ESA · Space

PANGAEA Geology Training for Astronauts Marks 10 Years

Europe's PANGAEA geology training program for astronauts is celebrating its 10th anniversary, using Earth's landscapes to prepare space explorers for lunar and Martian missions.

The 10th edition involved astronauts learning to identify and interpret extraterrestrial rocks and geological history through theory and field exercises.

Training took place in diverse European locations, including Italy, Germany, and Spain, honoring instructor Riccardo Pozzobon.

The course progressed from individual skills to crew operations, emphasizing planning, communication, and adaptation in challenging environments.

Astronauts must quickly recognize sample significance and communicate findings to Earth, as time on the Moon is limited. PANGAEA combines planetary science, field geology, and crew operations.

PANGAEA is a prerequisite for Artemis Moon missions, having trained 19 astronauts from four space agencies since 2016.

Astronauts reported a shift in perspective, enhancing their ability to interpret geological features and apply knowledge to lunar and Martian geology.

The training culminated in independent field traverses, equipping astronauts with skills to help answer questions about planetary history.

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