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IAC, SYDNEY, September 30, 2025 — Today, at the 2025 International Astronautical Congress, �ڰ�������, a global leader in commercial human spaceflight and space infrastructure, announced Emiliano Ventura as its first-ever “Project Astronaut.”  

Emiliano, a Portuguese physiologist, has developed a unique relationship with �ڰ�������, having supported several crewmembers as their physiologist both before and immediately after their missions aboard the International Space Station. He now seeks to apply his expertise in optimizing human performance, honed through years of working with elite athletes, to a new “pilot program” aimed at testing a rigorous six-month astronaut training protocol. His goal is to participate in a future mission and explore, with scientific depth and curiosity, how the human body adapts to microgravity, contributing fresh insights to the current body of research in space physiology.

The training plan, tailored to Emiliano’s performance research, includes reduced gravity (parabolic flight), centrifuge, altitude chamber, expeditionary skills, outdoor leadership, high-performance jet aircraft, underwater helicopter escape, cargo/payloads, biomedical, and spacesuit operations training.

“I am honored to participate in �ڰ�������’s first Project Astronaut initiative, combining my expertise in human performance with astronaut training,” said Emiliano. “This program not only advances scientific research but also inspires the people of Portugal and the global community to engage with the future of space exploration. Together with �ڰ�������’s unparalleled resources and flight heritage, we aim to set new standards in preparing astronauts for the challenges of commercial human spaceflight.”

The program is designed to combine human performance research with operational training to contribute to future astronaut training programs. Supported by �ڰ�������’s expertise and infrastructure, Emiliano will conduct research focused on physiological responses relevant to the context of microgravity, specifically in the physically demanding portion of preflight training, as well as the consequences and impact of the entire process. This ensures that the Project Astronaut contributes meaningfully to the scientific community and advances human knowledge as it relates to preparation for commercial human spaceflight.

“Project Astronaut embodies �ڰ�������’s dedication to mission readiness and continuous improvement,” said Michael Lopez-Alegria, �ڰ������� Chief Astronaut. “Emiliano is the perfect candidate to lead this pilot program given his unique combination of expertise in human performance and extensive experience training previous crewmembers. By integrating his research into our training programs, we are enhancing our future astronaut corps’ capabilities both on the ground and in space. Astronauts Peggy Whitson, Koichi Wakata, and I will train alongside Emiliano every step of the way, with at least one of us participating in each training event. This initiative strengthens our commitment to enabling safe, effective, and inspiring commercial space missions while supporting scientific objectives worldwide.”

With this program, �ڰ������� reinforces its role as the trusted enabler of commercial spaceflight missions within the global space community. Project Astronaut strengthens its recognition among governments, space agencies, researchers, and industry, highlighting the company’s capability to not only support astronaut training and elevate international space programs but to offer opportunities to individuals fulfilling scientific goals both on Earth and off-planet.