the moon, scheduled for 2028. For more information on Dr. Maurer please visit: ESA-Dr Maurer

During his tour of Namibia, Matthias Maurer will engage with approximately 8,000 school learners in Windhoek, Swakopmund as well as Ongwediva and Oshakati. He will deliver the key note speech at the opening event of the World Space Week in Windhoek on 5 October 2026 at the Windhoek High School Stadium, for more information and tickets please visit: Namibia Scientific Society

Another important feature of his visit will be the opportunity to experience Namibia’s unique natural and astronomical research and science landscapes. Matthias Maurer will visit the Gobabeb Desert Research Station as well as the H.E.S.S. (High Energy Stereoscopic System) observatory, the Africa Millimeter Telescope currently under construction and the International Amateur Observatory (IAS) located in the Gamsberg area.

The overall aim of Dr. Matthias Maurer’s visit to Namibia is to raise broad political and public awareness about the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space for the benefit and interest of all humankind, demonstrate its relevance for science, technology and research, and highlight the economic opportunities it can create for space-faring as well as not-yet-space-faring nations.

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