posted 04-24-2026 09:54 AM               

The 12 members of the astronaut reserve are also part of the 2022 ESA astronaut class "The Hoppers," and are standing ready for when a flight opportunity arises.

posted 11-12-2026 10:52 AM            

Europe is no stranger to talent, and a few new names have just joined the pool of people who could soon be entrusted with a space mission!Congratulations to everyone on successfully completing their reserve astronaut training.

There are now two categories: astronauts recruited by the Agency, and reserve astronauts, who can be called up for a mission without being employed full-time by ESA. Two astronauts from this reserve have already flown in space: Marcus Wandt and Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski. Aleš Svoboda will fly with me next year, and Arnaud Prost is also preparing for his mission.

But ultimately, there is just one thing to remember: everyone who wears ESA's blue flight suit has passed an extremely demanding selection process and has the skills and knowledge needed to successfully carry out a space mission!

At ESA, it is a tradition for each class to choose its own name. This time, they are the "Chameleons!" And they have really nailed their class patch, one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.

As for why they chose that name... you'll have to ask them directly!

posted 11-12-2026 07:32 PM               

Meet the Chameleons

Several Members of ESA's astronaut reserve have returned to the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, for a special ceremony celebrating the completion of their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART).

The reserve members also used the occasion to reveal a symbol of their shared journey: their group patch and a name they have chosen for themselves, the Chameleons.

Known for their ability to adapt, chameleons reflect how the members of the reserve move between their everyday professions, astronaut training and opportunities to represent ESA, while retaining the individual experiences and perspectives that make them unique. Coming from different countries, cultures and professional backgrounds, this diversity is one of the group’s strengths.

The patch brings these ideas together: the chameleon looks towards space while holding Earth close, representing where the group comes from and the people and places that matter to them, as well as their shared curiosity for science, discovery and exploration.

Together, the name and patch represent the connection they have built throughout ART.