The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Meganne Christian from the second group of the ESA Astronaut Reserve during a media training session at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany.
Members of the ESA Astronaut Reserve— Meganne Christian from the UK, Anthea Comellini from Italy, John McFall from the UK and Carmen Possnig from Austria, began training at EAC on 13 January 2025. The programme covers selected modules of ESA’s one-year basic training typically completed by career astronauts, equipping members of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve with the skills needed to support Europe’s future space exploration and scientific research. Training includes technical and operational skills, biology and radiation lessons, training in human behaviour and performance, winter survival exercises and initial spacewalk training familiarisation.