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WACKEN OPEN AIR 2025 brings space down to earth!

Ready for takeoff at Wacken end of July. Wacken Open Air is launching into new realms by bringing together leading figures from the German space and astronomy communities and astronauts. 

In a unique collaboration, this year’s festival will feature a Space Camp, offering an exciting and informative program about space exploration. Partners include ArianeGroup, the German Astronomical Society (represented by the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, the Haus der Astronomie in Heidelberg, and the Institute of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Potsdam), the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), CRAF, the German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics (DGLR), Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE, HPS, HyImpulse, NEUROSPACE, OHB and POLARIS Spaceplanes. A true highlight of the festival will be the appearance of astronauts Alexander Gerst and Rabea Rogge.

Rockets, rovers, stars, and satellites – the Space Camp at Wacken Open Air will be packed with fascinating exhibits. Among the large-scale highlights: a replica of the European Ariane 6 launcher, a suborbital rocket from HyImpulse, a moon balloon by OHB, and a prototype of the MIRA 1 spaceplane by POLARIS Spaceplanes. But there’s even more to discover: the HiveR moon rover from NEUROSPACE, a model of Fraunhofer’s ERNST Earth observation satellite, and a mockup of the ADEO deorbit sail by HPS, designed to help reduce space debris. ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst and Germany’s first woman in space Rabea Rogge, will land at Wacken Open Air on July 30 and 
August 1.

W:O:A co-founder and organizer Thomas Jensen on the collaboration:
With the Space Camp, we’re creating a unique space where innovation can be experienced firsthand—and actively shaped by our audience. This collaboration with our incredible partners opens up new possibilities. We’re beyond excited for this shared mission—it’s going to be loud and legendary!”

Holger Hübner, W:O:A co-founder and organizer adds:
“The Space Camp collaboration is a milestone for everyone involved. It stands for innovation, inspiration and a true spirit of exploration that knows no boundaries—just like music. It’s incredible to be part of such an ambitious project and to set new standards together.”

From July 27 to August 2, 2025 there’s even more in store for metalheads with a curiosity for the cosmos. Inside the exhibition tent, visitors can explore a wide range of topics including astronomy, light pollutionand space technology. Featured exhibits come from BDLI, DGLR, Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE, HPS, the German Astronomical Society and OHB. Interactive stations invite metalheads to get hands-on: pilot a moon rover, try out interactive Earth observation games or launch water rockets—the latter developed by six student teams and the Department of Space Engineering at TU Berlin (supported by DGLR).

Inside the lecture tent, the Space Camp will host a top-tier lineup of engaging talks led by industry experts. Attendees can dive into fascinating topics like astronomy, satellite missions and current challenges such as sustainability in space. Highlights include sessions like “Heavy Metals in Space – How Gold Is Made” and “Saving the Night – Why Darkness Matters for Humans, Nature, and Astronomy.” For those inspired to take things further, the Space Camp also offers insights into career opportunities in the space industry. Daily program highlights include interactive Ask-the-Scientist and Ask-the-Industry sessions, plus a fun and brainy evening Space Pub Quiz.

About Wacken Open Air:

Wacken Open Air is the largest heavy metal festival in the world. Starting with 800 visitors in 1990, nowdays 85,000 fans from all over the world travel to Wacken every year, turning the small village in Schleswig-Holstein into the center of the festival scene for several days. The organizing WOA Festival GmbH is connected to a broad network including band management, the Wacken Foundation, tour booking, music publishing, Travel & Stay, merchandising distribution and ticketing. In cooperation with partners, this results in creative solutions and ideas that revolutionize the festival experience, enable technical innovations and produce extraordinary event concepts. Wacken Open Air 2024 will take place from July 30 to August 2, 2025.

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