Emiliano Ventura undergoing astronaut training as part of Axiom Space’s Project Astronaut program (Photo: X | @SpaceflightNow)
The Axiom Space is the company responsible for sending Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station. The company introduced an initiative called Project Astronaut which is a pioneering project and this was announced at the 2025 International Astronautical Congress in Sydney and the program intends to combine human performance science and astronaut training to set a new standard for commercial spaceflight.
The Portuguese physiologist Emiliano Ventura has been identified as the first participant of this unique collaboration between space exploration and physiological research.
Project Astronaut is a pilot program designed to implement effective 6-month training for wannabe astronauts. The classic astronaut training which usually focuses on mission operations, and this initiative incorporates sophisticated human performance strategies across every aspect of preparation. Participants undergo a combination of standard spaceflight exercises and elite athlete performance techniques to study how the human body adapts to microgravity.
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The options available in the program include reduced gravity flights centrifuge simulations, altitude chamber tests, field exercises, escape training underwater, high-performance jet flights, payload handling, biomedical assessments and spacesuit operations. By combining performance optimization with conventional space training, Project Astronaut is expected to generate valuable insights into physiological responses before, during and after missions.
The primary focus of Project Astronaut is to educate astronauts in preparation through fitness enhancement and integrating physical optimization into astronaut training. The goal of the initiative is to quantify the effects of a space environment on the human body and also to refine the protocols that enhance performance, resilience and recovery. The results are to build a bridge between commercial spaceflight and scientific research by providing data that can contribute to future missions into orbit, to the Moon or even Mars.
Emiliano Ventura took his first steps into and within the human performance field almost 20 years ago. He is an international expert who has trained elite athletes and designed physical recovery and resilience programs for astronauts. Just as he does argentism, ventura applies his greater learning and expertise across astronautics. "This isn't only about scientific research but also inspiration to connect with what is tomorrow's space exploration by many people in Portugal and around the world," said Ventura.
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Project Astronaut heralds the transition of astronaut training from readiness for operations to one based on performance science. For the program, veteran astronauts such as Peggy Whitson, Koichi Wakata and Michael Lopez-Alegria will work with Ventura through traditional space experience and innovative research methodologies. It reflects how commercial initiatives can contribute to global spaceflight knowledge while expanding opportunities beyond government led missions.
He will go for the rigorous training that could make the body fit for space conditions and joining the strongest body with the strongest bodily performance. His journey demonstrates how science can potentially change the way safety, endurance and performance will be ensured, setting a precedent for the astronaut candidates of tomorrow to be inspired worldwide.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only verify all details of Project Astronaut and Emiliano Ventura’s training via official Axiom Space sources.
