Science

Sara García Alonso, an ESA astronaut: “Do I see myself on a future mission to the Moon? I’d love to”

The reserve astronaut speaks with AS from the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany about Spain’s role in humanity’s lunar future.

Mario Espinosa de los Monteros Greg Heilman

Update: Apr 25th, 2026 06:41 EDT

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NASA’s Artemis mission, in which the European Space Agency (ESA) is also participating, has reignited humanity’s most ambitious dreams: outer space, the Moon, and what lies beyond our skies. People wonder how it is possible to leave our planet and imagine what Earth looks like from above. Artemis has an even more ambitious goal: establishing a base at the Moon’s south pole.

“It’s every astronaut’s dream,” Spanish astronaut Sara García Alonso tells AS. For now, García is a member of ESA’s astronaut reserve. In May, she will complete her training and wait to be assigned to a mission. Her goal is clear: contribute as much as possible to the agency, continue training, and begin participating in missions. Where will humans be in the coming years? Sara is certain: “Of course, on the Moon.”

What do you think so far about the Artemis II mission? Do you see yourself on a future mission to the Moon?

Artemis II is a decisive step that marks the beginning of a new space era. For the first time in more than 50 years, we are sending a crew back into the lunar environment, which means validating key systems for everything that comes next. It has been a major success, both technically and from a human perspective, and the entire space community is following it very closely.

Can I see myself on a future mission to the Moon? I’d love to, but I approach it with humility and try to stay realistic. It’s every astronaut’s dream, but I’m also aware of how long the road is. The first European astronauts to travel to our satellite will likely have prior experience in low Earth orbit missions, such as aboard the International Space Station. My focus right now is to prepare as thoroughly as possible. If the opportunity comes, I want to be ready to take it, whatever the mission may be.

Sara García Alonso, an ESA astronaut: “Do I see myself on a future mission to the Moon? I’d love to”

What about living for a couple of months at a future lunar base?

It’s an exciting scenario and very different from anything we have done before. The Moon is not just a destination; it’s a testing ground for learning how to live off Earth for extended periods. Living there would mean facing constant challenges: isolation, extreme conditions, and resource management. At the same time, it’s a unique opportunity to conduct science and develop technology that can later be applied on Earth. Being able to contribute to that kind of on-site research would be a dream come true. That knowledge is essential for humanity to continue advancing in space exploration.

You’re currently in training at the European Space Agency. What is a typical day like at this stage?

No two days are the same, and that’s probably the most interesting part. You might go from a theoretical session on spacecraft systems or orbital mechanics classes to physical training in the COSMOS gym, survival training, pool simulations, or robotics and virtual reality work. It’s a very broad and multidisciplinary program. It’s not just about gaining theoretical and technical knowledge across all relevant areas of spaceflight, but also about learning to operate in complex environments, make decisions under pressure, and work effectively with international teams. That constant variation is itself a form of training, since you are always adapting to new situations.

We know that in space the body loses muscle mass and bone density. In the EAC gym, what kind of strength training do you do to prepare for that? Do you follow typical weightlifting routines or more specialized systems adapted to space?

Physical training is very diverse and depends on the stage of the mission. The goal is twofold: to arrive in the best possible shape and, more importantly, to understand how the body responds so it can be maintained during the mission. At the COSMOS gym in the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, we train muscular endurance using kettlebells, dumbbells, or lighter loads; maximum strength using barbells and heavier weights with power racks or a Smith machine; cardiovascular endurance through running, swimming, rowing, or indoor cycling; and also balance, coordination, and agility.

The focus is on functional, well-rounded workouts. Personally, I exercise about six days a week for one to two hours. On the International Space Station, for example, astronauts use devices such as ARED, which generates resistance without weights using vacuum cylinders, T2, which is similar to a treadmill with harnesses to hold you down, and CEVIS, a seatless cycle ergometer. During a space mission, exercise, about two hours per day, is mandatory and part of an astronaut’s daily routine.

Beyond the physical aspect, has any training or simulation changed how you understand what it means to be an astronaut?

Yes, especially survival training, both in cold environments and in water. That’s where you truly realize that being an astronaut is not just about knowledge or physical fitness. It’s about communication, stress management, and making decisions as a team in complex situations. You learn that there often isn’t a perfect answer, and what really matters is how uncertainty is handled.

What kinds of projects or missions are you involved in right now? What would need to happen for you to go on a space mission, and how do astronauts handle that waiting period?

Right now, we’re in a training phase. As a reserve astronaut, I continue my work as an oncology researcher in Spain, alternating it with two-month training blocks at the European Astronaut Centre since 2024. In May this year, I’ll complete my training and then wait to be assigned to a mission. However, astronaut training is lifelong. There are always new skills to learn. For example, in Spain I’m currently working toward my pilot’s license, since the operational skills involved are closely related to spaceflight.

My participation in a mission depends on many factors, mainly mission needs, flight opportunities managed by NASA, scientific projects, and institutional support. In my case, as a reserve astronaut, the mission would need to be promoted by my national delegation to carry out experiments and technological demonstrations from Spanish research groups or companies. The waiting period is managed by working: preparing, training, and contributing from wherever you are. In this field, being ready is the only thing truly under your control. Uncertainty and change are the only constants in an astronaut’s life.

What skills, beyond scientific or technical ones, are essential for someone aspiring to become an astronaut today?

Teamwork, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and communication. You can have an excellent technical profile, but if you cannot integrate into a team or handle high-pressure situations, it’s very difficult to succeed. Ultimately, these are environments where mutual trust is essential.

How are relations with NASA now, following ESA’s participation in Artemis II through the European Service Module?

The collaboration is very close. ESA’s participation in the Artemis program, through the European Service Module, is a clear example of how space exploration is increasingly an international effort. No single agency can tackle projects of this scale alone, and that cooperation is one of the sector’s greatest achievements. ESA astronauts also train at NASA facilities and vice versa. There are numerous joint scientific projects between agencies, and, for example, all crewed launches take place there, using SpaceX rockets.

In recent years, Spain has gained visibility in the space sector. What role do you think the country can play in the future of exploration?

Spain is becoming a key player in space exploration thanks to the consolidation of the Spanish Space Agency and its role as the fourth-largest contributor to ESA. We are demonstrating leadership in developing our own launch vehicles, such as MIURA 5, in manufacturing critical technology for Artemis missions to the Moon, and in scientific operations from the ESAC center. Spain has enormous scientific and technological talent and an increasing presence in international projects. I believe we can play a very significant role, both in research and technological development, as well as in mission participation. But to do that, it is essential to continue investing in science and education.

Looking ahead, what do you think will be the major advances in space exploration over the coming decades?

I think we will see a more sustained human presence beyond Earth, starting with low Earth orbit, about 250 miles above our planet, and, of course, on the Moon. We will also see major advances in propulsion technologies, habitability, and space medicine. When the International Space Station is deorbited, low Earth orbit will begin to host new space stations, where public-private collaboration will be the norm. In the medium term, the major goal will remain Mars, but there is still a great deal of technology to develop before that becomes a reality.