ESERO: Mission X – Train like an astronaut

Mission X - Train Like an Astronaut is a free educational programme developed by NASA scientists, exercise experts working with astronauts and space agencies around the world. Mission X uses children's interest in space to inspire them to learn more about science, nutrition, exercise and space. The programme is designed for children and young people up to 14 years old, but the activities can be adapted for other ages too. The material can be used in schools, after-school programmes or as a family activity!

In the Mission X programme, you will be faced with physical exercises where you will practice strength, endurance, coordination, balance, spatial awareness and much more. The challenges you face could include crew strength training, completing a spacewalk, jumping to the Moon or climbing a mountain on Mars. The physical activities are inspired by the training that real astronauts undertake before travelling to space. You will also have the opportunity to perform scientific challenges, practising skills in biology, physics, chemistry, engineering and maths. In the activities, you will practice scientific reasoning, critical thinking, teamwork skills and much more.

Go to the Moon Challenge

In Mission X, you can join teams from all over the world to help mascots Luna and Leo get to the Moon. Register your team on the Mission X portal. Carry out the activities you think are suitable for you. Report the activities you have completed on the portal. Your reported activities will be converted into steps that will move Luna and Leo part of the 384 400 km distance from Earth to the Moon.

Timeline 2023/24

• 20 September 2023, the Mission X portal opens to register teams. The Go to the Moon Challenge opens and you can start reporting your activities for your team.
• 31 May 2024, The Go to the Moon Challenge ends and the portal closes for registration and reporting. You will be able to download participation certificates from the portal to the participants.

Read more about the missions and register here: Mission X - Train like an astronaut

Tom Tits Experiment is the national hub for Mission X - train like an astronaut. ESERO Sweden, an initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Swedish National Space Board, is the main administrator of the programme.