European Astronaut Centre
The European Astronaut Centre (EAC) is the primary training facility for European Space Agency (ESA) astronauts, located in Cologne, Germany. Here are some key details about the EAC:
History
- The EAC was established in 1990 to support the training and selection of European astronauts.
- Its creation was a response to the need for a central location where astronauts from different European nations could train together for space missions, particularly for activities related to the International Space Station (ISS).
Facilities and Training
- The centre features several specialized facilities:
- Neptune: A pool for underwater spacewalk training.
- Columbus Mock-up: A replica of the European Columbus Laboratory on the ISS for mission simulation.
- Various training modules for robotics, medical, and physical fitness.
- Astronaut training at EAC includes:
- Basic astronaut training, which covers survival skills, language, scientific knowledge, and mission-specific training.
- Advanced training for spacewalks, robotics, and operation of the ISS's European modules.
Role and Activities
- The EAC is not only involved in astronaut training but also in:
- Coordination with other space agencies like NASA, Roscosmos, and JAXA.
- Development of educational outreach programs to inspire future generations in STEM fields.
- Support for European space missions, including pre-flight preparation and post-flight activities.
Recent Developments
- In recent years, the EAC has been adapting its training programs to include new space exploration missions beyond the ISS, such as:
- Preparing astronauts for missions to the Moon under the Artemis Program.
- Developing training for future Mars missions.
References
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