N° 51–2026: Media Invitation: PANGAEA astronaut training in Lanzarote

The European Space Agency’s PANGAEA programme prepares astronauts to carry out scientific and geological fieldwork during future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars.

Lanzarote is the final stage of three weeks of training, following a first phase in Italy and a second in Germany. Its volcanic landscape, with extensive basaltic terrain similar to that found on the Moon, makes the island an ideal environment for this type of training.

During PANGAEA, astronauts learn to interpret terrain, conduct geological traverses, identify and collect scientifically valuable samples, and work in coordination with science teams on the ground.

Programme (schedule subject to change)

Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
Time: 11:00 (Canary Islands local time)
Location: Tinguatón car park, Tinajo (Lanzarote), on the LZ-56 road connecting Mancha Blanca and La Geria, near Los Volcanes Natural Park.

The media event will begin with brief remarks from Oswaldo Betancort, President of the Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa; Samuel Martín, Councillor for Geopark, Biosphere Reserve and Environment; Loredana Bessone, ESA PANGAEA Project Lead; and ESA Astronaut, Pablo Álvarez. This will be followed by a media Q&A and a short walk through the area.

Media accreditation

Media representatives wishing to attend should register by 12:00pm CEST on Friday 25 via  https://blogs.esa.int/forms/esa-media-briefing-form/

Requests for individual interviews with Pablo Álvarez should be submit to media@esa.int following registration and will be confirmed subject to availability.

Media material

ESA will provide images and video b-roll from PANGAEA 2026, including material from the training activities in Lanzarote: HERE

More Information

What is PANGAEA?
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/CAVES_and_Pangaea/What_is_PANGAEA

Lanzarote 2024 b-roll:
https://www.esa.int/esatv/Videos/2024/09/PANGAEA_training_2024_B-rolls/Third_Week_-_Lanzarote

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ESA Newsroom and Media Relations
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The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space.

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