A day in the life of a trainee astronaut
It can take up to two years to train to be an astronaut. After training, some astronauts wait for ten years before they make their first trip into space. So what’s life like as a trainee astronaut? Well, we asked one!
‘We all learn how to use and take care of the complex equipment we use, so we have many classes. These happen in a classroom, in machines that are a bit like real space ships, and in the swimming pool. The swimming pool is very similar to being in space because you weigh much less in water!
‘We also have to have language classes. My first language is Japanese, but I have to learn English, so I can talk to the ground crew. I have to be very fit so I exercise for about three hours a day. Many of my colleagues go running together, but I prefer cycling on my own.
‘There are training centres in Germany, Japan and the USA and we spend time at all of them. I hope one day I can make it into space.’