ESA Astronaut Graduation Marks the Beginning of a Promising Future in Space Exploration

ESA’s astronaut candidates are about to complete their one-year basic training and officially become fully fledged astronauts. Sophie Adenot, Pablo Álvarez Fernández, Rosemary Coogan, Raphaël Liégeois, Marco Sieber, and Australian Space Agency astronaut candidate Katherine Bennell-Pegg will receive their certification at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany on April 22, 2024.

The astronaut candidates began their training in April 2023 at the European Astronaut Centre. They were chosen from a pool of 22,500 applicants from ESA Member States. The class of 2022 consists of 17 members, including five astronaut candidates and 12 reserve members. Katherine Bennell-Pegg joined the group through a cooperation agreement, which will make her the first-ever Australian astronaut. She completed all the courses of the basic training alongside her European classmates.

The year-long basic training equips the candidates with a well-rounded understanding and proficiency across multiple disciplines necessary for their future roles and responsibilities in space. The training program covers fundamental biology, scientific laboratory techniques, human anatomy and physiology, spacecraft systems, flight engineering, robotics, life support systems, astronomy, astrophysics, meteorology, survival training, and firefighting.

During their training, the candidates also experienced simulated spacewalks in ESA’s Neutral Buoyancy Facility and NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. These simulations allow them to practice venturing outside a spacecraft while wearing spacesuits and performing critical repairs and equipment installations on the International Space Station.

The candidates also underwent centrifuge rides to simulate high g-forces during rocket launches and zero-gravity flights to experience the unique challenges and sensations they will face in space. Other highlights of the training include lessons in Earth observation, survival training in water and winter conditions, medical training in low-oxygen environments, and understanding weather patterns that impact spacecraft launches and landings.

Beyond the intense training, the candidates formed new collaborations and friendships with each other and with professionals in Europe and around the world. Cohesion within the team is vital for the safety and mission efficiency of astronauts, and building trust within teams was a significant focus of their training.

Upon certification, the astronauts will proceed to the next phases of pre-assignment and mission-specific training, tailored to their future missions to the International Space Station and beyond. In the meantime, they will be assigned operational tasks within ESA, undergo refresher training sessions, maintain physical fitness, participate in public relations efforts, and contribute to education and outreach activities.

The culmination of the basic training marks a new chapter for ESA’s astronaut graduates as they apply their skills and knowledge to the challenges of space exploration. Their next steps include conducting scientific experiments on the International Space Station and inspiring future generations of explorers.

To witness the graduation ceremony of the ESA astronaut class of 2022, you can follow it live on ESA Web TV on Monday, April 22, from 10:00 – 11:30 CEST.