Axiom Space, which previously sent Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station, has launched a new initiative called Project Astronaut. The program’s first participant is Portuguese physiologist Emiliano Ventura. The announcement was made at the 2025 International Astronautical Congress in Sydney.
Project Astronaut is a pilot program that combines human performance science with astronaut training. It tests a rigorous six-month protocol designed around Ventura’s expertise in elite athlete performance and space physiology. Unlike traditional training, which focuses mainly on mission skills, this program integrates human optimisation strategies to enhance readiness for spaceflight.
The goal is to better understand how the human body adapts to microgravity and improve preparation for professional and commercial space missions. Ventura’s training includes reduced gravity flights, centrifuge runs, altitude chamber tests, expeditionary field exercises, outdoor leadership development, high-performance jet flights, underwater escape training, payload operations, biomedical evaluations, and spacesuit handling. By merging performance testing with standard astronaut training, the program aims to generate new insights into physiological responses before, during, and after missions.
Ventura has extensive experience in human performance in extreme environments and has previously supported astronauts in preparing for and recovering from missions on the International Space Station. With two decades of training elite athletes, he now applies his expertise to spaceflight to make missions safer and more sustainable for the human body.
“I am honoured to participate in Axiom’s first Project Astronaut initiative,” Ventura said. “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.”
Axiom Space’s Chief Astronaut, Michael Lopez-Alegria, highlighted that Project Astronaut reflects the company’s commitment to continuous improvement in astronaut training. Veteran astronauts Peggy Whitson, Koichi Wakata, and Lopez-Alegria will guide Ventura throughout the training, combining traditional spaceflight experience with innovative research methodologies.
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