Young space enthusiasts across the UK have an opportunity to take part in
an exciting programme Mission X: Train Like an Astronaut. This is an
excellent challenge for children who are inspired by space wonders and
would like to try training like astronauts do. At the same time,
participating in scientific and physical activities and […]
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#^Kids Across the UK Are Training Like Astronauts: Here’s How You Can JoinYoung space enthusiasts across the UK have an opportunity to take part in an exciting programme Mission X: Train Like an Astronaut. This is an excellent challenge for children who are inspired by space wonders and would like to try training like astronauts do. At the same time, participating in scientific and physical activities and get closer to their dreams.
What Is Mission X
Mission X: Train Like An Astronaut is an international educational project by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency delivered in the UK by STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Learning and the European Space Education Resource Office (ESERO UK).
During this space challenge, teams of students aged 8-12 years old will train like real astronauts. They will complete activities developed with space scientists and fitness professionals working with space agencies across the world. The activities link directly to the curriculum in science and physical education, with a clear focus on health and nutrition.
Walk To The Moon
Within the programme, there is a Walk To the Moon Challenge. From completing astronaut-inspired activities, students earn points, so-called “steps”. These steps help Mission X Mascots, Luna and Leo, walk the distance from Earth to the
Moon – 384,400 km.
While the activities are available year-round, the Walk to the Moon Challenge takes place annually from January to May. Last year, UK students collectively earned enough steps to support Luna and Leo to walk an impressive 29,128,000 steps – 21,846 km. This year’s participants aim for an even better result to reach the Moon – challenge accepted!
Astronauts Supporting Mission X
The exciting part is that real astronauts support this programme, inspiring young space enthusiasts even more. For example, John McFall, a member of the ESA astronaut reserve, hopes to become the world’s first astronaut with a physical disability on a long-duration mission on the International Space Station (ISS). He backs this space-inspired programme.
@esa Reserve Astronaut John McFall @iamfivetoes backs Mission X!
UK kids can explore #STEM, fitness & teamwork through astronaut-inspired challenges to help Luna & Leo walk to the Moon 
.
Read: https://t.co/GEbu2JZa5l
School sign up: https://t.co/ugkJiX9Woq#UKSpaceAgency pic.twitter.com/VCcIbRALEJ — STEM Learning (@STEMLearningUK) September 19, 2025
As a massive figure in the space community, his involvement highlights the programme’s inclusive vision and its goal of making space exploration accessible to everyone.
UK ESA astronaut Tim Peake, who flew to the International Space Station in 2015, also supports Mission X. His Principia mission inspired millions of young people across the UK. The astronaut continues to highlight how space can motivate the next generation of scientists.
This year, the Mission X challenge started on 19 September. Here is a
link to register and take part.
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Kids Across the UK Are Training Like Astronauts: Here’s How You Can Join appeared first on
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