ESA Explores

25:14

What’s next for Europe in low Earth orbit?

ESA Explores ·

2026/09/15

Low Earth orbit is changing. With the International Space Station (ISS) approaching the later years of its life, new commercial destinations emerging and Europe investing in future transportation capabilities, a new chapter is beginning in orbit.In this episode of ESA Explores, we speak with ESA astronaut and Head of the Human Exploration Department Andreas Mogensen about why low Earth orbit still matters, what comes after the ISS and how Europe is preparing for its future in space. This is the

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18:52

From Lab to Orbit: Turning Space Science into Reality

ESA Explores ·

2026/06/26

Go behind the scenes at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, and discover how space experiments are prepared long before they reach orbit. Meet the ECOS team, as Deputy Manager Salvi Verma shares how they work with scientists, engineers and astronauts to turn ideas into real missions aboard the International Space Station. From early planning on the ground to supporting astronauts like ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot during her Epsilon mission, this is how space science becomes

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23:48

The Voice in Orbit: Talking to Astronauts in Space

ESA Explores ·

2026/06/19

Meet the voices astronauts hear in space. At ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, the Eurocom team is the link between crew and ground, guiding astronauts like ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot through their daily work on the International Space Station. Join us as Eurocom expert Andreas Orth explains how complex operations are translated into clear, real-time communication and what it means to be the one voice connecting Earth and orbit.This interview was recorded in March 2026. Keep

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17:13

Mission Control: Keeping Columbus Running 24/7

ESA Explores ·

2026/06/12

Step inside the Columbus Control Centre near Munich, in Germany, and discover what it takes to keep ESA's Columbus science laboratory running—24 hours a day, 365 days a year, as Columbus Flight Director Tristan Hermel takes us through how teams on the ground in mission control coordinate operations, support astronauts and work with international partners across the globe. See what life behind the consoles really looks like at a time when ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot is on board the Space Station for

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22:18

Pablo Álvarez Fernández: Spacesuits, survival and...

ESA Explores ·

2025/12/12

Step inside astronaut training with ESA astronaut Pablo Álvarez Fernández as he shares his training journey from Cologne in Germany to Houston in the US. Discover what it’s like to wear a 145 kg spacesuit underwater, train for emergencies like fires and ammonia leaks and prepare for the ultimate astronaut dream: a spacewalk. Plus, Pablo talks about life in Houston, teamwork under pressure and what’s next on his path to the stars. This interview was recorded in December 2024. Keep exploring

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15:50

ESA's Astronaut Reserve: Astro Chat with Carmen Possnig

ESA Explores ·

2025/11/19

Meet Carmen Possnig—medical doctor, space physiology researcher and ESA astronaut reserve member. In this episode, she shares how her time at Concordia Station in Antarctica and research into hypoxia and microgravity adaptation connect to future space habitats and missions. We talk about astronaut reserve training, winter survival in the snow and the human drive to explore.In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut

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12:52

ESA's Astronaut Reserve: Astro Chat with John McFall

ESA Explores ·

2025/11/03

Meet John McFall – Paralympian, medical doctor and member of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve. As part of ESA’s groundbreaking FLY initiative, John is helping prove that physical disability is no barrier to space. In this episode, he shares the results of a feasibility study showing no technical showstoppers for flying to the International Space Station with a prosthesis and talks about what’s next—from hardware certification and scientific proposals to astronaut reserve training and running in

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10:39

ESA Astronaut Class of 2022: Astro Chat with Meganne...

ESA Explores ·

2025/10/10

Meet Meganne Christian — With a PhD in industrial chemistry and hands-on experience in extreme environments, Meganne has tested graphene coatings in microgravity and led atmospheric research during winter-over missions at Concordia Station in Antarctica. Her career spans science, engineering and exploration — and now includes astronaut reserve training with ESA. In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut Reserve

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11:50

Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski: Training for the Ignis...

ESA Explores ·

2025/06/05

As part of his preparations for the Ignis mission, which forms part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station, ESA project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski is undergoing a comprehensive training programme. This training takes place at facilities around the world, including ESA, Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX and JAXA. The programme includes emergency procedures, medical training, daily operations and the use of scientific tools aboard the Space Station. Sławosz also participated

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09:17

ESA Astronaut Class of 2022: Astro Chat with Aleš...

ESA Explores ·

2025/04/11

Meet Aleš Svoboda— A skilled pilot with over 1500 flight hours, Aleš holds a PhD in aircraft and rocket technology and has commanded Quick Reaction Alerts. From flying high to training underwater, he’s always ready to take on new challenges—now including astronaut reserve training with ESA.In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany

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08:54

ESA Astronaut Class of 2022: Astro Chat with Amelie...

