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Full power we have started. Fresh ideas, bizarre lifehacks and space inventions from unexpected corners are worked out by different teams during NL MOONSHOTS '24. 250 student pioneers (wo, hbo & mbo) make new moonshots come to life! They dream big and push the boundaries of our world!
A journey of a lifetime, accompanied by andré kuipers and other astronauts!
In 2024 the netherlands will host - under the leadership of andré kuipers - 100 astronauts from around the world. Each one an inspiration who has seen our fragile planet from space. NL MOONSHOTS '24 challenges all Dutch students (mbo/hbo/wo) to think big. To think bigger than ever. 250 students took the plunge and started this unique opportunity of NL MOONSHOTS '24.
A Journey of a lifetime
With 100 student teams and 100 astronauts, we will be working on next-level Moonshots from January to October 2024. Expect a dose of inspiration, exclusive events, a community of like minded peers and your own astronaut coach.
Calling All Student Pioneers
With a banger, we kicked off February 9 at ESA/ESTEC! The ice has been broken and the creativity of the student teams can now flow freely. Dreams have inspired reality and new connections have been made, between each other and between the ideas of the student pioneers. Now it is up to the teams to develop the concepts further, and pitch their moonshot idea in front of astronauts, with guidance from their own astronaut team coach.
Learn more about the participants, their moonshots and immerse yourself in the bustling innovative atmosphere; watch the bustling aftermovie above!
Or would you like to know more? Have you always wondered what we're working on? What crazy ideas the student pioneers have? Or are you just as curious as we are? It's your lucky day! The 24hrs livestream of Moonshots TV the DEEPDIVE event 🚀 is live for YOU to soak up or relive your favorite moments!
Explore the cosmic side of your student life with five impactful missions. Choose, let your crazy ideas roar and think bigger than ever. No idea is too crazy; we challenge you to be bold and participate.
Explore the world: climate, nature, biodiversity. Here we welcome wild, crazy unfeasible, revolutionary ideas to save our planet. How about giant soap bubbles to control the climate? Or a plan to make the planet really green with space plants.
Delve into the world of human influence, challenges and the impact of space travel on human psychology and health. In this mission, we encourage you to experiment with ideas that rock humanity. Imagine if we could share dreams through space or even find new ways to become immortal. Your crazy ideas can shape the future of mankind here.
Experience the evolution from Homo sapiens to Homo technicus, where technology plays a crucial role in space exploration. Here you can explore the wildest technological dreams. Perhaps there is a way to upgrade humanity to cyborgs suitable for space travel, or you can think about building a space elevator to the moon. Let your imagination run wild!
Immerse yourself in the world of data, where satellites power everything from banking to emergency services, driving the future of artificial intelligence. Imagine being in control of all the data in the universe. How would you use it?
For the most extravagant ideas, we have this extraordinary theme. Here there is no limit to the craziness. Think time travel, communication with extraterrestrial life or creating a parallel universe. Anything is possible!
You undoubtedly have your own personal motivations.
What do we have to say about that? This is your unique opportunity to have an astronaut as your coach. An astronaut who has experienced Earth's fragility from space.
This program is an exclusive initiative of the Netherlands Space Office (NSO), on the occasion of the 35th ASE Planetary Congress in 2024, which will be held in the Netherlands.
Expect a heavy dose of inspiration, exclusive events, a community of like-minded peers and a personal astronaut team coach. Together we will work on your ideas and take your concept to the next level. You'll learn to conceptualize, pitch, and most importantly, get to know the space industry.
EN MOONSHOTS '24, the pioneering place for students, goes through four exciting phases.
We kick off in January with the inspiration phase, where we focus entirely on gathering inspiration.
Then we dive into the concept phase, where we further develop your idea with guidance from experts, peers and inspiring workshops.
The next step is the match & pitch phase, where we pair you with your own astronaut and prepare you for the big pitch.
After this phase, we reach the climax: the final pitch at the ASE Congress in October 2024. Here everything comes together for an impressive finale.
There are five missions to choose from. Read more about the missions above.
Anyone 17 years and older may participate in NL MOONSHOTS '24. If you are younger and really really want to participate (and are registered as a student), please contact us.
NL MOONSHOTS '24 is an exclusive project for students, initiated by the Netherlands Space Office (NSO) and funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW).
In 2024, André Kuipers will host the annual international astronaut conference - the 35th ASE Planetary Gathering. This year in the Netherlands.
André Kuipers, NSO and OCW, value the next generation, or next space generation. Inspiring this generation is a crucial aspect of Kuipers' work because space is everywhere, think of the Internet, your cell phone or GPS - we need space. Space is counting on the next generation.
André Kuipers and the NSO are convinced that this generation is capable of thinking big and making contributions to radical innovation.
NL MOONSHOTS '24 is organized by the Netherlands Space Office (NSO) in close cooperation with André Kuipers.
You can register between Oct. 1, 2023, and Jan. 8, 2024. Click here to go to the registration form.
We recommend a team of a minimum of 3 people and a maximum of 6. Humans can get immeasurably complicated projects done - such as manned space flight - if they are able to work together as a team.
