On October 24th, 2024, RWTH Aachen hosted a unique event titled “Cosmic Adventures: Astronaut Day,” a gathering that brought together aerospace enthusiasts, industry experts, and students to delve into the future of space exploration.
Organised by EUROAVIA Aachen members Karl Funke, Aniket Saxena and Carlota Keimer, the event featured a range of presentations and a panel discussion. With special guest speakers, including Nicola Winter, member of the ESA Astronaut Reserve, and Beate Fischer, head of the astronaut training division at DLR (German Aerospace Agency), the day offered participants a rare opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the astronaut selection process and their preparation to go to space. From exploring current trends in aerospace to imagining future missions, “Cosmic Adventures: Astronaut Day” combined professional astronautical expertise with an inspiring vision for the industry’s future.
The event kicked off with an opening talk from the German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics (DGLR) representatives, setting the stage for a full day of presentations and networking.
Nicola Winter opened the first of the formal presentations, sharing her journey from a jet pilot flying the Eurofighter and the Tornado to joining the ESA Astronaut Reserve in 2022. Her talk offered the audience an insider perspective on what it takes to pursue a career as an astronaut, covering everything from the intense training regimens to the physical and psychological challenges of space missions. Her message was clear: the field is demanding, but with will and resilience, opportunities await for those with a dream of space exploration.
Following Winter’s talk, an engaging panel talk titled “The Future of Space Industry,” where both Winter and Fischer joined EUROAVIA Aachen representatives Carlota Keimer, as a moderator and Robert Kaiser, President of EUROAVIA Aachen as a panel expert. As the event’s moderator, Carlota was able to guide this lively discussion on key issues in the aerospace industry. Panellists addressed topics such as experiments on the International Space Station, the potential for international partnerships, and the future of human habitation on other planets. The audience actively participated, asking thought-provoking questions about the ethical implications and logistical challenges of long-term space missions.
The morning concluded with Beate Fischer, who took the stage to discuss her role at DLR’s astronaut training division and her daily tasks at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne. She outlined the rigorous training protocols that astronauts undergo to prepare for various mission scenarios, emphasizing both the mental and physical aspects of preparation. Fischer also highlighted the collaborative nature of space missions, explaining how DLR works closely with international agencies like NASA and ESA. Her presentation shed light on the critical role that collaboration plays in achieving humanity’s shared goal of space exploration as well as on the opening of the new LUNA Facility in Cologne, a new training base for future Moon missions.
In addition to the keynotes, the event included sponsor booths and an exhibition area, where Space Team Aachen displayed their latest technologies and projects. The German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics, as the main sponsor, set up a booth showcasing their association. There was also a booth where signed copies of Nicola Winter’s new book “The sky is no limit” could be purchased. Many students took the opportunity to network with DGLR representatives and learn about potential internships and career paths within the aerospace sector. In addition, the event was covered by local news broadcaster WDR Aachen.
Overall, the Astronaut Day at RWTH Aachen was a resounding success, offering a well-rounded experience that combined technical and astronautical knowledge, professional insights into the astronaut’s selection process and their training, as well as social connections. The event underscored the importance of collaborative effort in advancing space exploration, from training the next generation of astronauts to fostering sustainable practices within the industry.
AS Aachen