Astronauts from all over the world gather in Noordwijk
Noordwijk and space travel are inextricably linked. With ESA ESTEC as the largest employer, a growing NL Space Campus and the Space Expo museum, space travel is deeply rooted among the people of Noordwijk. It is therefore not surprising that the international astronaut congress – the XXXV Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers – largely takes place in Noordwijk.
What does this mean for the municipality? And what will happen at the Walk of Space? We spoke to mayor Verkleij about it.
What does it mean for Noordwijk that astronauts from all over the world come together here for this international congress?
Noordwijk is proud! Of course we are known as a seaside resort that attracts many (business) tourists. We are also proud of our world-famous bulb fields. But in addition, our municipality plays an important role in the space sector.
ESA ESTEC has been located in Noordwijk for more than 60 years. ESTEC is the technological heart of ESA, the European Space Agency. Thanks to ESTEC, more than 3,000 international employees live and work in our region. In the municipality of Noordwijk, ESTEC is even the largest employer. We also have Space Expo, the space museum of the Netherlands. For more than 30 years, this museum has offered many visitors a glimpse into the world of space travel. We are also proud of the NL Space Campus, the business park where the Galileo Reference Center and SBIC can be found, among other things. In the coming years, we hope to welcome many new space-related companies to this new campus.
In short, this special conference underlines our bond with space travel!
A festive part of the conference is the Walk of Space. What will happen here?
Since 2013, work has been underway on a Walk of Space on the Koningin Wilhelmina Boulevard in Noordwijk. The first tile was the one with the imprint of Wubbo Ockels’ astronaut boot. There are now 15 tiles with hand and footprints of famous astronauts. In Noordwijk, you can literally follow in the footsteps of your favorite astronaut. This year, no fewer than 3 new tiles will be laid in the presence of many international astronauts. Everyone is welcome on October 2 at 17.45 uur to attend this festive event.
What is your personal connection to space travel and how do you hope that the astronauts and other visitors will look back on this special week?
What I find special is that space travel plays a prominent role in today’s challenges. I am thinking of earth observation. We need this in these times of climate change and sustainability. I hope that the astronauts and visitors will be able to look back on a special and fruitful conference in our beautiful municipality, where we have not only a lot of attention for space travel, but also a lot of literal space. Hopefully, in addition to the program, everyone will also enjoy everything that Noordwijk has to offer. The beach, the sea, the dunes, forests, hotels, restaurants and our beautiful shopping streets. I wish everyone a great conference!