| Events - Conferences |
Leipzig, 11.09.2026, Ralf Heckel
This week was all about space travel. It began on Monday, September 7, 2026 at Delphi-Lux Filmpalast with a Bertelsmann Stiftung panel on the topic of „Space-Politics 2.0“. The moderator was the Director of Transatlantic Relations at the Bertlesmann Foundation North America, Mr. Anthony Silberfeld. On the panel: Cosma Heckel (19, ISEI, aspiring astronaut), NASA astronaut Heidemarie Stephanyshyn-Piper and ESA astronaut Dr. Gerhard Thiele. After a film, a 90-minute discussion began at 5 p.m. in front of about 60 visitors. Our member and long-time Moonbuggy designer and pilot was able to assert herself in English with astuteness and verbosity. More at video.
On Friday, September 11, 2026, the same NASA astronaut became the first US astronaut ever to visit the trade fair city of Leipzig. She has now had an eventful week through the Lang and visited Berlin, Speyer, Kaiserslautern and Hohenkammer Castle.
After a short flyby at the birthplace of the Leipzig-born NASA scientist Prof. Dr. Jesco von Puttkamer in Salomonstraße, she reached the campus of the same name shortly before 2 p.m. The children cheerfully welcomed the 63-year-old surprised astronaut with a self-painted "Welcome to MARS" banner and shook her hands enthusiastically. Parents, members, employees of the U.S. Embassy Berlin and the U.S. Consulate General in Leipzig as well as the media watched delightedly.
Then it went to the Seminar room of the Space Hotels for a warm-up. The founder and chairman of the International Space Education Institute (ISEI), Ralf Heckel, spoke a few words about the now 21-year history of international bridge building for young people through the world. The astronaut in the middle then answered the curious questions of the 15 children aged 6-12 years. It was about training, weightlessness and food. There was a piece of astronaut ice cream for everyone to try. "Heidi" even answered some questions in German and Ukrainian. She has the same roots through her parents.
At 2:46 p.m. a minute of silence was observed for the victims of 9/11/2001 in New York. This is the 25th anniversary. A few words about this from the head of the institute and the astronaut affected parents and children. Some have similar experiences with war and displacement in Ukraine and Eritrea. There should be some tears.
To loosen things up, there was a surprise. 20 years ago, the students of our institute already met Heidi, at that time in the middle of training for her first mission STS-115. 2 photos from the NBL in Houston (water tank for training) were presented to the surprised astronaut, who promptly said: „Ja das bin ich!“ She didn't notice anything at the time because our group of students was standing behind a pane of glass. Today, this Leipzig generation has become pilots, scientists and physicists and they work between Canada and New Zealand.
Around 3:20 p.m. we went outside. Heidemarie is the first female solar installer in space, docked with the ISS exactly 20 years ago today and installed the 2nd large solar system with the trusses P3 and P4 there with her colleagues. 2 years ago, our ISS campus built a functional monument on the south façade, a similar-looking solar system. This reaches 17 meters high and is still 4 times smaller than just one of 4 double modules on the ISS. Heidi did not miss the opportunity to sign one of the lower solar modules.
On campus, the students then presented their work from the 2026 summer camp. They invited people to ride the Moonbuggys of our 20-year history of the NASA Rover Challenge. 12-year-old Jesco offered an excursion with the Cyberbug
(a small electric Cybertruck) he designed and built. He designed 60 parts for this on the Solid Works engineering program and printed them hundreds of times. The vehicle was assembled in the team in 2 years of painstaking work. The astronaut and also the US envoys were amazed by the excellent talent of the now 10-12-year-old.
This was followed by a fotosession with each visitor and the astronaut next to the largest horizontal sundial in Europe, whose hand is a rocket. These pictures were then developed immediately and could be personally signed by Heidi before departure.
At 4:20 p.m., after a short tour of the Polytechnic and the workshops, the astronaut's long-awaited astronaut´s long-awaited lecture der Astronautin in the newla furnished Hall 4. An aluminum truss was set up. This now hovers above the heads of the approximately 50 spectators and carries solar modules, lamps and a projector. A space shuttle floats in from above with the cargo bay open. This is the original backdrop from the WDR studio in Cologne in the 1980s, under which the space journalist Günther Siefarth already moderated. The presentation was projected at the front of the white wall, lined with 2 man-high, detailed models of the new Artemis and Starship moon rockets including their launch towers on a scale of 1:96.