Yes, you can. If necessary, we will work with you to find a team.
The only condition we have is that you are registered as a student at one of the more than 100 institutions for MBO, HBO and WO. In this we follow the membership lists of the MBO Council, the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences and the Universities of the Netherlands.
Yes, participation is open to all MBO, HBO and WO students in the Netherlands.
The only condition we have is that you are registered as a student at one of the more than 100 institutions for MBO, HBO and WO. In this we follow the membership lists of the MBO Council, the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences and the Universities of the Netherlands.
Absolutely! Instead, we encourage diverse perspectives. Think Bigger Than Ever! Maybe you can work with other students to develop a surprising idea.
You must be enrolled at a Dutch educational institution and be able to be present during important moments.
After you register, you will receive a confirmation email. In early 2024, you will receive confirmation by mail. Starting in January, you will have access to the online platform where you can make changes, including adding team members.
Yes, that is possible.
Yes, once you have access to the NL MOONSHOTS '24 platform, you can make changes to your idea.
Yes, this is possible. Creative processes are not subject to strict limits.
Vague ideas are welcome! It is precisely the "crazy ideas" that can lead to radical innovations. Together, we will elaborate on them to discover their potential.
We prefer to receive your registration as soon as possible.
The deadline for registration is set for January 8 at 11:59 p.m. (local time). Please make sure your entry is submitted before this date and time.
No registrations will be accepted after this deadline.
Absolutely! If you are already part of a team and have a crazy idea, we encourage you to bring it in.
Just make sure you have permission from your teammates and that the idea fits within the context of NL MOONSHOTS '24.
While signing up you can share some more details about the idea and who else is involved.
We look forward to a colorful mix of ideas and participation from teams with all kinds of backgrounds and experiences.
All the astronauts who will be assisting the teams are members of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE). You can see who they are on the ASE website. Which 100 Space Explorers will be present in NL is not yet known at the time of writing.
NL MOONSHOTS '24 is organized by the Netherlands Space Office (NSO) in close cooperation with André Kuipers.
That depends on your chosen mission and crazy moonshot.
At the end of the project, a world of possibilities opens up, where the sky is the limit. For example, you could have the chance to pitch your ideas at a prestigious conference in Milan, where your concept will be in the spotlight. In addition, there is a chance that your idea will attract the interest of companies that want to explore and invest in its potential with you. It is important to note that these opportunities are outside the current scope of the project and will unfold over time. It is a phase when the fruits of your effort and creativity can lead to exciting opportunities and collaborations that take the impact of your project to new heights. It is a time when doors open and your ideas have a chance to actually change the world.
The average time investment for participation in NL MOONSHOTS '24 is about 3 hours per month. At some times, such as during the larger events, it is slightly more.
However, it is difficult to estimate this exactly, as it depends on several factors such as your personal commitment, the dynamics within your team, the division of tasks and the complexity of your idea. Of course, you are free to spend extra time on your Moonshot if you wish. The flexibility in time commitment allows you to adjust your involvement to your own availability and the needs of your Moonshot.
No, participating in NL MOONSHOTS '24 costs nothing! No hassle with money here. We strive to make access to the program as accessible as possible.
Yes, you may participate in the project even if your studies end during its term. However, it is especially important that you are enrolled in your educational institution at the time of application. We welcome participation from students who graduate during the project.
The events will take place in multiple locations, with the first location, on Feb. 9, being Noordwijk.
We strive to spread events throughout the country as much as possible.
At different stages of the project, we call on experts to provide the participating teams with targeted and idea-dependent knowledge.
For interested parties we will organize a first information session on November 28, 2023 during the LDE Space Day in Delft. Be welcome!
Location: TU Delft Aula Conference Centre in Delft
Time: 16:00 to 17:00
Register at: https://www.aanmelder.nl/149187/subscribe
We invite you to support us in spreading our message to students in the Netherlands, partners or your target audience. If you need more information, please contact intendant Lucien Geelhoed at lgeelhoed@moonshots24.nl.
Absolutely, our online toolkit contains all the necessary information, images, logos, videos, and more that can be used for publications and to communicate NL MOONSHOTS '24. The online toolkit can be accessed through the link above or at moonshots24.nl/downloads
We want to give student editors the opportunity to have a personal interview with astronaut André Kuipers.
Are you open to this? And are you available on Tuesday, Oct. 17 in the afternoon in Leiden? Then let us know quickly via ndemonchy@moonshots24.nl. Then we will make the appointment for you with André.
The NL MOONSHOTS '24 project has enjoyed considerable media interest, ranging from national media to student magazines. A non-exhaustive overview:
22/11/23 (EN)
Discover Your Space
Moonshots '24 - A Journey of a lifetime
21/11/23 (EN)
EN Space Campus News
NL MOONSHOTS '24 offers information session at LDE Space Day
21/11/23 (NL)
Education Community
André Kuipers: 'Without mbo no space travel'
21/11/23 (NL)
Werf&
Andre Kuipers: 'Without mbo we won't set foot on the moon'
20/11/23 (EN)
Space (NVR member magazine)
Calling all student pioneers
18/11/23 (NL)
Guruz
André Kuipers has a call for ALL mbo students in the Netherlands!
