European Space Agency Training New Astronauts For Space Missions | Tech It Out
The European Space Agency (ESA) is making waves in the world of space exploration with its new astronaut training program. With countries gearing up for global space missions, including NASA's Artemis mission to the moon and SpaceX's long-term programs to conquer Mars, ESA is not far behind in preparing its next set of astronauts.
One of the most exciting aspects of ESA's new astronaut candidates is the diversity they bring to space travel. Among them is Europe's first disabled astronaut recruit, British former paralympian John McFall, as well as two women, Francis Sophie Adenot and the UK's Rosemary Coogan. These individuals symbolize a greatly underrepresented section of the European astronaut universe, showing that ESA is aiming to bring diversity to space travel.
What sets ESA's new astronaut candidates apart is their previous experience in different scientific fields such as astronomy, physics, neuroscience, and medicine. This diverse background will undoubtedly bring a unique perspective to future space missions and exploration.
The new astronaut candidates have begun basic training at ESA's facility in Germany, where they will undergo around 12 months of intensive training at the European Astronaut Center. During this time, they will learn vital skills before being sent into space, including space programs and exploration, space systems, space walks, survival training, and more.
The candidates themselves have described the training as intense but fascinating, with lectures on ESA programs and missions, biology practicals, and briefings on the use of the neutral buoyancy facility for their extravehicular activities (EVAs).
Overall, ESA's commitment to training its new astronauts to the highest level of standards in preparation for future missions to the International Space Station and beyond is evident. With a focus on diversity and a wide range of scientific backgrounds among its candidates, ESA is poised to make significant contributions to the future of space exploration.