Belgian astronaut, Raphaël Liégeois, is calling on Belgium’s scientists to propose experiments he can take to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2026.
This challenge is issued by Belgium’s Federal Science Policy Office (Belspo) and the European Space Agency (ESA). They insist no proposal is too wild. Liégeois is set to journey to the ISS for six months in late 2026, making him only the third Belgian ever in space, and merely the second to travel to the ISS.
His mission will focus on scientific research, prompting this call to action for Belgian scientists and research institutions. Private sector suggestions are also welcome, given the substantial space industry presence in Belgium, due to the ESA headquarters’ location in Brussels.
"Belgium might be small on Earth, but as far as space is concerned, it’s big," says Maxime Dechamps, Belspo spokesperson. A broad range of subjects can be proposed, from quantum physics through to neuroscience, additional areas of interest include analysis of the behaviour of fluids and materials in space, biological experiments and Earth-observation projects.
"We’re allowing free reign for their imagination," Dechamps explains. Liégeois furthers the concept in a video message, stating no idea is too outrageous, as even the ISS itself was seen as an absurd idea initially. However, practicality is key, as any experiment and its respective equipment must fit in a shoe box.
Prospective scientists have until 14 September to submit their proposals, with several entries to be selected depending on the number of submissions. A panel of fellow scientists will then appraise each proposal.
Acceptance also opens the possibility for funding. Useful to note, Belgium’s own company, Space Applications, offers pre-prepared ‘boxes’ suitable for smaller experiments to be conducted on the ISS.