Heidi started her lecture under this impression of her homeland and talked about her school, training as a combat diver in the Navy, training as an astronaut and her missions. The space shuttle took off impressively with loudspeaker thunder on the screen. For 30 minutes, the audience was captivated by the successes and small mishaps such as the tool bag flying away during the assembly of the solar modules. But this is exactly where it became clear that the ability to improvise is important. Mission accomplished.
At 4:55 p.m. Edward Cox (Acting Public Engagement Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin) started his speech. His impressive words reflects the 20-year efforts of the ISEI in the context of international goals and can be viewed here.
At 5 p.m., the official award-ceremony. The students of the 2026 summer camp and the 1st International Rover Challenge will be personally honored by the astronaut. The winners are:
Place 1 „Range-Test“ Cyberbug Pilot Jesco Heckel 12 and Team Micronauts
Place 1 „Range-Test“ Moonbuggy Pilotin Cosma Heckel (19) with Ela (18)
Place 1 „Speed-Test“ Moonbuggy Pilot Leonardo Unverricht (12)
Place 2 „Speed-Test“ Moonbuggy Pilot Michael Schneidereit (10)
Place 1 „Obstacle-Test“ Moonbuggy Jesco Heckel and Leonardo Unverricht
The Team Bellatrix from Istanbul could not be present, but we would like to send them all our warmest greetings.
There was also a surprise for the astronaut Heidi. For today's 20th anniversary of the docking manoeuvre with the ISS, the student Cosma (12) and member and 3D printing instructor Kathrin Studt (47) have come up with something special. The 12-year-old Jesco presented her with a self-developed 3D model of the STS-115 mission logo, which was elaborately produced in multi-color printing (only the printing alone took 24 hours). The young engineer Jesco visibly enjoyed the surprised astronaut and was very proud. This moment was also very special for the deaf Kathrin Studt (a gifted model maker, CNC machine operator and volunteer instructor with us).
At 5:10 p.m. we finally signed autographs again at the Space Hotel. The US Embassy had already prepared a pile. Everyone was hot for it. In addition, there were the photos of the campus that had just been photographed and signed. Some members also had books and first-day letters with them.
Around 5 p.m. it was time to say Goodbye.
There was a bouquet of flowers and heartfelt handshakes. The students didn't want to let them go. Then the ICE was waiting. In the Tesla we went to the main train station. Heidi said "That was an extraordinary meeting" and remarked in amazement: "I also drive a Tesla" before she disappeared into the hustle and bustle of the largest terminal station in Europe. Tomorrow she flies back home, to Minnesota.
After Sigmund Jähn (Intercosmos) and Nikolai Budarin (Roscosmos), this was the third person from space in the trade fair city of Leipzig and the first US astronaut from NASA. We are glad that Heidi was able to impress our stronger teammates, the girls, with her appearance.
5 NASA engineers come from Leipzig who were instrumental in the moon landing, the Apollo-Soyuz test project, the construction of the space shuttles and the construction of the ISS. Today, the latest generation showed that they are following in these footsteps and have exceptional competencies in aerospace engineering.
VMany thanks to the support for this extraordinary day by the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, the U.S. Consulate General in Leipzig and its Youth Council, as well as all members who were involved in this day. Thanks also go to the media of Leipzig, who reflected this event with dignity despite many contrasting events of this day. Today there were friends, just as we have known the USA as a friend and partner for many years.
