ESA Explores

Katherine Bennell-Pegg from the Australian Space Agency joined ESA’s astronaut candidates from the class of 2022 for basic training through a cooperation agreement with ESA. Tune in as she shares her experiences in astronaut training, her favourite lessons, and what keeps her inspired on her journey to the stars! This is episode 7 of our ESA Explores podcast series introducing the ESA astronaut class of 2022, recorded in March 2024. Find out more about the ESA astronaut class of 2022: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts2022/esa-astronaut-candidates/ Glossary: AsCan - Astronaut Candidate, EAC - European Astronaut Centre, EVA - Extravehicular Activity Host and audio editing by Laura Zurmühlen, featuring music by Denzel Lorge and cover art by Gaël Nadaud.

Sophie Adenot is one of ESA's five astronaut candidates currently undergoing basic astronaut training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. Tune in as she shares her experiences in astronaut training, her favourite lessons, as well as tips on maintaining the balance and achieving your dreams. This is Episode 6 of our ESA Explores podcast series introducing the ESA astronaut class of 2022, recorded in November 2023. Find out more about Sophie: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Sophie_Adenot And about ESA’s astronaut class of 2022: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts2022/esa-astronaut-candidates/ Glossary: AsCan - Astronaut Candidate, EAC - European Astronaut Centre, ESTEC - ESA's European Space Research and Technology Centre, EVA - Extravehicular Activity, NBF - Neutral Buoyancy Facility Music and audio editing by Denzel Lorge. Cover art by Gaël Nadaud.

Pablo Álvarez Fernández, one of ESA's five astronaut candidates currently undergoing basic astronaut training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, shares his experiences in astronaut training, his favourite lessons, and his view on the future of space exploration. Also, stay tuned to hear his favourite space-related quote and movie! This is Episode 5 of our ESA Explores podcast series introducing the ESA astronaut class of 2022, recorded in November 2023. Find out more about Pablo: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Pablo_Alvarez_Fernandez And about ESA’s astronaut class of 2022: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts2022/esa-astronaut-candidates/ Glossary: AsCan - Astronaut Candidate, EAC - European Astronaut Centre, EVA - Extravehicular Activity Music and audio editing by Denzel Lorge. Cover art by Gaël Nadaud.

Rosemary Coogan, one of ESA’s five astronaut candidates currently undergoing basic astronaut training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, shares her journey from studying the stars as an astronomer to training for space travel. Join us as we talk about her experiences in astronaut training, her favourite lessons, and her excitement for the future of space exploration. This is Episode 4 of our ESA Explores podcast series introducing the ESA astronaut class of 2022, recorded in November 2023. Find out more about Rosemary: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Rosemary_Coogan And about ESA’s astronaut class of 2022: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts2022/esa-astronaut-candidates/ Learn more about ESA’s Euclid mission here: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid Glossary: AsCan - Astronaut Candidate, EAC - European Astronaut Centre, EVA - Extravehicular Activity Music and audio editing by Denzel Lorge. Cover art by Gaël Nadaud.

Marco Sieber is one of ESA’s five astronaut candidates currently undergoing basic astronaut training at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne. Join us as we speak to Marco about his first months of training and living in Germany, his background as a medical doctor, his favourite training lessons, and what he is excited about for the future of space exploration. This is the third episode of our ESA Explores podcast series introducing the ESA astronaut class of 2022. It was recorded in November 2023. Find out more about Marco: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Marco_Alain_Sieber And about ESA’s astronaut class of 2022: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts2022/esa-astronaut-candidates/ Music and audio editing by Denzel Lorge. Cover art by Gaël Nadaud.

Raphaël Liégeois is one of ESA’s five astronaut candidates currently undergoing basic astronaut training at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne. Join us as we speak to Raphaël about his first months of training and living in Germany, the philosophy of neuroscience, piloting hot air balloons, his favourite training lesson so far, and what he is excited about for the future of space exploration. This is the second episode of our ESA Explores podcast series introducing the ESA astronaut class of 2022. It was recorded in November 2023. Find out more about Raphaël: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Raphael_Liegeois And about ESA’s astronaut class of 2022: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts2022/esa-astronaut-candidates/ Here’s the answer to one of our most FAQ ;) https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/11/How_to_go_to_the_toilet_in_space_-_English Music and audio editing by Denzel Lorge. Cover art by Gaël Nadaud.

