posted 02-08-2021 08:22 AM               

ESA seeks new astronauts

Applications open 31 March 2021

For the first time in 11 years, ESA is looking for new astronauts. These recruits will work alongside ESA's existing astronauts as Europe enters a new era of space exploration.

The starting point for this is 31 March 2021, when the vacancies for new astronauts open. ESA is strongly encouraging women to apply, because we are seeking to expand gender diversity in our ranks.

ESA Director General Jan Wörner says, "Thanks to a strong mandate from ESA Member States at Space19+, our Ministerial Council in 2019, Europe is taking its place at the heart of space exploration. To go farther than we ever have before, we need to look wider than we ever have before. This recruitment process is the first step and I look forward to watching the agency develop across all areas of space exploration and innovation, with our international partners, in the years to come."

"Representing all parts of our society is a concern that we take very seriously," says David Parker, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. "Diversity at ESA should not only address the origin, age, background or gender of our astronauts, but also perhaps physical disabilities. To make this dream a reality, alongside the astronaut recruitment I am launching the Parastronaut Feasibility Project – an innovation whose time has come."

The vacancy runs from 31 March to 28 May 2021 and ESA will only consider applications submitted to the ESA Career website within those eight weeks. After that, the six-stage selection process will start, which is expected to be completed in October 2022.

posted 02-16-2021 06:51 PM               

Join the new era of exploration as an ESA astronaut

For the first time in over a decade, the European Space Agency (ESA) is seeking new astronauts to join humankind's greatest adventure for the benefit of Earth.

Applications open 31 March 2021 and ESA's Astronaut Selection webpage provides everything you need to know to prepare a strong application and apply. This site is the hub for all ESA astronaut selection content and will be updated throughout the campaign.

The opportunity to become an ESA astronaut is rare and highly competitive. ESA last sought applicants for astronaut positions in 2008 and has held only three recruitment rounds, including its first in 1978.

This time there is a new opportunity for astronaut hopefuls thanks to the introduction of a parastronaut feasibility project.

Full details of the requirements for the astronaut selection and parastronaut feasibility project will be released when applications open. The application period will run until 28 May 2021 and the outcome is expected to be announced in October 2022.

The new face of space

In addition to the career astronauts, who will be trained for long-duration or complex space missions and hired as permanent ESA staff members, ESA's parastronaut feasibility project is a global first that aims to begin removing barriers for people with disabilities to carry out a professional space mission.

Individual(s) who are psychologically, cognitively, technically and professionally qualified to become astronauts, but who have a physical disability that would normally prevent them from being selected due to the restrictions of current space hardware are encouraged to apply.

ESA is already working with its international partners and commercial spaceflight providers to create a more accessible environment, and determine the feasibility of an astronaut with specific physical disabilities flying a safe and valuable mission to the International Space Station as we look ahead to the Moon and Mars.

Are you ready?

ESA is looking for candidates from a large variety of profiles and backgrounds, but for the best chance of success, astronaut hopefuls are urged to familiarise themselves with the minimum requirements.

These include being a citizen of an ESA member state or associate state, holding the minimum of a Master's degree in natural sciences, medicine, engineering, mathematics, or computer sciences or holding a degree as an experimental test pilot and/or test engineer from an official experimental test pilot school. Candidates must have at least three years of relevant professional experience after graduation and be fluent in English. Good knowledge of another foreign language and any other additional language is a plus.

Applicants do not need to hold a pilot's license but they must submit a class 2 medical certificate issued by an aviation medical examiner that shows they are medically qualified for a private pilot licence (PPL).

posted 05-21-2021 09:45 AM               

ESA extends deadline for astronaut applications as new Associate Member joins

Aspiring astronauts now have until 18 June 2021 to submit an application for ESA’s astronaut selection. The three-week extension comes as ESA welcomes Lithuania as a new Associate Member state.

Lithuania’s new status as an ESA Associate Member means Lithuanian citizens are now eligible to apply for all ESA vacancies. As a result, ESA is encouraging all those who meet the criteria for the ESA Astronaut or ESA Astronaut (with a physical disability) vacancies, and dream of flying to space, to put themselves forward.

Extending the deadline provides these applicants with the opportunity to submit a complete application.

Meeting medical requirements

Head of space medicine at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) Guillaume Weerts says some new applicants may struggle to obtain a European Part-MED, Class 2 (Private Pilot) medical certificate by the deadline.