15/11/23 (EN)
Leiden Science News
Shoot for the moon
08/11/23 (EN)
Discover your space
Moonshots
06/11/23 (NL)
PLNT News
Looking for moonshots
06/11/23 (EN)
KraketNews
Astronauts challenge Dutch students ahead of astronaut congress 2024
31/10/23 (NL)
Leiden Science News
André Kuipers speaks in Leiden about unique program NL MOONSHOTS '24
24/10/23 (EN)
VIAnews
Astronauts challenge Dutch students ahead of astronaut congress 2024
23/10/23 (NL)
MBO Today
André Kuipers: 'Without mbo there is no space travel'
21/10/23 (NL)
Folia
Astronaut André Kuipers on brilliant ideas and earthly vulnerabilities
20/10/23 (EN)
Folia
Astronaut André Kuipers on brilliant ideas and earthly vulnerabilities
20/10/23 (NL)
Sleutelstad
André Kuipers seeks brilliant ideas to change the world
19/10/23 (EN)
NL Space Campus Monthly Update
Astronaut André Kuipers Launches NL MOONSHOTS '24: A Unique Opportunity for Dutch Students
19/10/23 (EN)
EN Space Campus Monthly Update
NL MOONSHOTS '24 kickstarted during The Space Week
19/10/23 (EN)
EN Space Campus Monthly Update
The Association of Space Explorers is coming to the Netherlands!
18/10/23
Outraged!
Think Bigger Than Ever: NL MOONSHOTS '24
16/10/23 (NL)
Marketing Tribune
NL Moonshots' 24 chooses Furious Creative Agency
15/10/23 (EN)
Space Rocks
@ the ESA Open Day
14/10/23 (NL)
andrékuipers.com
NL Moonshots '24
13/10/23 (NL)
André Kuipers Foundation
NL Moonshots '24
13/10/23 (NL)
BlikOp Noordwijkerhout
André Kuipers presents unique project during NOV Soos
12/10/23 (NL)
Geo-Information Netherlands
Run-up to Astronaut Congress 2024: Astronauts challenge Dutch students
11/10/23 (NL)
Innovation Origins
The Space Week: enthusing as many people as possible through the concrete results of space exploration
11/10/23 (EN)
Innovation Origins
The Space Week: enthusing as many people as possible through the concrete results of space exploration
10/10/23 (NL)
NLSpace
Astronauts challenge Dutch students ahead of astronaut congress 2024
09/10/23 (NL)
National Education Guide
Astronaut André Kuipers offers students opportunity to change the world
08/10/23 (NL)
De Gooi en Eemlander
Students get help astronauts plan for better world
08/10/23 (NL)
European Space Agency
Astronauts challenge Dutch students mbo, hbo and university ahead of astronaut congress 2024
08/10/23 (NL)
Leidsch Dagblad
Students get help from astronauts in plans for better world, André Kuipers launches project NL MOONSHOTS '24 in Noordwijk
08/10/23 (NL)
Haarlems Dagblad
Students get help astronauts plan for better world
08/10/23 (NL)
De Telegraaf
Open day space center Estec attracts thousands of visitors: 'One day people will walk on Mars'
08/10/23 (NL)
RTL Boulevard
André Kuipers invites students to change the world
08/10/23 (NL)
IJmuider Courant
Students get help astronauts plan for better world
08/10/23 (NL)
Netherlands Space Office News
Astronauts challenge Dutch students ahead of astronaut congress 2024
08/10/23 (EN)
Netherlands Space Office News
Astronauts challenge Dutch students ahead of astronaut congress 2024
08/10/23 (NL)
Noordhollands Dagblad
Students get help astronauts plan for better world
08/10/23 (NL)
Innovation Origins
NL Moonshots: looking for 100 student teams to work with astronauts on space data applications
08/10/23 (NL)
Zeelandnet
Students get help astronauts plan for better world
08/10/23 (NL)
Astroblogs
Astronauts challenge Dutch students mbo, hbo and university ahead of astronaut congress 2024
08/10/23 (EN)
Innovation Origins
NL Moonshots: looking for 100 student teams to work with astronauts on space data applications
08/10/23 (NL)
News.nl
Students get help astronauts plan for better world
26/09/23 (NL)
Geo-Information Netherlands
Special event for every student
26/09/23 (NL)
Geo-Informatie Nederland
Astronaut André Kuipers meets students at Space Expo in Noordwijk
04/09/23 (EN)
ESA
Andre Kuipers will officially kickstart the NL MOONSHOTS '24 program at the ESA Open Day at ESTEC
04/09/23 (EN)
ESA
ESA Open Day at ESTEC 2023: Registration now open
We completely understand if you still have questions. We have included as much as possible in the FAQ, but not everything is included. Ask your question to Evelien, the other members of the team or our ambassadors. And follow us on social!
