EOC supports training of ESA astronauts
On 13 and 14 November 2023, scientists from the DLR Earth Observation Center (EOC) supported the training of ESA astronauts at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne. Seven astronauts were instructed in Earth observation and remote sensing as part of their basic training.
Basic training covers the fundamentals of space technology, electrical engineering and various scientific disciplines, such as Earth sciences including Earth observation, before moving on to the ISS and transport systems as well as other specific topics such as underwater diving (as a basis for spacewalk training), robotics, rendezvous and docking, the Russian language, human behavior and performance training.
The EOC scientists introduced the astronauts to the fundamentals of remote sensing. Among other things, the astronauts learnt about different types of sensors, platforms and orbits of Earth observation satellites. Lessons on remote sensing from the ISS, the political landscape of remote sensing in Europe and the most important areas of application for Earth observation rounded off the program.
Sophie Adenot (France), Rosemary Coogan (United Kingdom), Pablo Álvarez Fernández (Spain), Raphaël Liégeois (Belgium) and Marco Sieber (Switzerland) were selected as ESA career astronauts for the 2022 class. John McFall (United Kingdom), a member of the Parastronaut Feasibility Study, and Katherine Benell-Pegg (Australia), whose training with ESA is sponsored by the Australian Space Agency, also took part in the training.
The basic training for ESA astronauts lasts one year and is due to be completed by spring 2024.
