Cavenauts Begin ESA CAVES 2026 Training

NASA astronaut candidate Ben Bailey takes a photo of John McFall, a member of ESA’s astronaut reserve and the Fly! Project, whilst measurements are being taken of the water parameters in the cave used for the ESA CAVES2026 course.

ESA CAVES (Cooperative Adventure for Valuing and Exercising human behaviour and performance Skills) is an ESA astronaut training program. The three-week course prepares astronauts to work safely and effectively in multicultural teams in an environment where safety is critical.

As they explore caves they encounter caverns, underground lakes and strange microscopic life. They test new technology and conduct science – just as if they were living on the International Space Station.

The 5 astronauts have to rely on their own skills, teamwork and ground control to achieve their mission goals – the course is designed to foster effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, leadership and team dynamics.

Meet the ‘cavenauts’:

Rosemary Coogan, ESA astronaut 🇬🇧
John McFall, member of ESA’s astronaut reserve 🇬🇧
Tracy Dyson, NASA astronaut 🇺🇸
Ben Bailey, NASA astronaut candidate 🇺🇸
Ayu Yoneda, JAXA astronaut 🇯🇵

Astrobiology, spelunking,