Spanish astronaut Pablo Álvarez, a member of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) astronaut corps, has officially begun the next phase of his specialised training after successfully completing the basic training cycle. This milestone represents a crucial step in his path towards a future space mission, further consolidating his progress within Europe’s demanding astronaut training programme.
Over recent months, Álvarez has undergone an intensive training period with teams at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, acquiring key operational skills and familiarising himself with critical systems that will be essential for future orbital missions. This initial training has included exercises in life-support systems, onboard emergency management, safety protocols and the handling of tools used on the International Space Station (ISS), strengthening both his theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
In statements released by ESA, Álvarez emphasised that this advanced phase “is not only about understanding the theory, but about being prepared to act under pressure with full mastery of every procedure,” highlighting the demanding and highly realistic nature of the training exercises. He also noted that the physical and mental training requires high levels of concentration, endurance and adaptability—qualities that are fundamental to operating safely and effectively in the space environment
One of the most significant experiences for him was wearing a full spacesuit for the first time, a moment he described as “real and decisive” on his journey towards orbit. This test not only represents a symbolic milestone, but also invaluable technical training, as the spacesuit is a critical element for operations outside a spacecraft or space station.
In addition to these activities, Álvarez has begun training sessions focused on the operation of robotic systems and advanced simulators that replicate working conditions in microgravity, as well as mission simulators that reproduce survival procedures and coordination with mission control on the ground.
As part of his training itinerary, he is expected to travel to Canada in the coming months to continue specialised training in robotics—a skill of growing importance given the increasing use of robotic arms and automated operations in international missions.
With each completed phase, Pablo Álvarez continues to consolidate his career within ESA’s astronaut corps, moving ever closer to his goal of participating in a future space mission, including the possibility of joining a crew bound for the ISS or, in the longer term, taking part in more ambitious exploration projects led by ESA and its international partners.
