By Sakshi Sah
Published May 09, 2025

Hindustan Times
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Photo Credit: ESA

How ESA astronauts prepare for space

Let’s explore how ESA astronauts live, work, and train for missions.

ESA astronauts fly to the International Space Station. They stay for up to six months.

Astronauts test new parts of the Station. They also help with life science studies.

Every day in space is different. But all activities are carefully planned by teams on Earth.

It’s very hard to become an ESA astronaut. After selection, they train for 3–4 years before their first mission.

ESA astronauts are trained to use European parts of the Space Station, like the Columbus lab.

ESA trainers also teach 40–50 support staff each year. They run lessons, equipment practice, and full simulations.

After training, ESA flight controllers take tests. They get certified before working on real space missions.

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