The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced the graduation of its 2022 class of astronaut candidates. Among them is Belgian Raphael Liégeois, marking the successful completion of the candidates' basic training and their eligibility for future space missions.
In addition to the 36-year-old from Namur, newly graduated ESA astronauts include Sophie Adenot, Pablo Álvarez Fernández, Rosemary Coogan and Marco Sieber. Katherine Bennell-Pegg from the Australian Space Agency also graduated, demonstrating the ESA's commitment to international collaboration.
"The basic astronaut training was intense, highlighting the importance of teamwork and continuous learning," said Liégeois. "I am ready to apply these lessons as I embark on the next phase of my journey. I am looking forward to contributing to scientific discovery and progress, inspired by Belgium's unwavering commitment to exploring new frontiers." All five new European astronauts are expected to fly between 2026 and 2030.
Selected in 2022 at the ESA Ministerial Council, the astronaut candidates began their basic training in April 2023. Initially, they were based at the European Astronaut Centre of ESA in Cologne (Germany), and later trained around the world.
They undertook a one-year training programme covering essential skills such as spacecraft systems, spacewalks, flight engineering, robotics, life support systems, as well as survival and medical training.
Following their certification, the 2022 class of astronauts will move into pre-assignment stages and mission-specific training, paving the way for future missions to the International Space Station and beyond.
