Full-scale training mock-ups in the training hall

Two generations of European space laboratories on display as full-scale training mock-ups in the training hall of ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany. From left to right: a Spacelab pressurized module and the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS). The EAC was established in 1990 to support Europe's commitment to human space programmes and is the home base of the European Astronaut Corps. The role of the EAC is to supports ESA's astronaut candidate selections and to prepare and implement astronaut training programmes for a variety of missions, including those for the ISS. It also coordinates astronaut training between ESA and its ISS partners. For this purpose the EAC incorporate training facilities with mock-ups and simulators of ESA’s contributions to the ISS programme. The centre is responsible for the preparation, planning and scheduling of the European astronauts' tasks and flight assignments as well as coordinating astronaut activities with other countries. It provides support ranging from public relations assistance to medical monitoring, as well as support to the families of astronauts both at home or abroad, especially during extended stays by astronauts on space flight missions and at ESA's partner training centres.