The “Space Lovers” mission continues between Martian simulations and virtual reality.
2026 has just begun and it is already the year of the Moon, with NASA warming up its engines for the Artemis II mission. But for those who want to savor the thrill of the launch without leaving the earth’s atmosphere, the appointment is in Milan. The initiative “Space Lovers” of the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology is in full swing and is preparing for two final weekends full of events.
The program for Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January, as well as for January 31st and February 1st, offers the most immersive experiences yet for aspiring astronauts of all ages.
Surviving on Mars and cooking in space
For the more adventurous (aged 11 and up), the heart of the event is Mars Base. This is not a simple visit, but a live role-playing game: participants will have to manage unexpected situations, take care of life support systems and ensure the survival of the crew on a mission to the Red Planet. It’s a test of ingenuity and team spirit to understand what it really means to live in an extraterrestrial colony.
But in space you also have to eat. On the weekend of 24 and 25 January, theiLAB Alimentazione opens the doors to “orbital gastronomy”. Here you can experience how the shapes, colors and consistencies of food change in zero gravity, trying to create imaginary space dishes.
Virtual trips and real observations
Technology allows us to go where man has not yet reached. Thanks to the viewers of virtual reality, on the Sundays of January 25th and February 1st, it is possible to embark on a tour of the Solar System that starts from Mercury and reaches the red hypergiant star VY Canis Majoris.
For those who prefer “live” astronomy, the 25 and 31 January (weather permitting) on Circolo Astrofili will provide safe telescopes for observing the Sun, searching for sunspots and revealing the mysteries of our star.
For the little ones and for makers
Space is for everyone. Children aged 3 to 6 years can explore “The Sky in the Room” in the area Playlab, playing with constellations and lights. For the older and more creative, the Tinkering Zone remains active every weekend to build light circuits with LEDs and copper tape, sending “Martian” light messages.
One eye on the Earth and one on the Moon
Participating in space weekends is also an opportunity to admire two unique pieces. The first is the fragment of lunar rock from Apollo 17, the only one exhibited in Italy, brought to Earth in 1972 by Eugene Cernan
. The second is an unprecedented perspective on our planet: the exhibition Fragility and Beautycreated with ESA and ASI, which through spectacular satellite images shows us climate changes, the melting of ice and the growth of megacities seen from orbit.
How to participate
The “Space Lovers” activities are included in the entrance ticket to the Museum, but booking is mandatory when purchasing online.
A special note for… teachers: for the entire month of January, by presenting a document certifying the profession, entry is free on weekends. An excellent opportunity to discover new tools for STEM teaching.
