ESA’s astronaut class of 2022 graduate

The brand new graduates ESA astronauts are Sophie Adenot, Pablo Álvarez Fernández, Rosemary Coogan, Raphaël Liégeois and Marco Sieber. Additionally, as testomony to ESA’s dedication in worldwide collaboration, Katherine Bennell-Pegg from the Australian House Company graduated together with her fellow ESA classmates.

“Right now is a major milestone as we rejoice the commencement of a brand new class of 5 ESA astronauts, who at the moment are certified to be assigned to future spaceflights. I’m additionally proud to witness the commencement of an Australian astronaut candidate, which reaffirms our dedication to advancing worldwide cooperation in area exploration. The addition of recent expertise and various views and experience enhances our means to navigate the complexities of area exploration and solidifies ESA’s function as a pioneering pressure in shaping our future in area,” mentioned ESA Director Normal Josef Aschbacher.

Chosen for coaching in 2022 on the ESA Ministerial Council, the astronaut candidates commenced their fundamental coaching in April 2023, first at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre after which throughout the globe. They accomplished a complete one-year coaching programme protecting important abilities equivalent to spacecraft programs, spacewalking, flight engineering, robotics and life assist programs, in addition to survival and medical coaching.

After certification, assigned ESA astronauts from the brand new class will transfer on to the following phases of pre-assignment and mission-specific coaching, paving the best way for future missions to the Worldwide House Station and past.

ESA obtained an awesome response to its name for purposes, with greater than 22 500 candidates from ESA Member States. From this pool, 17 people had been chosen to type the astronaut class of 2022, together with 12 members of the ESA astronaut reserve and 5 astronaut candidates who’ve accomplished their fundamental coaching.

ESA additionally established a reserve pool of astronauts for the primary time in 2022. Comprised of candidates who excelled all through the choice course of, this reserve pool stands able to be known as upon for undertaking astronaut roles as flight alternatives come up. The primary amongst these was Marcus Wandt, who flew on the Axiom-3 mission in January this yr.

ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration Daniel Neuenschwander mentioned, “As the fundamental coaching is efficiently accomplished by our new ESA astronauts, we embark on a brand new period in European astronaut historical past. These 5 new members of the European astronaut corps, alongside the members of the reserve, underscore our dedication to fostering expertise and maximising alternatives for area exploration. We’re poised to embark on a brand new period of collaborative endeavours, pushing the boundaries of discovery and shaping the way forward for area exploration.”

Moreover, one member of the reserve pool is collaborating within the “Fly! Feasibility Research”, which explores choices for the inclusion of astronauts with bodily disabilities in human spaceflight missions and future endeavours.

ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot

“Changing into an astronaut has been a lifelong dream, and finishing fundamental coaching is just the start of a rare journey. With earlier experiences which have formed me, I’ve confronted challenges which have ready me for the trials of area exploration. I am honoured to convey my background and enthusiasm to a workforce devoted to pushing the boundaries of human functionality in area, probably the most difficult and hostile setting there’s.”

ESA astronaut Pablo Álvarez Fernández

“Finishing fundamental astronaut coaching has been a rare journey of non-public development. I am deeply grateful for the invaluable classes discovered from the very best within the area and thrilled to play a task in shaping the way forward for area exploration. As an ESA astronaut representing Spain, I’m honoured to affix the lineage of pioneers like Pedro Duque. This chance fills me with immense pleasure, and I am excited to raise our shared ardour for area to unprecedented heights.”

ESA astronaut Rosemary Coogan

“Graduating from astronaut fundamental coaching is an extremely shifting second for me. From dreaming about area to now being one step nearer to reaching it, I am crammed with gratitude and dedication to take advantage of this extraordinary alternative. I’m proud to share this second with my fellow astronaut graduates and of the dedication of our worldwide workforce to exploration. Collectively, we stand able to embrace the challenges and alternatives that lie forward, united by our shared ardour for area.”

ESA astronaut Raphaël Liégeois

“Finishing fundamental astronaut coaching has been an intense expertise, highlighting the significance of teamwork and steady studying. I am excited to use these classes as I embark on the following part of my journey. I am desirous to contribute to the continuing journey of discovery and scientific development, impressed by Belgium’s steadfast dedication to the exploration of the brand new frontiers.”

ESA astronaut Marco Sieber

“As I stand on the brink of a brand new chapter in my life, I’m humbled by the challenges and triumphs of fundamental astronaut coaching. I am able to being a part of the collective effort of exploring our universe for the good thing about life on Earth and for future generations, in addition to contributing to Switzerland’s participation within the emergence, consolidation and enlargement of European area cooperation.”

Australian House Company astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg

“Once I dreamed of changing into an astronaut as a toddler, I by no means thought it attainable to take action representing Australia. Now, we’ve the Australian House Company and a rising area sector which might actually profit from the information and insights I’ve gained throughout coaching with ESA. I am extremely decided to take advantage of this previous yr, and no matter follows, to generate additional alternatives for Australian trade, and the aspirations of everybody again dwelling. Partnering with ESA has been a outstanding alternative to not solely contribute to our shared targets but additionally to foster collaboration on a world scale, which is crucial for the way forward for area exploration.”

Watch the important thing moments from ESA fundamental astronaut coaching right here.