Members of ESA’s astronaut reserve Carmen Possnig, Meganne Christian, Anthea Comellini and Arnaud Prost in full training gear during a fire emergency drill. The exercise involved mastering protective equipment, handling high-pressure hoses and CO₂ extinguishers, and practising escape and rescue techniques in dark, heat-filled environments — all to ensure they are well prepared to handle emergencies effectively in extreme conditions during future space missions.

From September to October 2025, the entire ESA astronaut reserve cohort completed a second phase of training lasting eight weeks at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC), building on their first phase completed in two groups at the end of 2024 and early 2025. This intensive programme helps strengthen technical knowledge, operational skills and physical readiness for future missions.

Training combined theory and practice, from spacecraft systems and International Space Station operations, to sea survival, firefighting and scuba drills in EAC’s Neutral Buoyancy Facility. Virtual and extended reality simulations provided an immersive familiarisation with the International Space Station, while fitness assessments ensured physical preparedness for spaceflight.

Additional modules covered human physiology, science for exploration, payload development, media skills and space law. The period also featured the Astronaut Reserve Training patch ceremony, celebrating the members from across seven European countries. The group will return in early 2026 for the final training phase.