ESA’s astronaut reserve begins final training block
ESA announced that the final block of its Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) programme has commenced at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany. The training phase began in March 2026 when four reserve members—Meganne Christian of the United Kingdom, Arnaud Prost of France, Amelie Schoenenwald of Germany and Aleš Svoboda of Czechia—arrived at the centre. A second group consisting of Sara García Alonso from Spain, Anthea Comellini and Andrea Patassa from Italy, and Carmen Possnig from Austria will join midway, allowing the eight astronauts to train together for the central portion of the block before individual schedules diverge again. This step marks the concluding stage of a structured programme intended to equip the European astronaut reserve with the technical, operational and scientific foundation required for future human‑spaceflight missions.
During the third block the reserve conducts practical sessions in the Neutral Buoyancy Facility, where underwater exercises simulate micro‑gravity conditions and develop coordination for spacewalks. Training on International Space Station communications and onboard operations familiarises the crew with procedures that ensure safe and efficient activities in orbit. Participants also receive instruction on launch operations, covering the international coordination needed from spacecraft integration to liftoff, and gain exposure to the full mission lifecycle. Scientific modules explore planetary formation, Earth‑surface evolution, meteorology, cloud physics, volcanism and plate tectonics, reinforced by hands‑on Earth‑observation work that prepares the astronauts to interpret environmental data from orbit. Robotics and virtual‑reality modules introduce basic operations of the ISS Canadarm2 robotic arm and build spatial awareness for handling equipment in space.
The ART programme, which has progressed through operational instruction, scientific training and hands‑on experience since late 2024, brings all reserve members to a common readiness level aligned with Europe’s long‑term human‑spaceflight ambitions. Completion of the final block positions the eight astronauts to support upcoming ESA missions, contribute to Earth‑monitoring initiatives and integrate with international partners on future crewed flights.
