Post by Anika Mehlis

What an amazing experience! Almost eight years after my own selection as an Analog Astronaut by the Österreichisches Weltraum Forum (ÖWF) #classof2019 I was part of the Human Factors team selecting the next class. Bringing together our combined experience in field missions, leadership, human resources, team dynamics, communication, technical skills, psychology and many other fields was such a joy! It was no easy feat deciding who of the 12 truly amazing, very different candidates already selected out of more than 100 applicants from all European Space Agency - ESA member states we are going to train as our new collegues in the AA corps. Seing them come together, taking on the challenges we set them individually and in teams, from interviews to technical puzzles and team tasks in the wilderness to in depth medical checks was so impressive. I loved watching the different personalities and how they influenced each other and combined for task solving. I equally enjoyed talking to them more in depth during our interviews and wished I had more time to go even deeper. My inner therapist had an absolute field day and I also learned a lot about myself. Also, comparing this with my own selection and the European Space Agency - ESA selection I also took part in brought back many memories and also new perspectives on those situations. Great views, spring in the mountains, nights out with amazing people, deep conversations, team spirit and, in the end, a decision for six people that I‘m sure will do absolutely great capped of an exhausting yet amazing weekend. Shout out to Robert Wild Colleen W. Alexandra de Carvalho Leonie Hahn Stephanie Rueß Gernot Groemer Reinhard Tlustos and all the others! #humanfactor #spaceresearch #teamspirit #austriainspring