ESA project astronaut Marcus Wandt will soon be launched to the International Space Station for his first spaceflight mission. Marcus is the first member of ESA’s astronaut class of 2022 to fly into space, as the opportunity came to fly on a commercial human spaceflight mission with Axiom Space. Hear from Marcus as he tells us all about his fast-track mission training in Europe and around the world, from intercultural teamwork to space science, and what he’s most looking forward to during his Muninn mission. This is the first episode of our new ESA Explores podcast series introducing the ESA astronaut class of 2022. It was recorded in November 2023. Find out more about Marcus on our ESA Exploration blog: https://blogs.esa.int/exploration/category/astronauts/marcus-wandt/ Music and audio editing by Denzel Lorge. Cover art by Gaël Nadaud.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of our Time and Space series on the ESA Explores podcast! Join us in commemorating the 40th anniversary of Spacelab’s maiden flight—a pivotal moment in European space history. We’re thrilled to chat with Ulf Merbold, ESA’s first astronaut in space, as we reflect on 40 years of space exploration. Explore his remarkable journey—from pioneering missions to his vision for the future of space exploration.

ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer will soon be launched to the International Space Station for a six-month stay in orbit. In this podcast, he talks about his training, the differences he‘s found between the Russian and American spacesuits, the role of the new European Robotic Arm (ERA), whether he‘s packed, science and what he‘s most looking forward to during his Cosmic Kiss mission. Note: this episode was recorded just prior to the launch of Russia‘s new MLM module, which travelled to the Station on 21 July with ERA attached to its back. Matthias is scheduled to launch as a member of Crew-3 in a SpaceX Crew Dragon no earlier than 31 October 2021.

ESA astronaut André Kuipers first encountered the European Robotic Arm (ERA) on paper, when it was intended for a proposed spaceplane called Hermes. Many iterations later, this European-built robot will soon be launched to the International Space Station – its new home in orbit. In this episode André shares how he trained with ERA underwater in Moscow, Russia and talks us through its features from an astronaut's perspective. The launch of ERA will be streamed live on ESA Web TV: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/ESA_Web_TV

The European Robotic Arm (ERA) is set for launch to the International Space Station in July 2021, where it will provide access to the exterior of the Russian segment and support future space walks. Ahead of its launch, we caught up with ESA ERA project manager Philippe Schoonejans. Philippe shares more about this dexterous, 11 m long robot, what it enables, and its journey from Europe to space in this tale of international partnership and perseverance.  This episode is the first in a series covering the European Robotic Arm. Stay tuned for an astronaut's perspective in our next episode with ESA astronaut André Kuipers.  For more on ESA's human and robotic exploration activities follow us on Twitter @esaspaceflight or visit blogs.esa.int/exploration

Loredana Bessone is preparing astronauts to explore other planets through innovative training on Earth. In this episode of astronaut selection series, she shares how astronauts train in underground caves and in different geological locations to develop their skills for the International Space Station and beyond, and how she came to train space explorers.  ESA is currently accepting applications for the first astronaut selection in 11 years. But hurry! Applications close 18 June 2021. Visit esa.int/YourWayToSpace for more information and to apply.

A team of students and young professionals from across Europe are exploring innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges we'll face during future missions to the Moon and beyond. In this episode we speak with ESA Science Officer Aidan Cowley about Spaceship EAC, building Moon bases with regolith, how he found his way to space and advice for the next generation.  This episode is part of our space careers series developed for ESA's 2021 astronaut selection. Due to Lithuania's new status as an ESA Associate Member, the deadline for astronaut applications has been extended to 18 June 2021. Read more about the selection process and find #YourWayToSpace at esa.int/yourwaytospace

In the final episode of our Time and Space series, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration David Parker talks us through Europe's next steps into space. We hear about ESA's three exploration destinations: the International Space Station, the Moon and Mars and get a feel for what it might be like to travel to the Gateway – a planned space station around the Moon.

As a member of the instructor training team for ESA's European Astronaut Centre, Misbahur Rehman-Saad puts astronauts and flight control teams through their paces. In this episode, he talks more about the role of flight directors and ground support teams that keep the International Space Station running smoothly, as well as training astronauts from ESA and its partner agencies on the European Columbus laboratory's systems and hardware.  Misbah knows firsthand, that perseverance pays off. Tune in to his story, as we look ahead to the selection of new ESA astronauts in 2021.  Note: the deadline to apply to ESA's astronaut selection is 28 May 2021. If you're even considering applying, don't delay. Visit esa.int/YourWayToSpace for more information.

