The European Space Agency (ESA), through its ESA Kids programme, is running the Space Gallery Competition. This competition aims to showcase young people’s work on the theme of space. Entries can be in a variety of formats (drawings, paintings, models, etc.) to give young artists free rein for their imagination and creativity. Each month, a new theme is selected by the ESA. For the March 2026 edition, the ESA has chosen «Exploring Earth» as its theme.
Observing Earth with satellites
At the start of 2026, more than 15,000 satellites were orbiting the Earth. They are located at altitudes ranging from a few hundred kilometers to over 35,000 km. The data obtained by these satellites has a variety of applications: meteorology, climate study, observation of the universe, space laboratories, etc.
Since 2014, ESA has launched its COPERNICUS Earth observation program. With around ten satellites in operation, this program aims to observe and study the Earth and its climate. The various satellites enable the study of changes in biomass, oceans, and aerosols.
In March, ESA will also launch a new constellation of eleven satellites called Celeste. These satellites will aim to optimize the provision of positioning, navigation, and timing systems and enable the development of new services.
A lake, a mountain, a city, or even the ocean—what does Earth look like from a satellite? Whether it’s an incredible place you’ve already visited, a fascinating site you’ve heard about, or a place that’s never been explored before, take us on a tour of your favorite places from space!
The ESA will select the winners of the competition, whose works will be exhibited in the “Paxi Space Gallery” and who will receive a special prize!
How can I take part?
To participate in the February 2026 competition, your creations must be sent to ESA before 28 February 2026. You can submit them directly on the competition page by clicking on this link, or you can send them by post to: ESA Education, ESTEC, Keplerlaan 1, PO Box 299 NL-2200 AG Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
Participants must be under 18 years of age. Please note that entries sent by post will not be returned, and you will not receive confirmation of receipt. Selected participants will be contacted by ESA.
Good luck to everyone! We look forward to seeing your creations!
Congratulations to our French pixel artists!
The pixelated banner created by our French CP/CE1 team was selected by ESA as one of the winners of the “Pixel Art Mission” challenge. Paxi, ESA’s mascot, even congratulated them personally: “Wow! I can’t wait to hang it up in my spaceship!”