“While the deadline cannot be extended beyond 18 June due to the intensive selection process, there is a way forward for those who do not have a certificate in hand,” he says.

“Applicants must undergo the required medical examination by an aviation medical examiner certified by their national aviation medical authority. However, if you have not yet received your formal certificate, ESA will also accept a copy of the official medical report.

“The official certificate can then be provided at a later date if needed.”

Dream big and apply

One message that has been reiterated by current astronauts and ESA experts throughout the application period is that the only way to become an ESA astronaut is to apply.

In a recent video, ESA astronaut Andreas Møgensen shares how he was slightly embarrassed to tell a professor that he saw himself as an astronaut in five years’ time during an interview for a PhD position, but seven years later he was a member of ESA’s astronaut class of 2009.

ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti says those who have lingering doubts should also know that achieving success as an astronaut is not about how long your CV is or how many publications you have to your name, but who you are as a whole person.

Some of you may be struggling with the idea that it may be difficult to reconcile your personal and family life with such a demanding job,” says Samantha. “But I would say that this is probably no different than any other demanding career. As a parent of two who has flown to space once and will fly again next year, I can tell you that it is possible and that at ESA we will be ready to support you.”

For more information about ESA’s astronaut selection, along with the Astronaut Applicant Handbook, visit Your Way to Space.

posted 08-24-2021 02:59 PM               

Astronaut applicants asked for patience as numbers exceed forecasts

Astronaut hopefuls are being asked for their patience as ESA processes over 23 000 applications to its Astronaut and Astronaut (with a disability) vacancies. This number far exceeds the Agency's most optimistic forecasts.

Head of space medicine at ESA's European Astronaut Centre (EAC) Guillaume Weerts is part of the team leading the astronaut selection. He says the number of applications is a positive indication of the level of interest in space activities in Europe, but it will take some time to work through.

"At ESA, we firmly believe that every application should receive the attention it deserves. With the considerable number of applicants, it simply takes more time than initially foreseen," explains Guillaume.

"Upon completion of the pre-screening stage, we found some applications did not fulfil the requirements stated in the applicable documentation, and these applicants were notified immediately. However, more than 80% of all remaining, eligible applications are still under review," adds Antonella Costa, Human Resources Business Partner at ESA.

The next step for successful candidates is an invitation to a full day of testing at a facility in Europe. This step has already started and will last until at least the end of the year. Candidates are being invited progressively due to the work involved in this process and the need to consider COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

"If you have not yet been invited, it does not necessarily mean that your application is not being considered. We ask you for your patience as we process applications and issue these invitations," says Antonella.

"We really want to thank everyone who did put themselves forward. We fully understand how important these applications are to candidates, and we are working to let everyone who applied know the outcome of their application as soon as possible."

Under the revised processing timeline, it is expected that all candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of November 2021 at the latest.

posted 01-23-2022 02:46 PM               

Astronaut selection: stage one complete

The next stage of ESA's astronaut selection is underway, with around 1391 applicants invited to a full day of testing at a facility in Europe.

These candidates were selected from over 23 000 Europeans who put themselves forward for the astronaut and astronaut (with a physical disability) positions when ESA issued the call in March 2021. Due to a high volume and caliber of applications, it has taken some time to review and respond to all applicants and ESA would once again like to express its gratitude to all those who applied.

Head of Space Medicine at ESA Guillaume Weerts says: "We really want to thank everyone who applied to this selection process, both those continuing and those who will leave us at this stage. Thank you for your patience and for all the work you put into your applications. We were very impressed by the quality of applicants."

ESA HR Business Partner Antonella Costa agrees. "It is a very competitive process – even just meeting the initial criteria to apply is something to be proud of," she says.

"Though not everybody can become an astronaut, there are many other ways in which you can support Europe in space. We strongly encourage people to visit our careers website and see how else they could apply their skills and follow their passion with ESA."

The first round of testing for the 1391 candidates who have made it through focuses on psychological performance and includes cognitive, technical, motor coordination and personality tests. For successful candidates, this will be followed by a set of psychological interviews and group tests before medical testing.

Candidates who successfully pass each of the selection stages will be invited to recruitment interviews. ESA's new class of astronauts and reserve astronauts is expected to be announced in autumn 2022.

posted 02-13-2022 10:14 AM               

Final figures show astronaut applicants from all ESA Member States

Of the 22,523 valid astronaut applications received by ESA, the largest number came from France (7087) followed by Germany (3695) and the United Kingdom (2000). The astronaut with a physical disability vacancy attracted a further 257 applications.

