Gerst Reflects on His Initial Assignment

Recalling His Initial Mission: Gerst's Perspective

Alexander Gerst, also known as "Astro-Alex," became a part of space travel history in 2014. His photos and videos from space allowed people on Earth to experience his mission. During an interview ten years later, Gerst, a European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, discussed his aspirations, dreams, and the loneliness of being an astronaut.

The moment Gerst climbed the steps to board the rocket, he felt a sense of loneliness. "It's a significant moment, and while everyone else is excited, you remain in a somewhat peaceful state," he recalls. "Anyone who boards a rocket must be at peace with themselves because they recognize the possibility of never returning."

Five years ago, on May 28, 2014, Gerst journeyed into space for the first time with a breathtaking night launch from the renowned Baikonur Cosmodrome and as the 11th German. The following morning, Gerst went to work, much like many Germans — but 400 kilometers above Earth, on the International Space Station (ISS). As "Astro-Alex," he allowed experts and non-experts to become involved in his mission. "I had given up a lot and risked it all to achieve this dream. And then, suddenly, I was in space. A weight is lifted from your shoulders in that moment."

A native of Baden-Wuerttemberg in Kuenzelsau, Gerst spent 165 days in space and returned for another voyage to the ISS in 2018, again from Baikonur and aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. Tensions were strained at the time due to Russia's annexation of Crimea, and the ongoing war in Ukraine has further limited cooperation. Gerst laments this loss. "With every war, there are devastating consequences. Space travel is not immune to these effects."

ESA's former space director Jan Woerner was hesitant about sending Gerst to Baikonur just after the annexation of Crimea. "I wasn't sure if it was a wise choice." However, upon arrival in Baikonur, Woerner observed positive relationships between Gerst and his Russian and American companions. "When Alex boarded the rocket, I felt a slight sense of responsibility. I said 'Tschuess' - only to immediately regret it and replace it with 'Auf Wiedersehen'," Woerner shared.

No German has spent as much time in orbit as Gerst, who finished two missions totaling 363 days in space. Additionally, he participated in an extravehicular space activity. Experts view this as making Gerst a potential candidate for a lunar mission. "His clean-shaven head has him in the running, in my opinion, for the Moon," say experts. The 48-year-old considers opportunities for an ESA astronaut or an astronaut taking part in the planned US Moon mission "Artemis." In this project, four astronauts will fly to the Moon, with two staying in its orbit and the other two landing on the lunar surface, the first time since 1972.

A European astronaut or astronaut on the Moon?

Gerst stated that an ESA astronaut will be included in "Artemis 4" and "Artemis 5," according to ESA's director general Josef Aschbacher. "It's still not definitive whether this person will be one of the two who not only travel to the Moon but also land on it."

As of now, there are six active astronauts with space experience at the ESA, states Gerst. "I suspect none of us would turn down this opportunity." But what would be the purpose of being there? "The Moon is like a massive history book about the Earth's past," says Gerst. "I predict there will be several research stations on the Moon that will peacefully conduct science, similar to the permanent stations in Antarctica. These stations provide critical data for understanding climate change."

The Moon may also serve as a stepping stone for a possible Mars mission. "As inhabitants of Earth, we are an island people in space. We're curious and want to understand what lies beyond us," explains Gerst. "Space travel will reveal things we can't even imagine yet."

Six decades after the first manned space flight in 1961, human beings are just beginning to discover the depths of space travel. "We're in the second generation to look back at Earth from an outside perspective," says Gerst. "We're still at the very start of space exploration development."

Returning to Baikonur, the first manned space flight in 1961 was made by the Russian Yuri Gagarin. "We still board the same stairs that Gagarin climbed. It's a journey upwards, and no astronaut has ever returned by descending these steps."

Ten years ago, Gerst experienced the thrill of sitting in a capsule for the first time and going through all the potential challenges. He wondered if he could handle it and what he should do if he couldn't. He also contemplated things he had to experience before the launch. Gerst recalls the slogan 'Courage for the leap,' which may work well for an exam, but not for a space flight. He chuckles as he reflects on the thought.