ESA Astronaut Reserve Training Begins In October

The first group of members of the ESA Astronaut Reserve - consisting of Sara García Alonso (Spain), Andrea Patassa (Italy), Arnaud Prost (France), Amelie Schoenenwald (Germany) and Aleš Svoboda (Czechia) - will arrive at EAC on 28 October.

A second group - consisting of Meganne Christian (UK), Anthea Comellini (Italy), John McFall (UK) and Carmen Possnig (Austria) - will start training on 13 January 2025.

This Astronaut Reserve training will cover selected modules of ESA's one-year basic training programme , typically completed by career astronauts. The training will equip the members of the Astronaut Reserve with the skills needed to support Europe's future space exploration and scientific research.

"This October, we are excited to launch a new phase in the development of Europe's Astronaut Reserve, further underscoring ESA's commitment to support our Member States in their human spaceflight ambitions. By equipping these talented individuals with the necessary skills for future space missions, we are not only enhancing Europe's readiness to adapt to the evolving landscape of human space exploration, but also positioning ourselves to lead in this rapidly developing domain," said ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.

The Astronaut Reserve training will include basic technical and operational skills, spacecraft systems, as well as survival exercises in water and winter conditions in preparation for potential emergency situations. Additionally, they will receive initial spacewalk training, including scuba diving in ESA's Neutral Buoyancy Facility. This underwater training simulates the conditions of a spacewalk, allowing astronauts to practice how to move and operate outside a spacecraft, such as when performing critical repairs or installing equipment on the International Space Station.

"We are looking forward to welcoming our members from the ESA Astronaut Reserve back to the European Astronaut Centre. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Europe's space exploration ambitions," said ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration Daniel Neuenschwander. "This Astronaut Reserve training is designed not only to enhance the readiness of the astronaut reserve but also to ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of future space missions, driving progress and innovation in the field."

On 23 November 2022, ESA selected the 17 members of the ESA astronaut class 2022. The five career astronauts - Sophie Adenot, Pablo Álvarez Fernández, Rosemary Coogan, Raphaël Liégeois, and Marco Sieber - completed their one-year basic training and officially graduated as ESA career astronauts in April 2024. The remaining 12 are part of the ESA Astronaut Reserve, standing ready for future missions and additional training. Two members of the Astronaut Reserve, Marcus Wandt and Sławosz Uznański, have been assigned to missions, with Marcus having completed his mission in February 2024 and Sławosz preparing for a mission scheduled for no earlier than spring 2025.

Quotes from the members of the ESA Astronaut Reserve:

Meganne Christian (United Kingdom)

I'm excited to begin training at the European Astronaut Centre and develop skills for future space missions. After my Antarctic winter-over experience, I'm ready for this new adventure-another winter-over with a whole new twist!

Anthea Comellini (Italy)

I'm excited to start this training and develop the skills for future missions. Teamwork will be key, and I'm looking forward to working together with my fellow members of the reserve to advance Europe's space exploration efforts.

Sara García Alonso (Spain)

This is a key moment in my journey, and I'm eager to see how our group will rise to the challenge together. This preparation is crucial for advancing Europe's capabilities in space exploration and ensuring we continue to contribute meaningfully to the future of space research.

John McFall (United Kingdom)

I'm thrilled to continue my training and build on the skills I've already gained. Being involved in both the ESA Astronaut Reserve training and the Fly! Feasibility Study is incredibly exciting. I can't wait to dive into these opportunities, support Europe's future space missions and push the boundaries of space exploration even further.

Andrea Patassa (Italy)

I'm looking forward to starting this new phase of training and applying the skills I've gained from my experience as a test pilot and fighter pilot. Joining the ESA Astronaut Reserve and contributing to Europe's space missions is a great opportunity and I'm ready for the challenges ahead.

Carmen Possnig (Austria)

I've been fortunate to gain experience working with ESA in the past, and the sense of teamwork and belonging to the ESA community has always been inspiring. I'm thrilled to start this new training phase and eager to broaden my expertise as I tackle this new adventure.

Arnaud Prost (France)

I am thrilled to be given this opportunity that will allow me to build on my skills as a test engineer and a pilot. Joining the ESA Astronaut Reserve has been an inspiring journey, and I'm eager to embrace this upcoming challenge, meet the team and contribute to our collective ambition.

Amelie Schoenenwald (Germany)

I'm thrilled to embark on this new chapter as I begin the training as a member of the ESA Astronaut Reserve. The collaborative spirit within ESA is truly inspiring and I'm eager to continue this incredible journey alongside such dedicated teams!

With my background in biochemistry and biotechnology, I am well aware of what space can bring to research and I am honoured to contribute to this shared mission.

Aleš Svoboda (Czech Republic)

With my experience as a pilot and senior officer, I'm absolutely delighted to start the ESA Astronaut Reserve training. My work in aircraft and rocket technology has only deepened my appreciation for the fundamental role of research in space exploration. I can't wait to bring my skills to the table and play a part in the future of European space exploration.