Odysseus is a European project, co-funded by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme, in the Space area for ” Studies and events in support of European Space Policy”.

Space exploration advances our knowledge, allows us to understand and protect our planet better and provides the opportunity to discover the answers to fundamental questions about the history of Earth, the origin of life, the Solar System and the Universe.  In other words space exploration is pushing forward the limits of our knowledge and is engaging and inspiring the public in the “New Frontier”.   The Odysseus project aims exactly at engaging and inspiring the European youth in the “New Frontier”, by implementing a pan-European Scientific Contest for young people on Space exploration themes, combining creativity, intelligence and innovation.

The project, which started on 1st November 2011 and will last for 18 months, aspires to integrate ongoing educational activities on science in a pan-European perspective, providing the opportunity for young pupils to compete with their peers from different European countries. This action is also enhancing the concept of multinational cooperation, an element necessary in space exploration field.  All participants have to be between 14 to 18 years old and in order to submit their entry will have to create a collaborative team, which would design and demonstrate an innovative project in one of the contest’s themes.

The total budget of Odysseus project is € 335,000, with approximately € 300,000 financing by the European Commission.