Europa-Park and ESA Sign Memorandum of Understanding – Partnership to Bring Space Exploration to Life

On June 8, Europa-Park in Rust and the European Space Agency (ESA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. With this step they officially seal their cooperation. Both partners stand for the European idea of cross-border collaboration and innovation. The agreement is meant to connect scientific progress with emotional experiences and, above all, to inspire children and families about European spaceflight.

For more than 50 years Europa-Park has been a place where Europe becomes emotionally tangible and where people from different nations, cultures and generations come together. ESA, Europe’s gateway to space, has been advancing European space capabilities since 1975 through programs in space research, satellite technology, Earth observation and human spaceflight. Together the partners want to convey enthusiasm for science and technology in an inspiring and accessible way – through educational programs, events and new experience formats. The planned space-themed area at the park will also benefit from the partnership.

Europa-Park owner Roland Mack said at the signing: “Both ESA and Europa-Park stand for the European idea, cross-border cooperation, innovation, quality and the conviction that great ideas always emerge when people work together on a vision. For decades ESA has impressively shown how successful Europe can be when countries pool their expertise and act together. Europa-Park lives this idea every single day. For us, Europe is not just a theme – Europe is part of our identity.”

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher added: “Europe’s strength lies in turning visions into reality together. The European Space Agency ESA stands for this in a special way – it connects technology, cooperation and inspiration across borders. Europa-Park embodies this claim in its own way: as a place where ideas come to life and people come together. What unites us is the conviction that great visions only unfold their full power when they reach and touch people. Together we are creating a space where spaceflight does not remain distant and abstract, but becomes tangible – an expression of what Europe can and wants to achieve together. This creates a place that not only imparts knowledge but opens up perspectives: for young generations, for families, for everyone who wants to help shape the future rather than just observe it. A place where looking into space is at the same time a look at Europe’s possibilities and at what we can still achieve together.”

Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Spaceflight Dorothee Bär, who attended the signing, highlighted the potential for society: “Spaceflight fascinates us humans and at the same time has enormous potential for our economy and our society. The partnership between the European Space Agency ESA and Europa-Park will make this clear to society as a whole, young and old, in a playful way. The combination of education and entertainment, science and thrill is a clear win-win situation. This way we can spark enthusiasm for spaceflight and STEM subjects in our children. Germany urgently needs excellent spaceflight experts for tomorrow.”

An excerpt from the Memorandum of Understanding summarizes the shared ambition: “With this declaration, Europa-Park and the European Space Agency (ESA) intend to strengthen their cooperation in the areas of education, knowledge communication and experience design. The goal is to convey the fascination of spaceflight, connect education and entertainment, and offer visitors of all ages an inspiring and unique experience with added value. Together we also want to strengthen the European idea.”

Successful points of contact between Europa-Park and ESA already existed in the past, including at the Science Days and ESA Open Days. The new agreement now provides the framework to further strengthen the connection between European cutting-edge research and emotional experiences. It represents a shared commitment to Europe, enthusiasm for science and technology, and the promotion of curiosity and the spirit of discovery.