photogallery on Flickr
Videos on Youtube
|
Saturday, 05 September 2026 11:28 | Written by Ralf Heckel |
There are no translations available. im International Space Education Institute in Leipzig
Die Schüler des ISEI zeichnen sie für den an diesem Tag stattfindenden 20. Jahrestages Ihres ersten Dockingmanövers an die ISS aus und umgekehrt zeichnet sie die jungen Tüftler und Gewinner der International Roverchallenge 2026 aus. Aus Leipzig stammen 5 NASA-Wissenschaftler, darunter der Direktor der ISS. Seit 20 Jahren werden in Leipzig wieder junge Raumfahrtwissenschaftler ausgebildet und besetzen bereits Spitzenposten rund um den Globus. Am Montag, dem 7.9.26 sitzt die vom ISEI ausgebildete Cosma Heckel (19, aspiring Astronaut, Moonbuggy-Pilotin, Leipziger Jugendparlamentsmitglied, Mitglied des Youth Council der US-Generalkonsulates) dazu in der Paneldiskussion „Politik und Weltraum“ in Berlin zusammen mit der NASA-Astronautin und ESA-Astronaut Dr. Gerhard Thiele. Jede Schülerin und jeder Schüler mit Interesse an Raumfahrt und Naturwissenschaft ist eingeladen mit in Leipzig dabei zu sein, der Astronautin Fragen zu stellen und Neugier für solche internationalen Wettbewerbe aus Leipzig mitzubringen. Eine Anmeldung ist erforderlich. Die Konferenzsprache ist Englisch. Das International Space Education Institute ist als Verein in Leipzig firmiert und betreibt Bildungskontakte in bis zu 30 Länder. Interessierte SchülerInnen ab 10 Jahren werden in Leipzig an den Wochenenden und in den Ferien für internationale Wettbewerbe fit gemacht und dann über das Abitur, die Ausbildung, das Studium bis in den Beruf begleitet. Prof. Dr. Jesco von Puttkamer (1933-2012) war gebürtiger Leipziger, 50 Jahre im Dienst der NASA, distinguished German-American und arbeitete von Apollo bis zur ISS an der strategischen Umsetzung bemannter Missionen. Er war Gründungsvater des ISEI und zu diesem Anlass vor genau 21 Jahren in Leipzig. Heidemarie Martha „Heide“ Stefanyshyn-Piper (* 7. Februar 1963, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA) ist eine ehemalige US-amerikanische Astronautin und Marineoffizierin der United States Navy (Captain). Sie hat deutsch-ukrainische Wurzeln und ist Marine- und Bergungstaucherin. STS-115 Raumfähre Atlantis STS-126 Raumfähre Edeavour Ehrengäste: Gastgeber:
Programm 13:30 Uhr 14:00–14:15 14:15–14:45 14:46 Uhr 14:50–15:05 15:05–15:25 15:30-15:50 16:00–16:05 16:05–17:00 17:00 - 17:10 17:10–17:30 17:30 Uhr 18:00 Uhr Mitglieds- und Besucherwünsche an: +49-172-7949375 (Whatsapp) > Es gibt kostenlos offizielle Autogrammkarten der US-Botschaft für nichtkommerzielle Zwecke. Bitte keine eigenen Autogrammkarten mitbringen! Spenden für die Förderung der Projekte junger Naturwissenschaftler sind ausdrücklich erwünscht. Spendenkonto: Übernachtungswünsche bitte an das Space Hotel: www.space-hotel.de Veranstalter:
Wednesday, 05 August 2026 21:59 | Written by Ralf Heckel |
There are no translations available.
Participants TU-Istanbul: Program: Maintasks: Sponsoren: Dreherei Günter Jacob, Doerffer Sandstrahltechnik GmbH, Kindernachtrennen, MÄDLER, igus, Bosch Carservice Scheil, Sattlerei Kübler Veranstalter:
Wednesday, 23 July 2025 23:43 | Written by Ralf Heckel |
For girls and boys, ages 10-16 The International Space Education Institute (ISEI) was founded in October 2005, after a five-year preparatory phase, by the now married couple Yvonne and Ralf Heckel and friends, on the recommendation of German-American NASA scientist Prof. Dr. Jesco von Puttkamer in his hometown of Leipzig. From the very beginning, international goals and the building of bridges between international youth were pursued parallel to the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) and the establishment of private space travel. Today, the association enjoys a unique international reputation, based on many pioneering achievements for young people. Former students now reach the top of their professions, often leading to their dream careers and beyond. Space scientists, engineers, managers, entrepreneurs, teachers, and even a prospective astronaut are now members of the Almunias. They all enrich our society and the planet with their positive ways of thinking and acting. We will compile these 20 years into several books, including over 3,000 testimonies from students who were handed a silver platter during the ISS construction phase, far beyond the lines of international space travel. This also includes those who broke with patriarchal traditions in their countries and shaped the future as part of a multinational team. Above all, we will showcase the people behind them, who, then as now, accomplished what seemed impossible with courage and perseverance. Over 400,000 photos and numerous previously unpublished videos will show the future how every person can achieve an ambitious goal and thereby make the world a better place. "You have made an amazing and positive contribution towards the creation of a truly international space community. The governments of the USA and USSR utilized global space enthusiasm for space exploration only as a component of their strategic international outreach plans. You’re great works are motivated by your personal desire to uplift and educate young people and their families by introducing them the to very valuable experiences that they might not ever have had without your presence in this world." Jim McCade, University of Alabama Birmingham Our anniversary program monday, 4.8.2025 + 7 days Workshop 10:00 a.m. Arrival of the invited teams for the challenge
friday, 8.8.2025 4:00 PM Arrival for guests, former team members, supporting members, and VIPs
saturday, 9.8.2025 9:00 a.m. Breakfast in the Rocket Garden 1:00 p.m. Lunch 7:00 p.m. Barbecue and individual discussions
sunday, 10.8.2025 10:00 a.m. Start of Minibuggy construction for visiting children, crafting area 1:00 p.m. Start of Team 1 "Ganymed" Jesco / Lea HOLL GmbH 3:10 p.m. final race (4:00 p.m. at the latest)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International Rover Challenge India Cup (Part 5)
Advertising poster for the JvP Cup in India, October 2017, graphic design by Navdeep Singh In collaboration with TecMantra Labs, World Space Council, ISRO, NNE Duration: Locations: Program: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40th Space Days in Neubrandenburg (Conference, Part 6)
ISEI Lectures: 3-Day Program from November 7-9, 2025 Invited ISEI guests, members, alumni, students, and sponsors will receive a special conference rate including accommodation and meals.
