Astronaut basic training: Earth observation

ESA astronaut candidate Pablo Álvarez Fernández during a basic training lesson on Earth observation.

During astronaut basic training, the astronaut candidates get lessons in astronomy, astrophysics, and meteorology to further enrich their understanding of celestial phenomena and Earth observation, crucial for navigating space missions and understanding weather patterns impacting spacecraft launches and landings.

ESA’s newest class of astronauts, including Sophie Adenot, Rosemary Coogan, Pablo Álvarez Fernández, Raphaël Liégeois and Marco Sieber commenced basic astronaut training in April 2023. The group was selected in November 2022. 

The one-year basic training provides an overall familiarisation and training in various areas, such as spacecraft systems, spacewalking, flight engineering, robotics and life support systems, as well as survival and medical training before they receive astronaut certification in April 2024.  

After certification, they will move on to the next phases of pre-assignment and mission-specific training, paving the way for future missions to the International Space Station and beyond.