Meet the biotechnologist preparing for the future of European space exploration

Amelie Schoenenwald, a PhD in structural biology and business expert, is training as part of the European Space Agency's Astronaut Reserve. This episode explores the rigorous preparation required for future missions in Earth orbit and beyond.

As part of the Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) program at the European Astronaut Centre near Cologne, Germany, Schoenenwald and her peers are undergoing comprehensive preparation. The curriculum spans technical expertise in spacecraft systems and robotics, alongside essential human behavioral training, scientific study, scuba diving, and survival skills.

The program, which was documented in November 2024, aims to equip the next generation of explorers with a deep understanding of the International Space Station, the European space industry, and broader institutional frameworks. Schoenenwald brings a unique background in biotechnology to this multidisciplinary effort to ready candidates for upcoming space missions.

Source: Amelie Schoenenwald | Science, Exploration, Training | ESA Explores #13