Wednesday, 23 July 2025 21:48 | Written by Ralf Heckel |
Sunday, August 10, 2025 (times from the race start at 11 a.m. are approximate) This race is a joint event with the Leipzig Children's Night Race 11:00 a.m. Race 1, born in 2022, balance bike, 1 lap, 3 runs, Kuchenmeister
program at Pit & Race of Roverchallenge
1:00 p.m. Start of Team 1 "Ganymed" Jesco / Lea HOLL GmbH
Description: Emerging from the initiators of the NASA Rover Challenge's participation of international teams (Prof. Dr. Jesco von Puttkamer, Ralf Heckel, and the International Space Education Institute) and their successful teams and subsequent teams over the past 18 years, the International Rover Challenge is, for the first time, accessible to all teams worldwide, without the restriction of a single national authority.
Space exploration and colonization is the future and is currently motivating an entire world. It is also changing the way nations view themselves, toward community. In addition, a completely new, environmentally friendly trend is taking hold on our planet with sustainable electrification and standardization for micromobility. Bicycles are being equipped with motors, controllers, and multiple wheels. The International Rover Challenge not only offers the opportunity to build and test a folding lunar or Mars rover-like vehicle for off-road use, but also practical use on the road as a sports car, cargo bike, or electrically powered micromobile. It offers a balance of health, sport, science, and technology, while also providing practical language and ethics training. The challenge is structured around state, national, and continental competitions, with the best teams being delegated to other teams. The World Championship then takes place alternately in one of the host countries. National space agencies and industries in need of excellent human resources support the project.
At the pinnacle of the competition is the Future Challenge, where the young multinational designers compete against factory teams from industry. The goal is to demonstrate the ability to drive 1,000 low-energy kilometers within a specific time frame using only solar and human power. The International Rover Challenge is not a NASA Rover Challenge event, but is open to collaboration and the delegation of winning teams. The International Rover Challenge will begin in 2026 after two test runs in Germany and India. Local organizers and ISEI educational partners are welcome to register as host locations if interested. Current host locations are Leipzig and Friedrichshafen (GER), Riva (ITA), Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Noida (IND). Other host locations in the planning stages are Starbase, Rio de Janeiro, Cuernavaca, Queretaro, Santo Domingo, and Nairobi.
Requirements: Inspection: Race & Rules: - Each team has only one attempt at the test event (later two) and must leave the course after 8 minutes, either at the finish or in the rescue capsule (O2 reserve). - Muscle-powered (excluding electric drive) Age groups: Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prizes (podium prizes based on best time, including credit and penalties) The Jury: The volunteers: Background: It was only the political regression and the pandemic that thwarted our further expansion since 2020. Fear of travel, reluctance, patriotism, and war are leading to the degeneration of our work. International participation in the NASA Rover Challenge, which we pioneered and helped shape over 18 years as a powerful driver of multinational career development, has since 2017 been reverting to a national competition due to its regulatory focus under the new administration. Limits have been imposed, rules have been negatively altered, and evaluation results have become opaque. International teams are now disadvantaged and merely a decorative existence. We, together with our international partners, have therefore set ourselves the task of establishing a truly independent and international competition without limits and, in addition to fostering enthusiasm for space travel, making it accessible to wider industry and the education system as a driver of innovation and talent. We continue to prepare our young people for the future with technology and practical experience, but now with even greater vigilance and responsibility for coexistence and the environment. |
