Training of Science Astronauts

For the national manned space projects, the German Aerospace Research Establishment is in charge of the selection and training of science astronauts. This was the case for the First Spacelab Mission (SL-1), as well as for the First German Spacelab Mission (D-1) in 1985. Presently, the Astronauts are in training for the Second German Spacelab Mission (D-2) and the flight to the Space Station of the USSR in 1992. The training of the DLR shall ensure the optimal preparation of the astronauts for different mission scenarios. Onboard Spacelab D-2, for instance, the astronauts have to operate some 90 different experiments. On the flight to the Space Station MIR, astronauts have to perform flight duties as fully-responsible members of the crew. It is the task of the astronauts to support the flight, monitor and perform experiments and be prepared for any off-nominal situations which may arise. The training program, implemented by DLR, NASA and Star City, places emphasis on : -) scientific training covering the scientific objectives of D-2 and MIR 92 (Payload Flight Operations training); -) training to live and work onboard STS or Soyuz-MIR (Mission Independent training); -) flight training, including manual rendezvous and docking maneuvers (Soyuz TM training) and -) all aspects concerning adaptation of the human body to the conditions of spaceflight (Astronaut Capability training). Training content, responsibilities and locations will be presented in further detail. Aspects of training management, implementation and verification of training will be discussed.