Episodes
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Go behind the scenes at ESAâs European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, and discover how space experiments are prepared long before they reach orbit. Meet the ECOS team, as Deputy Manager Salvi Verma shares how they work with scientists, engineers and astronauts to turn ideas into real missions aboard the International Space Station. From early planning on the ground to supporting astronauts like ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot during her Epsilon mission, this is how space science becomes reality.
This interview was recorded in March 2026.
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Meet the voices astronauts hear in space. At ESAâs European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, the Eurocom team is the link between crew and ground, guiding astronauts like ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot through their daily work on the International Space Station. Join us as Eurocom expert Andreas Orth explains how complex operations are translated into clear, real-time communication and what it means to be the one voice connecting Earth and orbit.
This interview was recorded in March 2026.
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Episodes manquant?
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Step inside the Columbus Control Centre near Munich, in Germany, and discover what it takes to keep ESA's Columbus science laboratory runningâ24 hours a day, 365 days a year, as Columbus Flight Director Tristan Hermel takes us through how teams on the ground in mission control coordinate operations, support astronauts and work with international partners across the globe.
See what life behind the consoles really looks like at a time when ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot is on board the Space Station for her Epsilon mission.
This interview was recorded in January 2026.
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Step inside astronaut training with ESA astronaut Pablo Ălvarez FernĂĄndez as he shares his training journey from Cologne in Germany to Houston in the US. Discover what itâs like to wear a 145 kg spacesuit underwater, train for emergencies like fires and ammonia leaks and prepare for the ultimate astronaut dream: a spacewalk. Plus, Pablo talks about life in Houston, teamwork under pressure and whatâs next on his path to the stars.
This interview was recorded in December 2024.
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Meet Carmen Possnigâmedical doctor, space physiology researcher and ESA astronaut reserve member. In this episode, she shares how her time at Concordia Station in Antarctica and research into hypoxia and microgravity adaptation connect to future space habitats and missions. We talk about astronaut reserve training, winter survival in the snow and the human drive to explore.
In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany. Our âARTistsâ are immersing themselves in everything from ESA and the International Space Station programme to the European space industry and institutions. Theyâre gaining hands-on experience in technical skills like spacecraft systems and robotics, alongside human behaviour, scientific lessons, scuba diving and survival training.
ESAâs Astronaut Reserve Training programme is all about building Europeâs next generation of space explorersâpreparing them for the opportunities of future missions in Earth orbit and beyond.
This interview was recorded in February 2025.
Keep exploring with ESA Explores!
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Meet John McFall â Paralympian, medical doctor and member of ESAâs Astronaut Reserve. As part of ESAâs groundbreaking FLY initiative, John is helping prove that physical disability is no barrier to space. In this episode, he shares the results of a feasibility study showing no technical showstoppers for flying to the International Space Station with a prosthesis and talks about whatâs nextâfrom hardware certification and scientific proposals to astronaut reserve training and running in microgravity.
In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany. Our âARTistsâ are immersing themselves in everything from ESA and the International Space Station programme to the European space industry and institutions. Theyâre gaining hands-on experience in technical skills like spacecraft systems and robotics, alongside human behaviour, scientific lessons, scuba diving and survival training.
ESAâs Astronaut Reserve Training programme is all about building Europeâs next generation of space explorersâpreparing them for the opportunities of future missions in Earth orbit and beyond.
This interview was recorded in February 2025.
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Meet Meganne Christian â With a PhD in industrial chemistry and hands-on experience in extreme environments, Meganne has tested graphene coatings in microgravity and led atmospheric research during winter-over missions at Concordia Station in Antarctica. Her career spans science, engineering and exploration â and now includes astronaut reserve training with ESA.
In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany. Our âARTistsâ are immersing themselves in everything from ESA and the International Space Station programme to the European space industry and institutions. Theyâre gaining hands-on experience in technical skills like spacecraft systems and robotics, alongside human behaviour, scientific lessons, scuba diving and survival training.
ESAâs Astronaut Reserve Training programme is all about building Europeâs next generation of space explorersâpreparing them for the opportunities of future missions in Earth orbit and beyond.
This interview was recorded in February 2025.
Keep exploring with ESA Explores!
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As part of his preparations for the Ignis mission, which forms part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station, ESA project astronaut SĆawosz UznaĆski-WiĆniewski is undergoing a comprehensive training programme. This training takes place at facilities around the world, including ESA, Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX and JAXA. The programme includes emergency procedures, medical training, daily operations and the use of scientific tools aboard the Space Station. SĆawosz also participated in parabolic flights, helicopter emergency training and outdoor expeditions. At ESAâs European Astronaut Centre in Germany, he focused on the Columbus laboratory and scientific experiments. This extensive training ensures that SĆawosz and his fellow crew members are well-prepared for their mission, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to live and work effectively on the International Space Station.
