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 Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski 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. Sławosz also participated in parabolic flights, helicopter emergency training and outdoor expeditions. At ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Germany, he focused on the Columbus laboratory and scientific experiments. This extensive training ensures that Sławosz 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.

Meet Aleš Svoboda— A skilled pilot with over 1500 flight hours, Aleš holds a PhD in aircraft and rocket technology and has commanded Quick Reaction Alerts. From flying high to training underwater, he’s always ready to take on new challenges—now 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 “ARTists” are immersing themselves in everything from ESA and the International Space Station programme to the European space industry and institutions. They’re gaining hands-on experience in technical skills like spacecraft systems and robotics, alongside human behaviour, scientific lessons, scuba diving, and survival training.

ESA’s Astronaut Reserve Training programme is all about building Europe’s next generation of space explorers—preparing them for the opportunities of future missions in Earth orbit and beyond.

This interview was recorded in November 2024.

You can listen to this episode on all major podcast platforms.

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Meet Amelie Schoenenwald— 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 ESA’s 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 “ARTists” are immersing themselves in everything from ESA and the International Space Station programme to the European space industry and institutions. They’re gaining hands-on experience in technical skills like spacecraft systems and robotics, alongside human behaviour, scientific lessons, scuba diving, and survival training.

ESA’s Astronaut Reserve Training programme is all about building Europe’s next generation of space explorers—preparing them for the opportunities of future missions in Earth orbit and beyond.

This interview was recorded in November 2024.

Learn more about Amelie’s favourite space mission Rosetta.

Keep exploring with ESA Explores!