# @europeanspaceagency on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DHJZglPtRUm
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/35582158-europeanspaceagency-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/c503c93e56.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-03-13T16:50:00.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** J.L.Lopez (@xandler80) — https://gondola.cc/xandler80

## Caption

Meet our second group of astronaut reserve! 🚀

Another milestone in Europe’s human spaceflight journey. Over the past two months, Meganne Christian, Anthea Comellini, John McFall, and Carmen Possnig have completed their first phase of Astronaut Reserve Training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany.

Let’s get to know them better:
- astro_meganne (UK, IT, AU, NZ): An industrial chemist with Antarctic research experience, Meganne has worked on advanced materials for space and now advises on space exploration at spacegovuk. She is a black belt in Hapkido, a scuba diver, and a keen crocheter.

- astro_anthea (IT): An aerospace engineer and deep-space navigator, Anthea currently works as Guidance, Navigation, and Control engineer for the Leo Cargo Return Service for thalesaleniaspace. With a private pilot licence and a passion for orienteering, she is always preparing for the next challenge.

- astro_johnmcfall (UK): A former paralympics sprinter and trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, John is part of ESA’s Fly! project, which aims to make space exploration more inclusive. His training is paving the way for more accessible spaceflight opportunities.

- astro_carmen_possnig (AT): A medical doctor, author and former winter-over scientist in Antarctica, Carmen studies physiology in extreme environments. From space medicine research to mountaineering and long-distance trekking, she explores human limits – including her own.

What did their training include?
- Spacewalk familiarisation in our Neutral Buoyancy Facility, where they practised scuba diving to simulate microgravity.
- Biology and radiation lessons on how space conditions affect human health.
- Winter survival training, including fire-making, shelter-building, and managing cold-related injuries.
- Training in human behaviour and performance, focusing on teamwork and adaptability in high-pressure environments.
- With this training phase complete, both groups of our Astronaut Reserve are now at a common level of proficiency, preparing for the next stage of their journey.

Follow their accounts to stay updated on their progress.

📸 europeanspaceagency - A. Conigli

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 29,702
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- **Comments:** 199

## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ESA - European Space Agency | @europeanspaceagency | https://gondola.cc/europeanspaceagency | Government Organization |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Producer |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Editor |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Social Media Manager |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Copywriter |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Community Manager |
| J.L.Lopez | @xandler80 | https://gondola.cc/xandler80 | Social Media Coordinator |

## Tags

astronauts, europeanspaceagency

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