Members of ESA’s astronaut reserve reflect on their training

Sara García Alonso

Looking back, what stands out is how everything connects – from scientific research to operations. It has been particularly challenging to absorb such a vast amount of knowledge across so many different and diverse disciplines in a short time. Yet, what truly made this experience incredible was the people. From my fellow astronauts and instructors to the interns and the entire EAC staff, every phase added a new piece. By the end, you really see how your own background contributes to a much bigger mission. It’s a very rewarding perspective.

Meganne Christian

There were some real highlights during this session, including robotics training and the "Move Dive" around a mock-up in the Neutral Buoyancy Facility. But the best part was being able to share that with my colleagues. We have learnt from each other, shared experiences, and come together as a strong team. It’s exciting to now feel ready to contribute to future missions in a meaningful way.

Anthea Comellini

Being part of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve is an incredible opportunity. The training is intense but highly rewarding, not only building skills for spaceflight but also challenging us to grow on a personal level. It has been a chance to learn more about us, push our limits and take pride in what we can achieve. Working within such a diverse group has made that journey even more meaningful and strengthened how we contribute to Europe’s future in space.

John McFall

This programme really highlights how many different elements come together in human spaceflight. From science to operations and communication, everything plays a role. Learning to integrate those aspects has been a key part of the experience.

Andrea Patassa

This training has been about continuous progression. Every block brought new challenges and skills, but thanks to our diverse backgrounds, we were able to complement each other and learn from our classmates as much as from the instructors. We now look forward to putting into practice what we have learned!

Carmen Possnig

By the end of ART, you feel a real shift from learning to applying. Having worked in extreme environments on Earth, I recognise the value of this training and its meaningful contribution to preparing us for space. Whether in survival exercises or operational scenarios, the key is staying adaptable and working closely as a team. ART brings those elements together in a very focused way.

Arnaud Prost

The final phase really brought everything together. You begin to understand how systems, procedures and teamwork all interact in a real mission scenario. Each phase challenged us to adapt — not only to new technical systems, but also to different roles within a team. By the end, you see how important that flexibility is for operating effectively in space, thanks to the guidance and support of the EAC trainers throughout the programme.

Amelie Schoenenwald

What stays with me most is the unique combination of scientific depth, operational precision and teamwork throughout the training. Every experience challenged us to keep learning, adapting and supporting one another. I feel grateful for the experience and equipped to continue this journey with even greater motivation and respect for everyone involved in human spaceflight.

Aleš Svoboda

Following the training step by step, from the fundamentals to more complex, integrated scenarios, gives you a real sense of how space missions come together. Experiences like working underwater to simulate microgravity or diving deeper into engineering and operations make the whole process much more tangible. It really highlights both the complexity and the responsibility of what we are preparing for.