Meeting point: Lausanne train station (main hall) at 12:20 (train for Geneva Airport leaves at 12:42 sharp)

Number of participants: 25

Transport: by train and plane

Registration fee: CHF 17 (includes flights and local transport, 1 hotel night and most meals)

Details: As this trip will go to Germany, participants need to bring a valid ID and be in possession of an appropriate visa if required.

Organizer and sponsor: European Space Agency (ESA) and German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Contact: Brigitte Kolmsee (brigitte.kolmsee@esa.int)

What happens to the human body on a space flight? How does microgravity impact materials revolving in an orbit around the Earth? How do astronauts prepare, how are space missions planned, executed and managed? On this trip to the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne, you will learn about the expeditions to the International Space Station (ISS) as well as unmanned missions like Philae and Mascot to comets and asteroids. Visiting the: envihab you will discover how knowledge gained in space can be usefully applied in a multitude of domains, from sports medicine to elderly care. And you will have the opportunity to meet and discuss with Philae Lander Manager Stefan Ulamec and Jens Jordan, Head of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is the national aeronautics and space research centre of the Federal Republic of Germany. Its extensive research and development work in aeronautics, space, energy, transport, digitalisation and security is integrated into national and international cooperative ventures.

The European Astronaut Centre (EAC) is an establishment of the European Space Agency and home of the European Astronaut Corps. It is located near Cologne, Germany, and is subdivided into six separate arms, these being Astronaut Training, Space Medicine, Astronaut Management, Future Human and Robotic Exploration of the Moon (as part of the Spaceship EAC initiative) as well  Communications/PR and Education.

EAC provides training facilities for European and international partner astronauts, including a neutral buoyancy facility , particularly regarding ESA hardware for the ISS such as Columbus and formerly the ATV. The overall European Astronaut Centre organisation is also in charge of the organisation of the training of European astronauts in the centers of other partners, such as the United States (NASA Johnson Space Center), Russia (GCTC/Star City), Canada (Saint-Hubert) or Japan (Tsukuba).

The Medical Operations arm (the Space Medicine Office & Crew Medical Support) concentrates on providing health related support to the European astronauts and their families. Astronaut management supports and directs the careers and mission placements of the astronauts. Communication/PR, and Education take care of the respective public, media and outreach related activities.