Following a comprehensive screening phase, 1361 people were invited to phase two of ESA’s astronaut selection. This is a full day of psychological performance testing at a facility in Europe.

The number of astronaut applicants invited to phase two has also been broken down by Member and Cooperating State. It comprises 530 women and 831 men and at least three candidates from every Member State. This reflects the high caliber of applications received across the board.

In addition, 27 candidates who applied for the astronaut with a disability vacancy have been invited to phase two.

Candidates who are successful at phase two will go on to participate in a set of psychological interviews and group tests ahead of medical testing. Those who successfully pass each of these selection stages will be invited to recruitment interviews. ESA’s new class of astronauts and reserve astronauts is expected to be announced in autumn 2022.

posted 07-08-2022 08:24 AM               

ESA astronaut selection in the final stages

The ESA astronaut selection has been progressing as planned, with phase two of the selection process ending in March this year, and phase three ending in June.

During phase three, just over 400 applicants attended ESA's European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, for thorough psychological assessment by an international team of experts. Though the precise tasks and tests are confidential, this phase was designed to ensure that selected candidates met the psychological profile required to work as an astronaut.

Phase four of the selection process began on 2 May 2022 and is ongoing. During this round of selection, applicants will have a medical evaluation which assesses their health and physical capabilities. Working as an astronaut is physically demanding, requiring stamina, dexterity and more. This assessment ensures selected candidates are capable of keeping up with the physical effort required by this position, both on Earth and in space.

The medical assessment has also been expanded to include applicants for the astronaut with a physical disability position, for whom the typical physical requirements would be a barrier to selection. In this first instance of 'parastronaut' recruitment, those with lower limb deficiency and/or those with statures below 130 cm are being considered. ESA is committed to pursuing a vision of space for all, and looks forward to what will be learned from the 'Parastronaut Fly!' Feasibility Project.

Invitations for the final phase, during which applicants will participate in panel interviews, will be issued this summer.

In 2021, ESA opened applications for the roles of astronaut and astronaut with a physical disability. This was the first call for new astronaut applicants since 2008.

In response, ESA received more than 22 000 valid applications for the role of astronaut from across Member States and Associate Members. Of those, 1361 individuals were invited to participate in phase two of the selection process. For the role of astronaut with a physical disability, 257 applications were received, 27 of which were invited to phase two.

Final applicants are expected to be selected at the end of 2022.

ESA thanks all applicants for their interest and commitment.

posted 11-09-2022 08:00 PM               

Announcement of ESA Astronaut Class of 2022

ESA's new class of astronauts will be announced on Wednesday, 23 November 2022 at the Grand Palais Éphémère (GPE) in Paris. The new class will include career astronauts, reserve astronauts as well as astronauts with a physical disability for a feasibility project.

In 2021, ESA opened the vacancy notices for the roles of astronaut and astronaut with a physical disability. This was the first call for new astronaut applicants since 2008.

In response, ESA received more than 22,500 valid applications for the role of astronaut from across Member States and Associate Members. For the role of astronaut with a physical disability, 257 applications were received.

ESA aims to recruit four to six career astronauts who will join the ESA astronaut corps.

In addition to recruiting astronauts into the existing corps, ESA will for the first time also establish an astronaut reserve. This reserve will be composed of the candidates who were successful throughout the entire selection process and were not recruited. Astronauts in the reserve will remain employed by their current employers. ESA had also published a dedicated vacancy notice to select individuals with physical disabilities for the astronaut reserve.

posted 11-23-2022 12:37 PM               

ESA announces new astronaut class, including first 'parastronaut'

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected its first new astronaut class in 13 years, including five men and women who will report for training in 2023, 11 "reserve" members who will return to their day jobs until they are needed and one "parastronaut" who will demonstrate that having a disability is not a barrier to spaceflight.

Selected from a pool of more than 22,500 applicants from 25 European nations, the 17-member 2022 class includes trainees from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The group includes eight women and nine men.

posted 11-24-2022 10:13 AM               

I just find it very interesting how the UK managed to get three candidates on the list (especially in the post-Brexit environment) and can only imagine it has happened because they've playing up their "European" credentials!

posted 11-26-2022 06:01 PM               

Some might never be called.

posted 11-26-2022 10:21 PM               

Given the not too surprising interlinkage between individual countries contributions to ESA's budget and the (unspoken) rewarding of permanent astronaut jobs to astronaut applicants from those countries, I am quite surprised that Germany did not get a single professional astronaut position during this cycle. They did get two reserve astronaut positions, but that is at best a consolation prize.

posted 11-27-2022 10:32 AM               

Alexander Gerst is training for Artemis and he's a prime candidate to be the first European astronaut to fly to the moon. I can see Matthias Maurer doing another ISS expedition in a few years.