In episode 6 of our astronaut selection series, ESA Senior Flight Surgeon Sergi Vaquer Araujo talks us through his role in taking care of ESA astronauts before, during and after spaceflight. Sergi is a medical doctor and part of ESA's space medicine team. He shares how he came to be involved with ESA through the Fly Your Thesis! programme that offers master and PhD students the opportunity to fly their scientific experiment or technological research in microgravity conditions on a parabolic flight.  You can hear more from Sergi in the Spanish language session of ESA's astronaut selection media briefings. Visit esa.int/YourWayToSpace to watch the replay and find everything you need to know about ESA's 2021 astronaut selection – but hurry! Applications close 28 May 2021.

In this episode we explore another fascinating space career. Andrea Boyd coordinates ESA's European Communicator and Medical Operations (Eurocom) team. Based at ESA's European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, Eurocoms are the voice of Europe in space – providing a vital link between experts on Earth and astronauts in orbit. Think "Houston we have a problem" except, in this case, the call sign is Munich.  In her role, Andrea is is regular contact with astronauts from all International Space Station partners. She also works closely with a wide range of scientists, engineers, flight controllers, medical experts and others on the ground to ensure everything runs smoothly in orbit. Tune in to hear more about her pathway to space and other opportunities available at ESA.  This episode is part of our astronaut selection series. Visit esa.int/YourWayToSpace to find out more and apply before 28 May 2021.

In episode four of our astronaut selection series, we catch up with utilisation planning team lead at ESA Kirsten MacDonell. From the Canadian Air Force to the European Space Agency, Kirsten has had a fascinating journey and she's far from finished. We asked her what it takes to prepare experiments for Station and ensure smooth in-space operation. Tune in to find out more about how she works with astronauts, scientists and her team in this pivotal space role.  ESA is currently recruiting new astronauts. For more information on how to apply and to see other roles at ESA visit esa.int/YourWayToSpace

In this special bonus series, we are talking science on the International Space Station (ISS). This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first European astronaut mission to the ISS and over two decades of science experiments on the orbital outpost.  We want to know more about how science got started, what it takes to get an experiment up to the ISS, and what’s in store for the future. This is the third episode of our three-part conversation with guests, Andreas Schoen, Kirsten MacDonell and Nicole Buckley, who all work for ESA’s Research and Payloads Group. In the episode we talk about the future of the ISS. Do we need the ISS to get to Mars?

In this special bonus series, we are talking science on the International Space Station (ISS). This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first European astronaut mission to the ISS and more than two decades of science on the orbital outpost.  We want to know more about how science got started, what it takes to get an experiment up to the ISS, and what’s in store for the future. This is the second episode of our three-part conversation with guests, Andreas Schoen, Kirsten MacDonell and Nicole Buckley, who all work for ESA’s Research and Payloads Group. In the episode we talk about present day science on the ISS. What does it take to get your experiment in orbit?

In this special bonus series, we are talking science on the International Space Station (ISS). This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first mission of a European astronaut to the ISS, where we astronauts have been conducting science for researchers on Earth for over 20 years.  We want to know more about how science got started, what it takes to get an experiment up to the ISS, and what’s in store for the future. This is the first episode of our three-part conversation with guests, Andreas Schoen, Kirsten MacDonell and Nicole Buckley, who all work for ESA’s Research and Payloads Group. In the episode we talk about the history of the International Space Station. How did science on the Space Station get started?

ESA research and payloads programme coordinator coordinator Jennifer Ngo-Ahn shares how she found her way to space as we delve into human research on the International Space Station and the challenges facing our astronauts on long-duration missions.  This is episode three in our astronaut selection series in which we explore what it takes to be an ESA astronaut as well as some of the other roles available at ESA. ESA is accepting applications for its 2021-22 astronaut selection from 3 March to 28 May 2021. Find out more and make #YourWayToSpace at esa.int/yourwaytospace  Our conversation with Jennifer was recorded remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions. Thank you to Stephen Ennis for editing this episode.

As the European Space Agency (ESA) recruits its first astronauts in over 10 years, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano shares his journey to spaceflight and some of the qualities he's observed in his fellow space explorers.  Did Luca always want to be an astronaut? What do astronauts do when they're not in space? And what advice would Luca give to astronaut hopefuls? This second episode in our space careers series covers all this and more. ESA is accepting applications for the role of Astronaut and Astronaut (with a physical disability) until 28 May 2021. Visit esa.int/YourWayToSpace for how to apply.

