The European Space Agency (ESA), as part of its ESA Kids program, is organising the ‘Paxi’s Cosmic Art Competition’. This competition aims to showcase young people’s artwork on the theme of space. Entries can take various forms (drawings, paintings, models, etc.) to give free rein to the imagination and creativity of young artists. To celebrate French astronaut Sophie Adenot’s first spacewalk, the ESA has chosen ‘A Day in Space’ as the theme for August.
Extra-vehicular activities
Being an astronaut is not just about floating in space and conducting experiments in microgravity. Astronauts must also ensure that the space station remains safe, in good condition, and ready for action. To do this, they need to regularly check key components both inside and outside the station. For external components, such as solar panels, robotic arms can carry out certain repairs. However, when the task proves too complex, the astronauts must venture out into space to perform repairs during a spacewalk.
On 18 August 2026, the French astronaut Sophie Adenot carried out her first spacewalk (the first ever for a French female astronaut). The mission aimed to replace a communications antenna. However, spacewalks are limited in time, and Sophie and Anil Menon, an American astronaut, did not have time to complete the installation of the new antenna. To complete this mission, Sophie will therefore undertake three spacewalks between 18 August and 1 September.
However, spacewalks are only a tiny part of Sophie’s busy daily life in orbit! She has orbited the Earth thousands of times, carried out hundreds of hours of scientific research, and taken thousands of photos from space. She exercises for two hours every day, carries out all sorts of daily tasks to ensure the space station runs smoothly, and much more besides!
What about you? What would your ‘day in space’ be like? Send us your wildest dreams in zero gravity! ESA will select the winners of the competition, whose entries will be exhibited in the ‘Paxi Space Gallery’ and who will receive a special prize!
How can I take part?
To take part in the September 2026 competition, your entries must be sent to ESA by 30 September 2026. You can submit them directly via the competition page by clicking on this link, or you can send them by post to the following address: ESA Education, ESTEC, Keplerlaan 1, PO Box 299 NL-2200 AG Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
Participants must be under 12 years of age. Please also note that entries sent by post will not be returned and that you will not receive an acknowledgement of receipt. The young people selected will be contacted by the ESA.
Good luck to you all! We can’t wait to see your creations!
