Ars Electronica at ESA Conference in Vienna

(Linz/Vienna, June 24, 2025) The ceremonial opening at the Austria Center Vienna yesterday marked the official start of this year’s Living Planet Symposium – the European Space Agency’s largest Earth observation conference, taking place from June 23 to 27, 2025. Ars Electronica Solutions kicked off the event with a sound installation that transformed real satellite data into fascinating soundscapes. Ars Electronica will continue to play a key role throughout the conference, especially in the field of science communication for children and young people.

For the first time, the Living Planet Symposium is launching a comprehensive education program covering more than 2,600 square meters, aimed at up to 2,500 students. This new initiative is designed and implemented by ESA’s national partner ESERO Austria – based at the Ars Electronica Center – in collaboration with Ars Electronica Solutions. Both partners are also involved in the free “Space in the City” festival, taking place simultaneously at Vienna’s Karlsplatz.

Workshops with partners from space research

From June 23 to 25, Hall X4 at the Austria Center will be transformed into the “School Lab” – a space for learning and discovery aimed at students aged nine and up. The program includes workshops on Earth observation, guided tours of the exhibition area, and stage shows featuring space experts. Young researchers will work with satellite data, test air measurement devices for accuracy, analyze water samples, and program an autonomously driving robot that could even operate on Mars.

The School Lab was designed and implemented by ESERO Austria in collaboration with Ars Electronica Solutions. The workshop content is developed together with partners from the scientific community – including ESA, TU Vienna, IT:U, ESERO Germany, IIASA, the Heidelberg University of Education, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

In addition to the workshop program, Ars Electronica Solutions presents three installations that open up the world of space exploration to young visitors: under the title Dynamic Earth, an interactive world tour uses ESA satellite data to explore the planet. Another station introduces space-related careers – from engineering and aerospace medicine to mission planning. At the Earth Observation Table, forests, volcanoes, cities, and air quality can be explored with just a few clicks, videos, and zoom functions.

„It is a pleasure to welcome the Earth observation community to Austria, my home country, for this year’s Living Planet Symposium. This gathering exemplifies the spirit of international collaboration and scientific excellence that drives our understanding of Earth’s complex systems. As we confront pressing environmental challenges, the insights and innovations shared here will be pivotal in safeguarding our Earth for future generations. Together, we are not only observing our living planet but also actively shaping its sustainable future.“

Josef Aschbacher, Generaldirektor der ESA.

Start of the Side Program at Karlsplatz

Today, the free Space in the City festival opens at Karlsplatz (June 24 to 26, daily from 2:00 PM) as a public side event to the Living Planet Symposium 2025. Interactive stations focus on sustainability and explore how the analysis of satellite data can help make cities more livable.

ESERO Austria will be present on site, offering insights into the work at the intersection of education and space research. Ars Electronica Solutions will present three stations: visitors can experience the Mobile Globe with the Earth from Space application – a game controller-operated tool that visualizes phenomena related to climate change and global warming. Additionally, a ground projection displays satellite images of Vienna, inviting visitors to view the city from an unusual perspective. Those interested in experiencing scientific data from an artistic viewpoint can enjoy an impressive sound installation that transforms Earth observation into a sensory experience daily from 2:00 PM.

About the Living Planet Symposium

Held every three years in a European Space Agency (ESA) member state, the Living Planet Symposium is one of the world’s largest conferences in the field of Earth observation. It brings together researchers, policymakers and industry experts to discuss the latest developments in this area. In 2025, the symposium in Vienna carries the motto ‘From Observation to Climate Action and Sustainability for Earth’. Three days of the symposium feature workshops, lectures and guided tours for teachers and students.

About Ars Electronica Solutions

Ars Electronica Solutions designs and creates interactive, multisensory experience worlds. Since its founding in 2012, this division of Ars Electronica has been developing creative and customized concepts for exhibitions, brand environments, trade shows, and events. The focus is on tailor-made solutions developed in close collaboration with clients.

About ESERO Austria

On behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA), ESERO (European Space Education Resource Office) supports teachers in inspiring young people for STEM subjects through the fascination of space. ESERO Austria has been active at the Ars Electronica Center Linz since 2016, commissioned by ESA and FFG/BMIMI.