Space programmes developed from art and philosophy and it is only logical that artists should fly into space, according to KSEVT CEO Miha Turšič. One of the main priorities of KSEVT is for this to become a normal thing.

The opening ceremony will see a live video greeting from US astronaut of Slovenian descent Sunita Williams and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko from the International Space Station (ISS).

President Danilo Türk and several respectable Slovenian and foreign experts in astronomy will also attend the opening.

Potočnik Noordung's sole book "The Problem of Space Travel - The Rocket Motor", which explores the problems of long-term life in space, has been an inspiration to both literary authors and aeronautics engineers of the 20th century.

The new science and art centre, worth almost EUR 2.5m, will include a permanent exhibition on his life and work.