On February 14 and 15, 2026, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie will honor the historic departure of French astronaut Sophie Adenot. Immediately following her launch to the International Space Station, the museum will host a weekend of immersive activities, featuring flight simulators, virtual reality experiences, and engaging workshops designed to uncover the mysteries of space exploration—all perfect for visiting families.
To celebrate French astronaut
Sophie Adenot’s upcoming space mission, the
Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is hosting a
weekend dedicated to aerospace. The event will take place on
Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15, 2026, right after her launch, which will be broadcast live and freely accessible from the same museum. Expect to spend
between 12 and 15 euros for a fun-filled experience featuring numerous activities, screenings, face-to-face discussions, and immersive exhibits.
A great way for
families to
discover the scientific and technological challenges of space exploration!
Weekend Highlights
- Relive the εpsilon mission launch: Replay footage of Sophie Adenot's historic lift-off.
- From 3 PM to 5 PM – Journey into the Astro-Lab: Choose your own adventure: explore extreme cold, the vacuum of space, or constellation maps; craft your personal sky chart; or go meteorite hunting. You’re the captain here!
- 2 PM – Mission Bellona: A team of astronauts is being sent beyond the limits of human exploration. They need your help! Join the astronaut training program and embark on a mission. Can you overcome all the challenges along the way? Your goal: set foot on Mars.
- SIMU 2000 Virtual Reality Experience: Sit in a real fighter jet seat, don a VR headset, and immerse yourself in a Mirage 2000 combat mission. You can watch (or participate in) aerial dogfights, mid-air refueling exercises, patrol flights, or ultra-low-altitude flying!
- Virtual Reality Space Module: Curious about the Air and Space Force? Discover it through this immersive experience! Equipped with VR headsets, step into the stars and learn about the importance of space command.
- VR Planetarium & Interkosmos Exhibition: Dive into a 360° virtual universe! Explore constellations and uncover the stories behind the Interkosmos space missions (1978–1988), including France’s first missions with Jean-Loup Chretien, the first French astronaut in space.
- Fun with Space: Understanding the Cosmos: Models, interactive experiments, and demonstrations to learn what space is, how it’s explored, and why it matters—featuring a spotlight on the εpsilon mission.
- Explore the Solar System: A hands-on workshop to discover planets, unravel their mysteries, and understand the vast distances that separate us from them.
- Meet the Experts: Panel discussions and Q&A sessions throughout the weekend with space specialists.
