New European astronauts unveiled

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 21 May 2009 07:01

Science - Space

"These young men and women are the next generation of European space explorers," said Simonetta Di Pippo, ESA director of human spaceflight.

"They have a fantastic career ahead, which will put them right on top of one of the ultimate challenges of our time: going back to the Moon and beyond as part of the global exploration effort."

In related news, ESA astronaut Frank De Winne is scheduled to begin a six month mission on the ISS when he is launched into space aboard a Soyuz rocket next Wednesday.

He will conduct a European science program and operate the ISS's robotic arms.

In October, De Winne will become the first European to command the ISS.

Other firsts associated with the mission are the expansion of the permanent crew to six, and the simultaneous presence of an astronaut from each of the ISS partners (USA, Russia. Europe, Japan and Canada).

The Soyuz launch is scheduled for 12.34 CEST on May 27.