ESA Explores ·

2025/04/04

Meet Amelie Schoenenwald— biotechnologist, business expert, and PhD in structural biology. Whether in the lab or the great outdoors, she thrives in extreme environments, ready to embrace the adventure of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve.In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany. Our “ARTists” are immersing themselves in everything from ESA

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15:20

ESA Astronaut Class of 2022: Astro Chat with Arnaud...

ESA Explores ·

2025/03/28

Meet Arnaud Prost—aerospace engineer, professional diver, and member of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve. From flying aircraft to getting a taste of spacewalk simulation, his passion for exploration knows no bounds.In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany. Our “ARTists” are immersing themselves in everything from ESA and the International

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09:13

ESA Astronaut Class of 2022: Astro Chat with Andrea...

ESA Explores ·

2025/03/21

Meet Andrea Patassa—test pilot, aviator, passionate outdoor adventurer, and Member of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve. In this miniseries, we take you on a journey through the ESA Astronaut Reserve, diving into the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany. Our “ARTists” are immersing themselves in everything from ESA and the International Space Station programme to the European space industry and institutions. They’re gaining hands-on

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12:59

ESA Astronaut Class of 2022: Astro Chat with Sara...

ESA Explores ·

2025/03/13

Meet Sara García Alonso — biotechnologist, cancer researcher, passionate science communicator and member of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve. She’s our first guest in this miniseries, where we dive into the journey of the ESA Astronaut Reserve and explore the first part of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC). Here, our “ARTists” are learning all about ESA and the International Space Station programme, the European space industry and institutions, and gaining hands-on

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31:58

ESA astronaut class of 2022: Astro Chat with Marco...

ESA Explores ·

2024/10/25

Swiss round: Get ready for an inspiring episode as we bring together Marco Sieber, from ESA’s newest astronaut class, and Claude Nicollier, a pioneer from ESA’s first astronaut group in 1978. Both from Switzerland, they dive into their astronaut training experiences, how space missions have evolved, and which Moon they’d love to explore. Their passion for space is contagious – this episode is a must-listen!This is Episode 11 of our ESA Explores podcast series, delving into everything you want to

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28:50

Road to the stars: Training for the Moon at LUNA

ESA Explores ·

2024/09/24

Join us with ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer as we explore LUNA – our state-of-the-art Moon analogue facility located next to the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. A joint project between ESA and DLR, LUNA is designed to simulate the lunar surface and will train astronauts and support a wide range of research and technology development for future missions to the Moon and beyond.This is the first episode of our ESA Explores podcast series diving into everything you want to know about the

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24:15

ESA astronaut class of 2022: Astro Chat with Sławosz...

ESA Explores ·

2024/07/17

Sławosz is an ESA project astronaut currently preparing for a future mission to the International Space Station at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Germany. We spoke to him about his training, a first space suit check, his passion for science and engineering, as well as his view on missions forward to the Moon.This is Episode 10 of our ESA Explores podcast series, delving into everything you want to know about the ESA astronaut class of 2022. Recorded in March 2024. Find out more about Sławosz:

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23:55

ESA astronaut class of 2022: Astro Chat with John McFall

ESA Explores ·

2024/05/10

John McFall, a member of the European astronaut reserve from the ESA astronaut class of 2022, brings a diverse background to his role. With experience as an orthopaedic and trauma surgeon and a former Paralympic sprinter, John is participating in the groundbreaking "Fly!" feasibility study. This initiative seeks to enhance our comprehension of the challenges posed by space flight for astronauts with physical disabilities, aiming to overcome these barriers. Tune in to discover more about John and the

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38:32

ESA astronaut class of 2022: Astro Chat with...

ESA Explores ·

2024/04/26

ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst, an experienced spaceflyer, spacewalker, and former ISS commander, shares insights into his role as head of astronaut operations at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre. Tune in as he talks with us about guiding the next generation of astronauts through training and preparing them for their future in space exploration.This is Episode 8 of our ESA Explores podcast series, delving into everything you want to know about the ESA astronaut class of 2022. Recorded in April

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29:05

ESA astronaut class of 2022: Astro Chat with...

ESA Explores ·

2024/04/20

Katherine Bennell-Pegg from the Australian Space Agency joined ESA’s astronaut candidates from the class of 2022 for basic training through a cooperation agreement with ESA. Tune in as she shares her experiences in astronaut training, her favourite lessons, and what keeps her inspired on her journey to the stars! This is episode 7 of our ESA Explores podcast series introducing the ESA astronaut class of 2022, recorded in March 2024. Find out more about the ESA astronaut class of 2022:

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