To mark the opening of the European Space Agency's first astronaut selection in over a decade, we embark on a journey into the wonderful world of space careers. In this initial episode, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration David Parker introduces the ESA astronaut selection and the qualities ESA is looking for in its new recruits. Host Ally Koehler asks about the newly introduced 'Parastronaut Fly!' feasibility project in which ESA is opening its application process to qualified candidates living with a physical disability, and David reveals whether or not he has astronaut aspirations.  For more on ESA's astronaut selection visit esa.int/YourWayToSpace and stay tuned for future episodes of this special season. All applications must be submitted via ESA's careers website by the time applications close on 28 May 2021.

The addition of ESA's Columbus laboratory, and the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) programme, changed the shape of European participation on the International Space Station. But its launch came at a challenging time for human spaceflight. In this episode ESA astronaut Frank De Winne and former ESA International Space Station programme manager Bernardo Patti talk about Columbus' launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis, the tragedy that preceded it, and what the science lab has enabled for Europeans in space to this day.

It's not just Europeans who have flown into orbit, Europe has also produced some impressive pieces of space-worthy kit. In this episode, hosts Ally Koehler and Stephen Ennis take a look at some of the post-SpaceLab ESA projects that never quite made it, before entering the International Space Station era with guests Philippe Berthe, Frank De Winne, and Alan Thirkettle. Philippe is ESA project manager for the European Service Modules that will power NASA's Orion spacecraft on its mission around – and to – the Moon. Frank was the first European commander of the International Space Station. He currently wears many hats, including ESA International Space Station Programme Manager. Alan is an engineering expert and was ESA's first ISS Programme Manager.  Please forgive audio quality in some parts of this episode. All content was recorded remotely due to COVID-19 regulations.

ESA Director General Jan Wörner and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine sit down with hosts Ally Koehler and Stephen Ennis to talk about collaboration and the future of space exploration – including a new space station around the Moon. This episode was recorded just ahead of the 20 year anniversary of humans living and working on the International Space Station on 2 November 2020.  Please note, there are some issues with audio quality due to the nature of recording remotely during a pandemic. We hope these don't detract from your listening experience. Enjoy!

In this episode of our ESA Explores Time and Space series we chat with the first ESA astronaut to fly to space, physicist Ulf Merbold. Ulf flew on the 9th flight of NASA's Space Shuttle programme and the first flight of European-built Spacelab in 1983. As the first west German to fly to space, he talks us through his experiences – including his relationship with the late Sigmund Jähn, what life was like as first non-US citizen on a NASA spacecraft and how the astronauts and cosmonauts he worked with became like family through the years.  Additional content: Find out more about Ulf here: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Ulf_Merbold Watch the NASA/ESA Spacelab documentary here: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/Undated/Spacelab_-_A_New_Direction#.X70FccAUHCs.link NASA Public Affairs Officer Lori Meggs talks about the 30th anniversary of the Spacelab programme with former Marshall Space Flight Center Deputy Director Teresa Vanhooser here: https://youtu.be/5ukl5ySa6ZA

One of the first engineers to work on Spacelab Alan Thirkettle talks hosts Ally and Stephen through the unexpected challenges and memorable moments of building a science laboratory for space. This unique European-built research facility flew inside NASA's Space Shuttle. It enabled the first flight of a non-American astronaut on a NASA spacecraft in 1983. It also paved the way for ESA's current laboratory on the International Space Station and the future of research in space.  Related watching: Spacelab - a new directionhttps://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/Undated/Spacelab_-_A_New_Direction#.X5AEwxB0wGw.link

In episode one of ESA Explores Time and Space, we explore the early days of Soviet spaceflight in conversation with Romania's first cosmonaut Dorin Prunariu. Dorin was one of 11 Europeans to fly under Russia's Interkosmos programme. In 1978, this programme saw the first European - Czech cosmonaut Vladimir Remek - become the first non-Russian or American to fly to space. Interview with Dorin starts at 05:17.

ESA astronauts Thomas Pesquet and Matthias Maurer take the time to chat while training for upcoming missions to the International Space Station missions at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, USA.  This audio was originally a four-part video series filmed in June 2020. You can watch the full series on ESA's YouTube channel.

After a brief shutdown of science instruments and a period in ‘safe standby’, ESA’s planetary missions are getting back to what they do best – gathering science data from around the Solar System.   Paolo Ferri, Head of Mission Operations at ESA’s mission control centre in Germany, and Markus Kissler-Patig, Head of Science and Operations at the Agency’s ESAC Astronomy Centre in Spain discuss the extraordinary and challenging times facing teams on the ground, the return to science for four key missions, and what it's like to make key decisions about the safety of their workforce and Europe’s fleet of space explorers in light of a global pandemic.   This podcast episode was originally released in April 2020.

