Matthias Maurer

Also known as: Dr Matthias Maurer

European Space Agency astronaut who spent 177 days on the International Space Station and visited Namibia in October 2026 during World Space Week to engage with learners.

2026-10-012026-10-10

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

October 2026
9 OctWindhoek Observer
Matthias Maurer called on Namibia to identify areas where it can contribute to global space sector
Source
“European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer has called on Namibia to identify areas where it can contribute to the global space sector instead of waiting to become a space-faring nation.”
Astronaut urges Namibia to join global space efforts
7 OctThe Namibian
Matthias Maurer visited Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek on Friday
Source
“European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer visited the school on Friday, giving pupils an opportunity to hear first-hand about life aboard the International Space Station (ISS), space exploration and the journey to becoming an astronaut.”
Astronaut challenges pupils to dream bigger
7 OctThe Namibian
Matthias Maurer spent 177 days aboard the ISS during his Cosmic Kiss mission
Source
“Maurer, who is the 600th person to travel into space and the fourth German to undertake a spacewalk, spent 177 days aboard the ISS during his Cosmic Kiss mission.”
Astronaut challenges pupils to dream bigger
6 OctNamibian Sun
Dr Matthias Maurer shared a touching message with hundreds of learners from various schools
Source
“German astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer shared a touching message with hundreds of learners from various schools at Vegkop Stadium yesterday morning.”
An astronaut in Windhoek
5 OctInformanté
ESA astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer spent 177 days aboard the International Space Station during his Cosmic Kiss mission
Source
“ESA astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer has encouraged Namibian learners to dream big and pursue careers in science and space exploration, sharing his experiences from 177 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during his Cosmic Kiss mission.”
Astronaut inspires Namibian learners with space journey
5 OctInformanté
Maurer became temporarily entangled in safety tethers during a spacewalk with Raja Chari
Source
“One of the most challenging experiences of his mission was a spacewalk with fellow astronaut Raja Chari, during which Maurer became temporarily entangled in his safety tethers.”
Astronaut inspires Namibian learners with space journey
2 OctNamibian Sun
Dr Matthias Maurer kicked off his Namibian tour for World Space week at DHPS
Source
“German astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer kicked off his Namibian tour for World Space week at the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS) today.”
Space is for everyone
2 OctNamibian Sun
Dr Matthias Maurer encouraged aspiring Namibian astronauts to not limit themselves
Source
“German astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer encouraged aspiring Namibian astronauts to not limit themselves during the kicked off his Namibian tour for World Space week at the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule, DHPS on Friday.”
The Future of Space Exploration
2 OctNamibian Sun
He will be visiting over 8000 learners from various regions in Namibia from 5 to 10 October
Source
“He will be in Namibia for the World Space week where he will be visiting over 8000 learners from various regions in Namibia from 5 to 10 October.”
The Future of Space Exploration
2 OctNamibian Sun
Dr Matthias Maurer talked about the future of Namibia's access to internet
Source
“During his school visit at Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS) on Friday, German astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer talked about the future of Namibia's access to internet.”
Namibia's future internet access

World & Region

ESA astronaut calls Namibia to join global space sector

The News

European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer urged Namibia to identify contributions to the global space sector rather than wait to become space-faring, highlighting the country's desert environment, geological expertise, astronomy facilities, and young scientists as assets for international space programmes. Namibia's government is developing space sector legislation to foster innovation, education, and job creation.

9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Yesterday

ESA astronaut calls Namibia to join global space sector
European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer urged Namibia to identify contributions to the global space sector rather than wait to become space-faring, highlighting the country's desert environment, geological expertise, astronomy facilities, and young scientists as assets for international space programmes. Namibia's government is developing space sector legislation to foster innovation, education, and job creation.
9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 7 October

ESA astronaut Maurer visits Windhoek school, discusses space exploration
European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer visited Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek on Friday, sharing first-hand accounts of life aboard the International Space Station, his spacewalk experiences, and the path to becoming an astronaut. He emphasised the importance of curiosity, ambition and teamwork in achieving distant goals.
7 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 6 October

German astronaut Matthias Maurer addresses Windhoek learners
German astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer shared a message with hundreds of learners from various schools at Vegkop Stadium.
6 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Monday 5 October

ESA astronaut encourages Namibian learners toward space careers
Dr Matthias Maurer, who spent 177 days aboard the International Space Station during his Cosmic Kiss mission, addressed learners at Windhoek High School, urging them to pursue science and space exploration and sharing how his perspective changed upon seeing Earth from orbit.
5 October 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 2 October

German astronaut visits Namibian schools for World Space Week
German astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer is touring Namibia from 5 to 10 October, visiting over 8,000 learners from various regions as part of World Space Week activities. The tour, organised by the German Embassy, began at Deutsche Höhere Privatschule with Maurer emphasizing the importance of the initiative to aspiring Namibian astronauts.
2 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →
German astronaut visits Namibia for World Space Week
German astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer is in Namibia from 5 to 10 October for World Space Week, visiting over 8000 learners from various regions and encouraging aspiring Namibian astronauts to pursue their ambitions.
2 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →
German astronaut discusses Namibia's internet access future
German astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer spoke about the future of Namibia's internet access during a school visit at Deutsche Höhere Privatschule. Maurer is in Namibia for World Space Week and is set to visit over 8,000 school learners across the country.
2 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →
German ESA astronaut to visit Namibia during World Space Week
Dr Matthias Maurer, a European Space Agency astronaut, will visit Namibia from 1 to 10 October to engage with about 8,000 school learners and promote science and technology as part of World Space Week Namibia. Maurer will visit Windhoek, Oshakati, Ongwediva and Swakopmund, delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony and attending public events at universities.
2 October 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 1 October

German astronaut visits Namibia to engage 8,000 pupils
ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer will visit Namibia from 1 to 10 October, engaging with about 8,000 pupils across Windhoek, Swakopmund, Ongwediva and Oshakati and delivering a keynote speech at the World Space Week opening. The visit aims to strengthen scientific ties between Namibia and Europe and inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation.
1 October 2026 · The Namibian →
ESA astronaut visits Namibia during World Space Week
Namibia will celebrate World Space Week from 5 to 10 October, with European Space Agency astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer visiting the country to tour key scientific facilities.
1 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →