How to become an astronaut
Becoming an astronaut is neither simple nor straightforward; there are no schools for astronauts or university courses. So how do you become an astronaut and what qualifications and qualities do you need?
08 JAN. 2008
publication date
52730
Views
ESA astronaut training is one of the most challenging programmes to follow and it is also very challenging to organise. This is because the decentralised training given by all the international partners participating in the ISS programme demands a high degree of coordination.
Not only the content of the different international training sessions has to be harmonised, but also the teaching approach and training concepts, as well as the multicultural backgrounds of trainees as well as instructors.
Media modal
The first international astronaut class at EAC
Integrated training schedule
All this has to fit into one overall integrated training schedule, which is a challenge of its own – remember that all astronauts and cosmonauts have individually tailored training plans, which means that no two astronauts get exactly the same training at the same time.
If you consider that 30 to 40 astronauts and cosmonauts undergo training in one year at five different sites, you realise that all this calls for a tremendous organisational effort. The ISS partner space agencies have successfully managed the harmonisation of this training for over a decade.
So what do the astronauts have to go through to qualify for a flight to the International Space Station (ISS)?
There are three phases to astronaut training:
Media modal
The challenges of astronaut training
ESA astronaut training is one of the most challenging programmes to follow and it is also very challenging to organise. This is because the decentralised training given by all the international partners participating in the ISS programme demands a high degree of coordination.
Basic training
Every ESA astronaut starts the training cycle by completing the 12-month 'Basic training' at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany.
Pre-assignment training
After completion of the 12-month basic training course at EAC, the astronauts start to study the ISS elements in more depth.
Share this page
stay updated
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news, mission updates, and exclusive insights directly in your inbox. Be the first to know about our upcoming projects and breakthroughs.