Just a short time after returning from 201 days in orbit on the International Space Station, Ally Koehler talks with ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano about his Beyond mission and life back on the ground. In this episode, Luca talks about everything from what had changed on the Station since his last mission and the infamous AMS-02 spacewalks, to what it's like to be separated from his crew mates and whether he dreams of space. Towards the end of the episode, he also touches on how astronauts deal with the risk of colds and flu on the Space Station as he answers questions submitted on Twitter.

The International Space Station is a unique microgravity laboratory, allowing us to carry out science and research that wouldn't be possible on Earth. ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano will support over 50 European experiments during his Beyond mission to the International Space Station. These cover a number of different disciplines including human physiology, biology, fluid physics, technology demonstrations, material science, environmental science and more. In this episode, hosts Ally Koehler and Stephen Ennis speak with Chloe Audus of ESA’s International Space Station research planning team and Marco Carrano of ESA’s astronaut training team. Chloe and Marco work behind the scenes, alongside many others, to make sure European science experiments on the International Space Station run smoothly. They give a bit of insight into the science Luca will perform. Subscribe to catch the latest episodes as they're released and visit the blog http://blogs.esa.int/luca-parmitano/ for further information on Luca's mission, Beyond. You can also follow @esaspaceflight on Twitter for regular updates or Luca himself @astro_luca.

The lead-up to a launch to the International Space Station is steeped in tradition. In this episode, hosts Ally Koehler and Stephen Ennis chat with ESA head of crew support Romain Charles and Luca himself about what is in store for the crew ahead of Luca's launch on 20 July. Crew support carry out a diverse range of activities at all stages of flight to ensure ESA astronauts are able to focus fully on their missions. Luca's launch is the 10th that Romain has been directly involved in and he will be on site to support Luca's family and friends through the launch campaign in Baikonur, Kazakstan. Another crew support team member will accompany Luca into medical quarantine. Keeping the crew in medical isolation for 16 days before their launch helps prevent them from becoming ill or contracting a disease that could compromise their ability to fly to the International Space Station. Even a common cold could impact their ability to equalise pressure in their ears and jeopardise performance. If you are listening to this during the week of 15 July, it is likely the activities you hear about are underway right now. Do not forget to tune into ESA TV for live coverage of the launch on 20 July, see the blog http://blogs.esa.int/luca-parmitano/ for further information and follow the team on Twitter at @esaspaceflight for updates on Beyond.

In the very first episode of ESA Explores we chat to ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano about his upcoming second mission to the International Space Station – Beyond. Luca’s first mission, Volare in 2013, saw him spend 166 days onboard the Space Station where he carried out two spacewalks and performed over 40 science experiments in orbit. In July, 2019, Luca will be launched once more to Earth’s orbital outpost from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. He will share this journey in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft with NASA astronaut Drew Morgan and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Skvortsov and, during the second part of his mission, he will become the first Italian and third ever European astronaut to hold the role. Hear more about how he and his crew are preparing for their time onboard Earth's orbital outpost, how it compares to his training for Volare, what happens right ahead of launch and what historical mission he would choose to fly if he could go back in time. Read more about this mission on the blog at http://blogs.esa.int/luca-parmitano/ and follow the team on Twitter at @esaspaceflight for updates on Beyond.

Go behind the scenes of space exploration with this official podcast from the European Space Agency. This upcoming series focuses on ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano’s Beyond mission to the International Space Station.

Dr Aidan Cowley is a science advisor at ESA working with students and researchers on low technology readiness level projects that could shape the way we go forward to the Moon. In this episode, he talks about a few of those projects, the value of humans in space exploration and an alternative use for your kitchen microwave. Next episode will feature a full length interview with ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano just over one week since he returned from the International Space Station. Listen to the end for a sneak preview of this interview and subscribe to stay up-to-date.

ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano is coming to the end of his six month Beyond mission on the International Space Station. In this episode, hosts Ally Koehler and Stephen Ennis reflect on a few mission highlights and interview ESA flight surgeon Maybritt Kuypers about the challenges of returning an astronaut to Europe.

ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet was launched to the International Space Station for his Proxima mission in November 2016. Having spent Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Orthodox Christmas and Orthodox New Year's as well as his birthday in orbit, he knows a thing or two about how astronauts mark significant occasions in space. In this episode Thomas and BME/Eurocom coordinator for ESA Andgie Boyd discuss how and when astronauts celebrate and shed light on how a saxophone made it to space.

