The National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, through its Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, will organize the 4th edition of SpaceFEST between May 7 - 9, in partnership with the Romanian Space Agency (ROSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA). This is the largest event dedicated to space exploration in Central and Eastern Europe.

According to the university, this year's edition brings a major first for Romania: the public will have the chance to meet Charles Duke, one of only 12 people to have walked on the Moon and the youngest astronaut ever to reach the lunar surface, as part of the Apollo 16 mission.

He will be joined by NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, who spent more than 100 days in space and is known both for her technical work and for creating the first watercolor painting made in space - proof that cosmic exploration goes beyond the boundaries of science and reaches the realm of human inspiration, Politehnica Bucharest said in the release.

'We want SpaceFEST 2026 to be more than a festival; we want this event to represent an experience that inspires, educates and opens new perspectives for young people. In a world where technology is evolving rapidly, it is essential to offer direct access to authentic role models, to people who have gone beyond known limits. The presence of Charles Duke has a very special significance; he is one of only 12 people who have walked on the Moon, the pilot of the Apollo 16 mission lunar module, and, to this day, the youngest astronaut to have reached the lunar surface. (...) We want to bring closer to the general public, to pupils and students, but also to all those passionate about science, the opportunity to interact directly with people who have made history. The presence of Nicole Stott completes this experience, offering the Romanian public the chance to discover not only extraordinary stories, but also the inspiration needed to dream further. We invite all those who are curious, passionate and eager to explore the unknown to join us at SpaceFEST 2026, an event that brings the universe closer to us and transforms Bucharest into a meeting point of innovation and exploration,' said Rector of the Politehnica Bucharest National University of Science and Technology Mihnea Costoiu.

For three days, the university campus will become a hub of innovation, hosting specialists, researchers, students and the general public in discussions about the future of space exploration.

The program includes aerospace technology exhibitions, flight simulators, interactive experiences, robotics and rocket-launch demonstrations, educational activities for children and young people, and VR/AR experiences dedicated to space.

A key moment of this edition will be the European SpaceFEST Summit, a dialogue platform for the aerospace industry in Romania and Europe, focusing on research, innovation and regulatory developments. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Roberto Stan; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)