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Meet AleĆĄ Svobodaâ A skilled pilot with over 1500 flight hours, AleĆĄ holds a PhD in aircraft and rocket technology and has commanded Quick Reaction Alerts. From flying high to training underwater, heâs always ready to take on new challengesânow including astronaut reserve training with ESA.
In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany. Our âARTistsâ are immersing themselves in everything from ESA and the International Space Station programme to the European space industry and institutions. Theyâre gaining hands-on experience in technical skills like spacecraft systems and robotics, alongside human behaviour, scientific lessons, scuba diving, and survival training.
ESAâs Astronaut Reserve Training programme is all about building Europeâs next generation of space explorersâpreparing them for the opportunities of future missions in Earth orbit and beyond.
This interview was recorded in November 2024.
Keep exploring with ESA Explores!
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Meet Amelie Schoenenwaldâ biotechnologist, business expert, and PhD in structural biology. Whether in the lab or the great outdoors, she thrives in extreme environments, ready to embrace the adventure of ESAâs Astronaut Reserve.
In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany. Our âARTistsâ are immersing themselves in everything from ESA and the International Space Station programme to the European space industry and institutions. Theyâre gaining hands-on experience in technical skills like spacecraft systems and robotics, alongside human behaviour, scientific lessons, scuba diving, and survival training.
ESAâs Astronaut Reserve Training programme is all about building Europeâs next generation of space explorersâpreparing them for the opportunities of future missions in Earth orbit and beyond.
This interview was recorded in November 2024.
Learn more about Amelieâs favourite space mission Rosetta.
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Meet Arnaud Prostâaerospace engineer, professional diver, and member of ESAâs Astronaut Reserve. From flying aircraft to getting a taste of spacewalk simulation, his passion for exploration knows no bounds.
In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany. Our âARTistsâ are immersing themselves in everything from ESA and the International Space Station programme to the European space industry and institutions. Theyâre gaining hands-on experience in technical skills like spacecraft systems and robotics, alongside human behaviour, scientific lessons, scuba diving, and survival training.
ESAâs Astronaut Reserve Training programme is all about building Europeâs next generation of space explorersâpreparing them for the opportunities of future missions in Earth orbit and beyond.
This interview was recorded in November 2024.
Keep exploring with ESA Explores!
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Meet Andrea Patassaâtest pilot, aviator, passionate outdoor adventurer, and Member of ESAâs Astronaut Reserve.
In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany. Our âARTistsâ are immersing themselves in everything from ESA and the International Space Station programme to the European space industry and institutions. Theyâre gaining hands-on experience in technical skills like spacecraft systems and robotics, alongside human behaviour, scientific lessons, scuba diving, and survival training.
ESAâs Astronaut Reserve Training programme is all about building Europeâs next generation of space explorersâpreparing them for the opportunities of future missions in Earth orbit and beyond.
This interview was recorded in November 2024.
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Meet Sara GarcĂa Alonso â biotechnologist, cancer researcher, passionate science communicator and member of ESAâs Astronaut Reserve.
Sheâs our first guest in this miniseries, where we dive into the journey of the ESA Astronaut Reserve and explore the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC). Here, our âARTistsâ are learning all about ESA and the International Space Station programme, the European space industry and institutions, and gaining hands-on experience in technical skills like spacecraft systems and robotics, as well as human behaviour, scientific lessons, scuba diving, and survival skills. This interview was recorded in November 2024.
Find out more about Sara: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Sara_Garcia_AlonsoCheck out the ESA Astronaut Reserve Training programme: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/The_ART_of_training
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Swiss round: Get ready for an inspiring episode as we bring together Marco Sieber, from ESAâs newest astronaut class, and Claude Nicollier, a pioneer from ESAâs first astronaut group in 1978. Both from Switzerland, they dive into their astronaut training experiences, how space missions have evolved, and which Moon theyâd love to explore. Their passion for space is contagious â this episode is a must-listen!
This is Episode 11 of our ESA Explores podcast series, delving into everything you want to know about the ESA astronaut class of 2022. Recorded in December 2023.
Find out more about Marco: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Marco_Alain_Sieber
About Claude: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Claude_Nicollier
About the ESA astronaut class of 2022: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts2022/esa-astronaut-candidates/
Glossary: EAC - European Astronaut Centre, EVA - Extravehicular Activity
Host and audio editing by Laura ZurmĂŒhlen, featuring music by Denzel Lorge and cover art by GaĂ«l Nadaud.
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Join us with ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer as we explore LUNA â our state-of-the-art Moon analogue facility located next to the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. A joint project between ESA and DLR, LUNA is designed to simulate the lunar surface and will train astronauts and support a wide range of research and technology development for future missions to the Moon and beyond.
This is the first episode of our ESA Explores podcast series diving into everything you want to know about the activities at ESA's European Astronaut Centre. Recorded in August 2024.
