Rooted in space

The chosen tree is the American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), a species well suited to the conditions of the Wahner Heide, the natural landscape surrounding EAC. It is highly climate-tolerant and resilient, qualities that mirror those of astronauts as they prepare for the challenges of spaceflight.  

“Interestingly, fossils of this genus can also be found in Europe, reflecting its deep-rooted history and international presence—an apt parallel to the global nature of space exploration,” explains Rüdiger Seine, Space Training Team Lead at EAC. 

The tree’s growth is upright and strong, reminiscent of a rocket’s ascent into the sky. Each autumn, its leaves turn a spectacular fiery red, evoking the flames of a rocket launch. This vivid transformation serves as a striking reminder of the power and beauty of spaceflight.  

Every astronaut tree at EAC that is planted in their honour is of the same species, ensuring a uniform and cohesive look to the astronaut grove. The trees receive dedicated care from EAC’s maintenance team during their initial years, after which they thrive independently—just as astronauts train intensively before embarking on their missions and then apply their skills in space. 

This tradition has its roots in the long-standing practice of cosmonauts planting trees in Kazakhstan before their launches there. European astronauts who flew aboard Soyuz missions also followed this ritual. As ESA astronauts now train and launch primarily with American partners, EAC has continued the tradition in Cologne, reinforcing the connection between astronauts and their home continent on Earth. 

The entire ESA astronaut class of 2009, as well as ESA project astronauts Marcus Wandt and Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from the 2022 class, have received a tree at EAC. Frank De Winne, head of the European Astronaut Centre, underlined the significance of this tradition.  

“These trees will stand together in front of the European astronauts’ home as a living tribute to our collective effort in human space exploration. The generations of astronaut trees will, for decades to come, remind everyone who sets foot at EAC of the great accomplishments Europeans are achieving together.”

By planting these trees, EAC not only honours its astronauts but also fosters a lasting legacy of resilience, exploration, and international cooperation—values at the heart of human spaceflight.