ESA explores Beyond: L' addestramento degli astronauti. Episodio in italiano: Massimiliano Signori e Flavie Rometsch ci parlano dell' addestramento degli astronauti, ed in particolare cosa imparano al Centro Astronauti Europeo (EAC) a Colonia, ed alcuni aneddotti divertenti. Episode in Italian: Massimiliano Signori and Flavie Rometsch tell us about the training of astronauts, and in particular what they learn at ESA's Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, along with some funny anecdotes.

ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano enjoys weight training, swimming, cycling and running – but how does he keep fit while in space. In this episode Ally Koehler chats with ESA exercise team lead Nora Petersen about designing a fitness programme for an astronaut and why this is so important for maintaining bone and muscle mass. Later in the episode, Stephen Ennis also talks to ESA biomedical engineer Beate Fischer. Beate explains how biomedical engineers act as advocates for astronaut health and wellbeing and explains one of the tools used to track and manage medical and nutritional data known as Everywear.

The date is set for ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano’s first spacewalk of his Beyond mission. Friday 15 November marks the start of a series of complex spacewalks to service the cosmic-particle-hunting Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02). It is also the first time a European astronaut will take the leading role in the spacewalking duo. In this bonus episode, Luca speaks directly from the International Space Station as he explains the task, its challenges and his feelings before he and NASA astronaut Andrew Morgan suit up and step out into space.

October is a busy month for spacewalks (EVA) and even more are expected in November. As ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano gets ready to exit the Space Station airlock for a series of complex EVAs to repair particle physics experiment module – the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer – we delve into what it takes to prepare for a spacewalk both on the ground and in space. This episode includes content from Luca as well as an interview with head of ESA's EVA and Parabolic Flight Training Unit Hervé Stevenin. For more about Luca's mission, visit the blog http://blogs.esa.int/luca-parmitano/ You can also stay up to date on Twitter by following @esaspaceflight and @astro_luca and send us your thoughts via email to esaexplores@esa.int

In questo primo episodio, Antonio Fortunato e Fabio Zecca ci parlano della Stazione Spaziale Internazionale e della seconda missione di Luca Parmitano chiamata Beyond. Potete trovare ulteriori informazioni riguardo Luca e la sua missione in italiano e in inglese visitando il blog: http://blogs.esa.int/luca-parmitano/

ESA Explores èil podcast ufficiale dell'Agenzia Spaziale Europea dedicato alla missione Beyond dell'astronauta Luca Parmitano sulla Stazione Spaziale Internazionale. Restate sintonizzati per ascoltare una serie di episodi bonus in italiano con esperti ESA. Trailer for ESA Explores bonus episodes in Italian – coming soon.

The International Space Station is a living, breathing workspace. From the creak of the shell expanding and contracting, to fans in the European Columbus module, caution and warning tones and musical events – Ally Koehler, Stephen Ennis and Serena Bertone listen to and discuss a few of the sounds Luca will experience during his Beyond mission. This episode’s guest, Serena Bertone is an astronaut instructor and ESA-BME/Eurocom from Telespazio for ESA. Serena is based at ESA’s astronaut centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany and is in regular contact with astronauts on Station via the space to ground network. This episode was recorded in the Life Support Rack booth at EAC where astronauts are trained in the operation of the ESA closed loop system that recycles carbon dioxide into oxygen and will allow for significantly less supplies needing to be shipped to the Space Station from Earth. Please note, there are some higher frequency tones in this episode that may not be so easy to hear for older listeners or those with hearing difficulties. Sounds used in this episode were sourced and sampled from a variety of outlets. Please find links to full versions of those that are publicly available below. Hadfield SoundCloud PMM https://soundcloud.com/colchrishadfield/leonardo-pmm?in=colchrishadfield/sets/station-noises-and-sounds Swedish PAO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB9bNqph6dc Caution alarm https://soundcloud.com/esa/international-space-station-caution-alarm Warning alarm https://soundcloud.com/esa/international-space-station-warning-alarm Emergency siren https://soundcloud.com/esa/international-space-station-siren Hadfield Playing Guitar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OouU4kxKrs8 Thomas Saxophone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQdgG4hy8q8 DJ Astro Luca https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vscYpfOcI_w Alexander Gerst and Kraftwerk https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=rCQEzgtWv-E Evening Daily Planning Conference https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/iss_ustream.html For more about ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano and the Beyond mission visit lucaparmitano.esa.int