British reserve astronauts to undergo survival and spacewalk training

Two British astronauts are gearing up for the next stage of their training, which will include spacewalk simulation and survival exercises.

Meganne Christian and John McFall will begin their two-month training programme at the European Space Agency’s (Esa) European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, in January next year.

The training will equip the members of the Astronaut Reserve with the skills needed to support Europe’s future space exploration and scientific research.

Spacewalk training will involve scuba diving in Esa’s Neutral Buoyancy Facility which simulates the conditions of a spacewalk, allowing astronauts to practice how to move and operate outside a spacecraft.

Former Paralympian Mr McFall is part of a feasibility study to see if he can fly as a disabled astronaut, while Ms Christian is a reserve astronaut who could join the programme if someone else drops out.

Mr McFall said: “I’m thrilled to continue my training and build on the skills I’ve already gained. Being involved in both the Esa Astronaut Reserve training and the Fly! Feasibility Study is incredibly exciting.

Ms Christian said: “I’m excited to begin training at the European Astronaut Centre and develop skills for future space missions.

“After my Antarctic winter-over experience, I’m ready for this new adventure — another winter-over with a whole new twist.”

The first group of ESA reserve astronauts – consisting of Sara Garcia Alonso, Andrea Patassa, Arnaud Prost, Amelie Schoenenwald and Ales Svoboda – will arrive at EAC on October 28.

Libby Jackson, head of space exploration at the UK Space Agency, said: “This is a great opportunity for our reserve astronauts Meganne and John.

“Their training will include robotics, survival skills and an introduction to the International Space Station to prepare them for future missions to space.

“Along with astronaut Rosemary Coogan, who graduated from basic training earlier this year, it shows what an exciting time this is for human spaceflight in the UK.

ESA director general Josef Aschbacher said: “By equipping these talented individuals with the necessary skills for future space missions, we are not only enhancing Europe’s readiness to adapt to the evolving landscape of human space exploration, but also positioning ourselves to lead in this rapidly developing domain.”

On November 23 2022, ESA selected the 17 members of the ESA astronaut class 2022.

The five career astronauts – Sophie Adenot, Pablo Alvarez Fernandez, Raphael Liegeois, Marco Sieber and Ms Coogan – finished their one-year basic training and officially graduated as ESA astronauts in April 2024.

The remaining 12 are part of the Esa Astronaut Reserve, standing ready for future missions and additional training.