The first class of UK Space Agency astronaut candidates has officially completed its training, with all members of UKSA Group 1 awarded their astronaut wings.
The group completed four to five weeks of intensive training following a highly competitive application process.
Candidates underwent a demanding programme designed to prepare them for the responsibilities and challenges associated with human spaceflight.
The inaugural class brings together candidates from a range of professional backgrounds, including engineers, scientists and military pilots.
Following the completion of their training, members of UKSA Group 1 can now officially call themselves astronauts.
The awarding of the wings marks the completion of the group’s initial astronaut training and represents the first major milestone in their journey towards spaceflight.
From silver to gold
The newly awarded astronaut wings represent completion of the required training. However, the group will have another distinction to work towards.
Astronauts selected to travel to space will receive gold astronaut wings following their spaceflight.
A select number of members of UKSA Group 1 are expected to be chosen for CM-2, with the identities of those selected yet to be announced.
For the members of the inaugural class, the award marks the culmination of weeks of demanding preparation and the beginning of the next stage of their careers.
UKSA Group 1 has now earned its wings. The next destination could be space.