Like Apollo before them, ESA astronauts hone lunar landing skills in helicopters

European Space Agency astronauts completed helicopter training to prepare for future lunar missions, mirroring Apollo-era training methods. Four astronauts underwent one week of simulator instruction followed by two weeks flying Airbus EC135 helicopters, developing skills for vertical landings and navigating visual illusions from stark shadows and mono-colored terrain. This introductory course prepares them for advanced NASA training required for Artemis lunar landing missions.