Reservists Amelie Schoenenwald and Nicola Winter are both in their 30s and could easily be available for 20 to 25 years and more. I would assume whenever Gerst and/or Maurer retire those two would replace them rather than Germany having one less active astronaut (or none).

posted 03-08-2023 08:58 AM               

Australian astronaut candidate to receive basic training with ESA

Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency, will undertake basic astronaut training at ESA's European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany, from April 2023.

This is the first time ESA is giving basic training to an astronaut candidate from an international partner, making EAC the third centre in the world to do so.

Katherine will be trained alongside ESA's newly selected career astronauts and will receive basic training certification after successfully completing the approximately one-year instruction at EAC.

About Katherine

Katherine is a space systems engineer and has worked in the space industry for over 12 years across six countries, on human spaceflight missions and technologies, the International Space Station, debris removal concepts, scientific, Earth observation and space exploration missions.

As a dual British citizen, Katherine applied to ESA's call for new astronauts in 2021. She successfully passed all selection stages, which highly qualifies her to start basic astronaut training. Based on her strong results in the ESA astronaut selection process, the Australian Space Agency has decided to cover the cost of her participation in basic training.

She will be trained at ESA as an Australian astronaut candidate on a cost reimbursement basis, similar to how non-American astronauts train at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

Katherine will be seconded to ESA for the training while remaining an employee of the Australian Space Agency. She will not become an active member of the ESA astronaut corps.

"As the European centre of excellence for astronaut selection, training and support, the teams at EAC provide European and international astronauts with the skills and knowledge they need to fly to the International Space Station today, while preparing them for exploration beyond low Earth orbit. As one of only three centres in the world to train foreign astronauts and certify completion of basic training according to the international ISS standards, we look forward to continuing this journey together", explains David Parker, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration.

Joint training to the benefit of all

Katherine was given the opportunity to take part in ESA's basic astronaut training, as the Australian Space Agency, which was established only four years ago, is interested in growing and building their space sector by gaining broader access and insight into human spaceflight and strengthen the partnership between Europe and Australia.

"International cooperation has always been paramount for ESA and will become even more important as we venture further into space. I welcome the Australian Space Agency's interest in gaining knowledge and expertise in human space flight to advance their space programme. By training Katherine alongside European astronaut candidates at EAC, we are strengthening the bonds of international partnerships and providing ESA expertise to our partners. I am very glad to see this cooperation with Australia and look forward to further strengthen our excellent relationship", says ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.

This secondment will allow Katherine to receive training, as well as develop and harness knowledge that can be brought home to benefit Australia on space-based technologies that improve life on Earth, including remote healthcare, food production, medical science and access to space technology.

The training will help her inspire the next generation of Australian scientists and engineers and increase the number of women and men in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.

posted 04-05-2023 09:58 PM               

New ESA astronaut candidates start basic training

ESA's newly selected astronaut candidates of the class of 2022 arrived at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, on 3 April 2023 to begin their 12-month basic training.

The group of five candidates, Sophie Adenot, Pablo Álvarez Fernández, Rosemary Coogan, Raphaël Liégeois, and Marco Sieber, are part of the 17-member astronaut class of 2022, selected from 22 500 applicants from across ESA Member States in November 2022.

The astronaut candidates will be trained to the highest level of standards in preparation for future space missions. During basic training, this includes learning all about space exploration, technical and scientific disciplines, space systems and operations, as well as spacewalk and survival training.

This image shows the candidates on their first day at the European Astronaut Centre, alongside ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst, Australian Space Agency astronaut candidate Katherine Bennell-Pegg and ESA's Head of Basic and Mission Training Unit Kris Capelle. They are pictured inside the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) module located in the training hall of the European Astronaut Centre.

posted 05-03-2023 08:13 PM               

Impressions from the new ESA astronaut candidates after their first month of training at the European Astronaut Training in Cologne, Germany.

