Bringing Space “down to Earth” – the use of Space technologies and Earth Observation data for new purposes and applications for everyday life on Earth – is the priority of the Space sector. Whether via consultations, debates, or contributions to citizen science, data validation with in situ observations or hackathons, citizen engagement is increasingly sought after. What role can the science centres and museums play in these developments and how can we take advantage of the opportunities opened up to engage audiences with Space and topical issues such as innovation, smart cities and sustainable development challenges?

This session will explore the topic with initial contributions from three panellists and small group discussions moderated by the panellists and members of the Ecsite Space Group community on several different approaches/formats of citizen engagement.

This session is organised by the European Space Agency – ESA – and the Ecsite Space Group, the Ecsite thematic group that aims to improve and extend communication about space science by helping science centres, space professionals and non-specialists to develop collaborative projects and events. The session is open to all - please join!

Speakers not listed on the right side of the page: 

• Paolo Corradi, System Engineer, European Space Agency, Noordwijk, The Netherlands - He initiated in ESA and is currently overseeing the research activity on remote sensing of plastic marine litter, with a focus on investigating the feasibility of direct optical measurement of seaborne plastic waste from satellites. Paolo is also overseeing the hunt for new ideas to monitor plastic litter; space enthusiasts are encouraged to submit innovative ideas via OSIP, ESA's Open Space Innovation Platform.