Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30739: Astronaut Parmitano’s Classroom from Space

ESA’s Education Payload Operations – Parmitano was a compelling outreach initiative conducted during Expeditions 35/36, designed to bring the wonder of space into classrooms across Europe. With astronaut Luca Parmitano as the face of the project, the program aimed to foster STEM interest among students through real-time, space-based educational experiences.

Led by Nigel Savage at ESA, the project centered on demonstrations by Parmitano aboard the ISS, focusing on physics and chemistry in microgravity. Students watched as he performed experiments involving the behavior of liquids, combustion, and object motion—all highlighting how space changes the rules we’re used to on Earth.

For example, a simple water droplet in space becomes a floating sphere, and flames take on round shapes instead of flickering upwards. These visually compelling differences sparked curiosity and made scientific principles tangible and memorable.

To enhance learning, teachers received structured materials and guides that allowed them to replicate parts of the experiments in class. The blend of video content, classroom discussion, and hands-on activity helped bridge the vast distance between space and school.

The initiative had an inspirational impact, showing students that science is not confined to textbooks. With Parmitano’s charismatic presence, the project also humanized the figure of the astronaut, making it relatable and attainable for young learners.

This program was part of ESA’s broader mission to use space as a catalyst for education. It helped nurture not just knowledge, but also imagination and ambition in students all over Europe.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.