Training astronauts for scientific exploration on planetary surfaces: The ESA PANGAEA programme

Future human missions to the Moon and Mars will require astronauts perform science-focused surface exploration in complex geological environments. However, scientific expertise required for these activities is uncommon astronaut corps. PANGAEA (Planetary ANalogue Geological Astrobiological Exercise Astronauts) a field training course designed by European Space Agency (ESA) that addresses topics of astrobiological planetary exploration. The intends impart essential basic theoretical practical knowledge geology astrobiology, order prepare advanced mission specific training. Significant focus given skills areas relevant future missions, such as decision-making, working with remotely located science team, efficient documentation. For this reason, although portions are taught classrooms, developing independent analogue environments key part Classroom lessons tightly interwoven structure time separation often only hours between being introduced concept classroom seeing it field. forms pre-assignment open trainees from all other agencies. has been running since 2016, participants including ESA NASA astronauts, Roscosmos cosmonauts, well designers, operations personnel engineers. primary sites selected Permo-Triassic sedimentary sequences Italian Dolomites, impact lithologies Ries Crater, Germany, comprehensive suite volcanic deposits Lanzarote, Spain, anorthosite outcrops Lofoten, Norway. Each used base deliver main learning sessions, respectively: 1) Earth geology, rock recognition sedimentology on Mars, 2) Lunar cratering, 3) volcanism Earth, Moon, astrobiology 4) intrusive rocks lunar primordial crustal evolution. four sessions increase trainee autonomy guided or autonomously executed traverses practicing sampling techniques. Whilst PANGAEA's training, where appropriate complementary technologies developed tested during traverses. This provides an opportunity evaluate performance new equipment software environments, whilst also providing experience using technology might support missions.