DK & The European Space Agency join forces

Rocket Licensing, which manages licensing for the European Space Agency (ESA), the organisation dedicated, since 1975, to the peaceful exploration and use of space, has announced a major licensing agreement with DK, the world’s leading children’s non-fiction publisher, to create a range of ESA books for children and young people.

The initial launches will include two books: The Astronaut Diaries: Journals of Andi Futura Aged 11 1/2, and a choose-your-own-adventure-style book called Mission to Mars.

The books’ aim to help readers understand more about our planet and its neighbours, as well as how to live on board a space station and space exploration – and, of course, to entertain!

An engaging and informative fictional narrative underpinned by STEM content, The Astronaut Diaries: Journals of Andi Futura Aged 11 1/2, gives readers a glimpse into the ordinary and extraordinary everyday goings-on that are part of life on a space station. It is partly inspired by the real-life experience of Italian ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti who holds the record for the longest uninterrupted spaceflight by a European astronaut: 199 days and 16 hours.

In The Astronaut Diaries: Journals of Andi Futura Aged 11 1/2, we join Andi Futura, her mum, dad, brother and dog – as they prepare to become the first family in space. In the course of the book Andi learns about everything you need to know on a space station – from robotics and solar panel repair to workout routines and managing personal hygiene in zero gravity. She then shows off her learning in eight assignments that she sends to her Mission Control tutor, Ms Asimov, back on Earth.

The book will be written by acclaimed children’s author Emma Roberts in collaboration with ESA. Aimed at a core audience of children aged from 7 to 12 – but fun and informative for all ages – the book draws on ESA’s work and long history as the only organisation in the world that deals with every aspect of space activity.

The second book, Mission to Mars, is a choose-your-own-adventure-style book which will be illustrated by the fabulous artist duo Adamastor who have worked in digital illustration for brands, products and editorial projects and have created visuals for motion graphics, gathering national and international awards. For this project they have created a wonderful sense of adventure as well as otherworldliness to compliment a narrative that describes an exciting journey to the Red Planet for young readers.

Mission to Mars will be written by Dr Sheila Kanani, a planetary physicist, science presenter, secondary school physics teacher, space comedian and published author. Sheila has a background in astrophysics and astronomy research from a number of UK universities and will be creating a book that is not only entertaining but scientifically accurate.

The books are scheduled for publication in autumn 2024 and spring 2025 – in time for a very special date: ESA’s 50th birthday! They will be available at bookshops, major stores and online, supported by a comprehensive marketing programme. Further titles are planned for 2025/2026.

DK is the ideal partner for this venture. With 2024 marking 50 years of publishing experience, DK’s ethos is that knowledge is one of life’s biggest adventures, and every book and every experience they create is an invitation to an exciting new adventure. DK sells to every corner of the globe and in over 60 languages.

For nearly 50 years ESA has been on a quest to find the hidden keys to the origin of the universe and our solar system and to help protect our precious home planet: Earth.

Its work is now helped by a licensing programme, managed by independent licensing agency Rocket Licensing, which offers a unique opportunity to share the excitement of space and space science with a real badge of authority and an exclusive range of assets. The ESA brand is backed by a comprehensive style guide.

The range of licensed products so far includes apparel, model launchers, limited edition prints and, of course, books. More partner announcements are due soon. And, with the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and new launches and missions in the pipeline, the brand will continue to build momentum.

Emmet Fletcher, Head of ESA’s Branding and Partnerships Office, says: “We are delighted to work with DK for this project. We are always happy to collaborate with partners, such as DK, who share our goals. In this case it is our ongoing mission to inspire young people to explore space and space science.”

Katy Flint, Senior Acquisitions Editor at DK, says: “It’s not often a series of children’s books comes along that combines a delightful and entertaining narrative with a scientifically accurate and detailed look at the ups and downs of living and travelling in space. These two books do just that! Working with ESA, Emma Roberts, and Dr Sheila Kanani on these highly original and beautifully researched and written books has been a real privilege.”

Charlie Donaldson, Joint Managing Director of Rocket Licensing, says: “This exciting new partnership with DK highlights ESA’s huge appeal and shows the depth of exclusive content and expertise that ESA can bring to bear to create successful licensed ranges.