Have you ever imagined creating an experiment that runs in space? With Astro Pi, this exciting challenge lets young people, up to 19 years old, write computer programs for Raspberry Pi computers called Astro Pis, located on the International Space Station (ISS).
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Raspberry Pi Foundation invite young people to take part in the Astro Pi Challenge 2025-2026. It is a unique opportunity to send your computer program into space and connect STEM learning with real-world applications.
Mission Zero is ideal for beginners. Teams write a simple Python program that uses the Astro Pi colour sensor to display a pixel art image for astronauts on the ISS. This activity can be completed in about an hour using a web browser and any computer with internet access. No coding experience or special equipment is needed, and all programs that meet the guidelines will run in space. Participants receive certificates that include the exact time their program ran and the ISS’s position during the event.
Mission Space Lab provides a more advanced challenge. Teams write programs to measure the ISS’s speed, using Astro Pi sensors and cameras to collect data. This hands-on experience introduces young people to space science and encourages creativity and problem-solving.
Sign up for the Astro Pi Challenge at astro-pi.org and start exploring space through STEM education. Subscribe to the newsletter for updates and reach out with any questions at enquiries@astro-pi.org. Bring the excitement of space exploration to your students and spark their interest in STEM.
Join the Moon Camp Challenge and design a project related to space exploration. Create anything from a scientific experiment or astronaut base design to a 3D printing model or virtual reality world. Choose a topic and format that suits your team and let your creativity shine.
Learn how astronauts stay healthy in space and on Earth with Mission X. Through fun physical exercises and science investigations, students develop key skills while helping mascots Luna and Leo on their virtual journey to the Moon. Find out more and register
Are your students curious about our planet and how to protect it? Climate Detectives, a European Space Agency (ESA) project, invites students to investigate local environmental issues using tools like satellite images, climate data, or their own measurements. Through this process, students propose ways to monitor, reduce, or raise awareness of the problem, whilst also building valuable scientific and problem-solving skills.