The ESA astronaut candidates of the class of 2022 Sophie Adenot, Pablo Álvarez Fernández, Rosemary Coogan, Raphaël Liégeois and Marco Sieber started basic astronaut training on 3 April 2023 in preparation for future space missions. The five trainees were selected from 22,500 applicants from across ESA Member States.

The candidates are trained to the highest level of standards as specified by the International Space Station partners. Basic training includes learning about space exploration, technical and scientific disciplines, space systems and operations, as well as spacewalks and survival training. Once they receive the ESA astronaut certification, they will move on to the next phases of pre-assignment and mission-specific training.

• 00:00 - 00:12 – Intro
  
• 00:12 - 02:43 – Sophie Adenot
  
• 02:43 - 04:22 – Pablo Álvarez Fernández
  
• 04:22 - 06:58 – Rosemary Coogan
  
• 06:58 - 09:11 – Raphaël Liégeois
  
• 09:11 - 11:21 – Marco Sieber
  
• 11:21 - 11:38 – Outro

posted 06-20-2023 09:32 AM               

World's first astronaut with a disability hopes to inspire others as he begins training

The world's first astronaut with a disability, former UK Paralympian John McFall, has arrived in Germany to begin feasibility studies at the European Astronaut Centre.

John, a former NHS surgeon in Hampshire, joined the latest European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut cohort last year following a rigorous selection process and record UK Space Agency investment into ESA.

He will spend the next two years working with experts to identify how traditional equipment and facilities for astronaut life could be made more accessible and allow for a wider range of people to qualify for human spaceflight.

As part of the Fly! Feasibility Study, the 42-year-old father-of-three will undergo elements of astronaut training, such as sea survival and testing in hyperbaric (low atmospheric pressure) environments. This will help ESA to assess the impact that being an amputee and wearing a prosthesis will have on the requirements for living and working in space, and test possible solutions to any problems.

John McFall said:

"I'm a naturally curious person and I'm excited about the learning ahead, the science that will come out of it, and the fact that this is the small first step of a much bigger journey.

"While the feasibility study is bespoke to my own disability, this programme delivers a powerful message, which I hope will both broaden people's appreciation of what people with disabilities can do, as well as inspire people with a range of disabilities about the opportunities available to them.

"My three children are really stoked to be moving to Germany and about the fact that their dad could one day go into space. It's helping to engage them, especially my two daughters, with STEM learning, which is hugely important to me."

John was selected alongside Career Astronaut Rosemary Coogan and Meganne Christian who became a member of the ESA Astronaut Reserve, in 2022. They were among the first astronauts to be unveiled by ESA since 2009.

Science and Technology Secretary, Chloe Smith said:

"John was inspirational as a British Paralympian, and I wish him all the success on his journey as he becomes the world's first Paralympic astronaut – showing there is space for everyone in the industry.

"The UK is reaching for the stars in the realm of space innovation, with three brilliant British candidates handpicked for the Agency's prestigious astronaut cohort for the first time in over a decade – it is undeniable proof of our stellar global reputation in space leadership."

Chief Executive at the UK Space Agency, Dr Paul Bate, said:

"We are thrilled to be supporting John's journey as he takes on training and feasibility studies with ESA colleagues.

"John's selection as the first ever astronaut with a physical disability is a landmark moment for the global space sector. It will help us discover new and more inclusive ways of working, demonstrating first-hand that space offer opportunities for everyone.

"We wish him all the best over the next two years and look forward to working closely with him."

John was announced as ESA's first ever astronaut with a physical disability during the ESA Council of Ministers in November 2022.

The government committed £1.84 billion during the meeting, which included £217 million towards the global exploration programme, supporting robotic missions to Mars and contributing to the Artemis Moon programme, including the Argonaut (European Large Logistics Lander), Gateway space station and commercial lunar communications systems.

More about John McFall

John grew up in Hampshire and, as a teenager, always wanted to join the army.

At the age of 19, John had a motorcycle accident that resulted in an above-knee amputation. Having always been a keen athlete, sport became an important vehicle for his rehabilitation – both physically and emotionally.

In his early 20s John gained Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Sports and Exercise Science, and taught himself to run again.

Capitalising on his passion for running and love of athletics, John went on to compete at the highest level in Paralympic sport, winning European, World and Paralympic medals. Following his career in elite sport, John reignited his passion and curiosity for science and, at the age of 28, returned to university to study medicine.

Here, he quickly discovered that orthopaedics was the specialty for him, and, in 2018, John became a trauma and orthopaedic specialist registrar in the Wessex Deanery.

He has sat on UK Athletics' Athlete Council, been a mentor for Paralympics GB's Paralympic Inspiration programme, and worked with the International Paralympic Committee during the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

posted 04-22-2024 01:30 PM               

ESA graduates the 'Hoppers': Europeans, Australian pass astronaut basic training

Five new European astronauts and the first astronaut from the Australian Space Agency are now ready to "hop" into their first flight assignments, having completed basic training.

The European Space Agency (ESA) on Monday (April 22) held a graduation ceremony for the "Hoppers," the nickname for the new astronauts who were selected in 2022. Taking the stage at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Sophie Adenot of France, Pablo lvarez Fernández of Spain, Rosemary Coogan of the United Kingdom, Raphaël Liégeois of Belgium, Marco Sieber of Switzerland and Katherine Bennell-Pegg of Australia received their diplomas.

posted 04-23-2024 07:05 PM               

The astronaut feasibility study is due to end in 2025, when the ESA will present a case to European ministers, who will decide whether to fund a mission.

"It will be at that point when they make a decision about whether they want to support a flight for me or someone with an equivalent disability. Hopefully me," he said.

posted 05-22-2024 11:37 AM               

ESA astronauts Sophie Adenot and Raphaël Liégeois assigned for Space Station mission

ESA astronauts Sophie Adenot and Raphaël Liégeois have been assigned for their first spaceflights to the International Space Station (ISS) on missions currently planned for 2026. This significant milestone was announced today by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher during the Space Council taking place in Brussels on 22 and 23 May 2024.

The Director General remarked, "The assignment of Sophie and Raphaël as the next ESA astronauts flying to the International Space Station marks a significant milestone for ESA and its astronaut class of 2022. It is a tangible result of our commitment to continue a strong European presence in an international context. As exploration activities develop at an unprecedented rate, sending two newly graduated ESA astronauts to space is a crucial stepping-stone in the path of preserving European knowhow, ensuring Europe's long-term participation in ongoing programmes such as Artemis as well as in any future projects involving human spaceflight and exploration."

Sophie and Raphaël, members of ESA's most recent cohort of astronauts selected in 2022, recently concluded their one-year basic training, culminating in their official astronaut graduation ceremony on 22 April at ESA's European Astronaut Centre in Germany.

With the assignment of Sophie and Raphaël, the first two astronauts from the ESA astronaut class of 2022 are set to embark on long-duration missions to the International Space Station, with Sophie scheduled to fly first, followed by Raphaël.

"With Sophie's and Raphaël's assignment to ISS expeditions, we witness the realisation of their lifelong dreams and aspirations, symbolising both their personal achievements and the collective performance of the team who trained them at the European Astronaut Centre," noted ESA's Director of Human and Robotic Exploration Daniel Neuenschwander. "Today, these two amazing individuals will represent ESA as reliable partner on board the Space Station and embody ESA's competitiveness."

Born in France in 1982, Sophie is an engineer, helicopter test pilot and colonel in the French Air and Space Force. "It's a tremendous honour to be selected for this mission! I am really enthusiastic to begin a new part of this journey that will allow me to contribute to scientific research and exploration aboard the International Space Station. And to think I will be able to do so representing France and Europe with ESA gives a new dimension to this adventure."

Raphaël was born in Belgium in 1988 and has a background in biomedical engineering and neuroscience. "Just one month ago, we all gathered to celebrate the end of our basic training, and now, I have the chance of being assigned a mission to the ISS. I simply cannot wait to tackle this new upcoming challenge and to be able to wear, up there, the colours of Belgium and ESA!"

As they progress to subsequent phases of pre-assignment and mission-specific training, Sophie and Raphaël gain more in-depth knowledge acquired during basic astronaut training, while travelling to all partner sites, and prepare for their assigned missions, focusing on specific tasks and experiments to be performed in space.

During their missions on the Space Station, ESA astronauts will perform numerous scientific experiments, many of them originating from Europe, conduct medical research, contribute to Earth observation, and be involved in Space Station operational and maintenance tasks.

The latest graduates from ESA's newest astronaut class, including Sophie Adenot, Pablo Álvarez Fernández, Rosemary Coogan, Raphaël Liégeois and Marco Sieber, are now eligible for spaceflight assignments. ESA intends for all five new astronauts to embark on missions to the International Space Station by 2030.

posted 09-26-2024 08:16 PM               

ESA Astronaut Reserve starts training 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.