ESA Astronaut Reserve Set to Begin Training in October 2024

The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced that the first group of its ESA Astronaut Reserve members are going to start training next month. The training, which will take place at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, is part of the ESA’s broader initiative to boost Europe’s space exploration capabilities.

The first group set to arrive at the end of October

The first group of Astronaut Reserve members includes:

• Arnaud Prost (France)
• Sara García Alonso (Spain)
• Amelie Schoenenwald (Germany)
• Andrea Patassa (Italy)
• Aleš Svoboda (Czechia)

They’re set to arrive at EAC on 28 October 2024. Andrea Patassa expressed his excitement; “We are on the verge of a new journey that will allow us to grow on both a professional and personal level. Joining the astronaut reserve and contributing to Europe’s space ambitions is a great opportunity, and I’m eady for the challenges ahead.”

The second group will begin training in January 2025, and consists of:

• Anthea Comellini (Italy) 
• Meganne Christian (UK)
• John McFall (UK)
• Carmen Possnig (Austria)

“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,” said ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.

What will training focus on?  

This two-month training period will cover a wide range of operational and technical skills, as well as spacecraft systems and survival exercises in both water and winter conditions. 

Participants will also start their spacewalk training. This involves scuba diving in ESA’s Neutral Buoyancy Facility, which simulates the conditions of working outside a spacecraft.

ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration Daniel Neuenschwander added, “We are looking forward to welcoming our members from the ESA Astronaut Reserve back to the European Astronaut Centre… 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.”

The ESA Astronaut Reserve follows the creation of the 2022 ESA astronaut class  

The ESA Astronaut Reserve came about after 17 members were selected for the 2022 ESA astronaut class. Five of these members have already completed their basic training, so 12 members make up the Reserve and are standing by for further missions and additional training. 

Notably, two reserve members have already been allocated to missions. Marcus Wandt finished a mission in February 2024. Slawosz Uznański is getting prepared for a mission in 2025.

This training marks a significant milestone for the Astronaut Reserve, reflecting Europe’s ambition to strengthen its role in space exploration and scientific research.