The Agency’s reserve astronaut training program European Space Agency (ESA) has officially started, and among the protagonists there are also two Italians: Anthea Comellini and Andrea Patassa. Both are excited to take on this new phase of theirs careerwhich will lead them to develop fundamental technical and operational skills for space exploration and scientific research.
The first five astronauts, including Andrea Patassa from Spoleto, will arrive at ESA European Astronaut Center in Cologne on 28 October 2024. Following, on 13 January 2025, it will be the turn of the other four members of the group, including Anthea Comellini from Brescia. Both expressed great excitement at the start of this new adventure.
Patassa, during the event at European Researchers’ Night 2024 in Frascati, shared his enthusiasm: “We are on the threshold of a new journey that will allow us to grow both on a professional and personal level. Joining the astronaut reserve and contributing to Europe’s space ambitions is a great opportunity.”
Rigorous and fascinating training
The training, which will last six months, will be divided into three sessions of two months each. The course will cover basic technical skills, spacecraft operations and preparedness for emergency situations, such as survival in water and winter conditions. Anthea Comellini underlined the importance of teamwork: “Teamwork will be key, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to advance Europe’s efforts in space exploration.”
One of the most exciting aspects of the training will be theimmersion in ESA’s Neutral Buoyancy Facilitya swimming pool that simulates zero-gravity conditions and prepares astronauts for spacewalks. Patassa he said he can’t wait to tackle this practical part: “Training in the pool to prepare for spacewalks is what excites me the most.”
The future of European space exploration
This training is just the beginning for these reserve astronauts, who may one day participate in missions critical to space exploration and European scientific research. The preparation they are about to undergo will make them ready to meet future challenges and contribute to ambitious projects such as missions to the Moon and beyond.
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