Vienna Takes Off with 'Space in the City' Festival Bringing Space Exploration to Urban Life

From June 24 to June 26, 2025, Vienna will transform Karlsplatz into a vibrant hub of space exploration and satellite technology through the festival 'Space in the City.' This unique event aims to make the wonders of Earth observation accessible to the public, coinciding with the prestigious Living Planet Symposium organized by the European Space Agency (ESA).

The festival, supported by the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) and Urban Innovation Vienna GmbH (UIV), will feature an array of activities designed to demonstrate how satellite data can enhance urban living. Attendees can expect immersive experiences such as virtual-reality rocket launches, sound experiments, and hands-on satellite imagery displays.

The Minister for Space, Peter Hanke, expressed enthusiasm about the festival's mission, highlighting its role in bridging the gap between specialized knowledge in Earth observation and the general public. The festival will not only showcase technological advancements but also emphasize their practical applications in urban planning, climate research, and disaster management.

Over the course of three days, Karlsplatz will serve as a platform for discovery, with interactive stations and a diverse program that brings together science, art, and culture. Experts, including reserve astronaut Carmen Possnig and founders of SpaceTech startups, will share insights into the field of Earth observation. Additionally, live performances by the creators of the popular podcast 'Das Universum' will engage audiences with discussions on how satellite data can contribute to making cities more sustainable and climate-resilient.

Musical interpretations of satellite imagery will be brought to life by local composers like Rupert Huber, while a unique fashion show will illustrate how Earth images inspire textile design. A reprise of 'Waltz Into Space' will allow attendees to relive highlights from a concert performed by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra.

The festival will also cater to younger audiences, with the 'SpaceBuzz' initiative offering a virtual space mission experience designed for children aged 10 to 12. This engaging 360-degree experience promises to impart knowledge about our planet in a memorable way, with limited slots available for booking on the festival's opening days.

Visitors will have the chance to explore satellite data through interactive applications like 'Earth from Space' and the Green Transition Information Factory demonstrator. These tools will allow attendees to witness how satellite data is processed and used, providing insights into environmental changes and urban development.

An interactive installation will also reveal how satellites monitor urban sounds, translating data on temperature, vegetation, and soil moisture into auditory experiences designed by Rupert Huber in collaboration with Ars Electronica Solutions.

As part of the festival, an open-air exhibition titled 'The Earth in Focus' will feature large-scale images of Earth captured from space, showcasing both its beauty and vulnerability. These striking visuals aim to inspire reflection and appreciation for our planet.

'Space in the City' is organized in conjunction with the ESA's Living Planet Symposium, the largest international conference dedicated to Earth observation, which will run from June 23 to June 27 at the Austria Center. The symposium's theme, 'From Observation to Climate Action and Sustainability for Earth,' aligns perfectly with the festival's objectives, enhancing its educational and outreach efforts.

The festival is curated and organized by UIV, Vienna's climate and innovation agency, which operates the Vienna Geospace Hub, fostering collaboration between administration, academia, and industry to maximize the use of satellite data for sustainable urban development.

Details of the festival are available on its official website. Participation is free, and special programs for school groups can be arranged by contacting the organizing team.

Event Details:
Space in the City
June 24-26, 2025
Daily from 14:00 to 22:00
Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna