One of my friends knows a guy who works with the European Space Agency here in Cologne, Germany. One thing led to another, and we were offered a tour of the facility.

Around 15 or so people were interested in coming, and it turned into quite the proper tour. We all got in cars (the facility isn’t very public-transportation accessible), and made our way there. Casey then led us through the facility, showing us the very things that astronauts train with and are assisted with.

Model of the International Space Station

The Space Shuttle

Where the ground crew monitors ESA astronauts when they are in space

Weightless training pool

Some mock-ups of the ISS modules

Acting weightless

The Cupola, which affords a breathtaking view of home

The sleeping quarters

The cockpit of the Soyuz capsule – it was tight

We didn’t get to see any astronauts as they weren’t training, but seeing the facility was still cool. I have since watched quite a few videos about the space station, and it’s crazy to imagine training for such a trip. I would theoretically love to go to space, but I am not sure if I have what it takes to actually be an astronaut.