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 February 2026 edition, the ESA has chosen ‘Science in Space’ as its theme.
The ISS: a laboratory in space
On 13 February 2026, the International Space Station (ISS) will welcome a new French astronaut, Sophie Adenot. During her nearly eight-month mission, Sophie will do more than just observe Earth while floating around the station. The role of astronauts is to maintain the station but, above all, to carry out many scientific experiments in microgravity. These experiments aim to better understand how the human body, plants, and liquids function.
Among the 200 experiments she will take part in, Sophie Adenot will conduct experiments to perform ultrasound scans using augmented reality. She will also test a new European space suit and a new compact training machine that can be used to perform around a hundred different exercises.
As an astronaut of tomorrow, what would you like to study in space? Would you study the strange gravity of space, jumping high and watching objects float? Would you search for the perfect space food to feed astronauts? Or would you contemplate our beautiful Earth from space to better understand its climate? It’s up to you to imagine the future experiments that will be carried out aboard the International Space Station.
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!