Find out more about LUNA here: Home - Luna Analog Facility (luna-analog-facility.de)
More about the Artemis programme: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Orion
Glossary: DLR - Deutsches Zentrum fĂŒr Luft- und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center), EAC - European Astronaut Centre, EMU - Extravehicular Mobility Unit, EVA - Extravehicular Activity, NBF - Neutral Buoyancy Facility, NBL - Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
Host and audio editing by Laura ZurmĂŒhlen, featuring music by Denzel Lorge.
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SĆawosz is an ESA project astronaut currently preparing for a future mission to the International Space Station at ESAâs European Astronaut Centre in Germany. We spoke to him about his training, a first space suit check, his passion for science and engineering, as well as his view on missions forward to the Moon.
This is Episode 10 of our ESA Explores podcast series, delving into everything you want to know about the ESA astronaut class of 2022. Recorded in March 2024.
Find out more about SĆawosz: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Slawosz_Uznanski
About the ESA astronaut class of 2022: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts2022/esa-astronaut-candidates/
About ESA within the Artemis programme: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Orion
Glossary: AsCan - Astronaut Candidate, EAC - European Astronaut Centre, ESTEC - European Space Research and Technology Centre, EVA - Extravehicular Activity
Host and audio editing by Laura ZurmĂŒhlen, featuring music by Denzel Lorge and cover art by GaĂ«l Nadaud.
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John McFall, a member of the European astronaut reserve from the ESA astronaut class of 2022, brings a diverse background to his role. With experience as an orthopaedic and trauma surgeon and a former Paralympic sprinter, John is participating in the groundbreaking "Fly!" feasibility study. This initiative seeks to enhance our comprehension of the challenges posed by space flight for astronauts with physical disabilities, aiming to overcome these barriers. Tune in to discover more about John and the "Fly!" project.
This is Episode 9 of our ESA Explores podcast series, delving into everything you want to know about the ESA astronaut class of 2022. Recorded in November 2023.
Find out more about John: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/John_McFall
About the ESA astronaut class of 2022: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts2022/esa-astronaut-candidates/
Glossary: AsCan - astronaut candidate, CPR - cardiopulmonary resuscitation, EAC - European Astronaut Centre, EVA - Extravehicular Activity, LEO - low Earth orbit
Hosted by Laura ZurmĂŒhlen, with audio editing and music by Denzel Lorge, and cover art by GaĂ«l Nadaud.
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ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst, an experienced spaceflyer, spacewalker, and former ISS commander, shares insights into his role as head of astronaut operations at ESAâs European Astronaut Centre. Tune in as he talks with us about guiding the next generation of astronauts through training and preparing them for their future in space exploration.
This is Episode 8 of our ESA Explores podcast series, delving into everything you want to know about the ESA astronaut class of 2022. Recorded in April 2024.
Find out more about Alexander: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Alexander_Gerst
About the ESA astronaut class of 2022: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts2022/esa-astronaut-candidates/
About astronaut operations at EAC: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/EAC/Operations
Glossary: AsCan - Astronaut Candidate, EAC - European Astronaut Centre, EUROCOM - European Communicator and Medical Operations, EVA - Extravehicular Activity
Host and audio editing by Laura ZurmĂŒhlen, featuring music by Denzel Lorge and cover art by GaĂ«l Nadaud.
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Katherine Bennell-Pegg from the Australian Space Agency joined ESAâs astronaut candidates from the class of 2022 for basic training through a cooperation agreement with ESA. Tune in as she shares her experiences in astronaut training, her favourite lessons, and what keeps her inspired on her journey to the stars!
This is episode 7 of our ESA Explores podcast series introducing the ESA astronaut class of 2022, recorded in March 2024.
Find out more about the ESA astronaut class of 2022: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts2022/esa-astronaut-candidates/
Glossary: AsCan - Astronaut Candidate, EAC - European Astronaut Centre, EVA - Extravehicular Activity
Host and audio editing by Laura ZurmĂŒhlen, featuring music by Denzel Lorge and cover art by GaĂ«l Nadaud.
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Sophie Adenot is one of ESA's five astronaut candidates currently undergoing basic astronaut training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. Tune in as she shares her experiences in astronaut training, her favourite lessons, as well as tips on maintaining the balance and achieving your dreams.
This is Episode 6 of our ESA Explores podcast series introducing the ESA astronaut class of 2022, recorded in November 2023.
Find out more about Sophie: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Sophie_Adenot
And about ESAâs astronaut class of 2022: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts2022/esa-astronaut-candidates/
Glossary: AsCan - Astronaut Candidate, EAC - European Astronaut Centre, ESTEC - ESA's European Space Research and Technology Centre, EVA - Extravehicular Activity, NBF - Neutral Buoyancy Facility
Music and audio editing by Denzel Lorge. Cover art by Gaël Nadaud.
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