In 1989, ESA's Council adopted the Resolution on the European Astronauts Policy, to set up a single European astronauts corps for ESA activities and programmes. The goal was to use European resources efficiently, by developing criteria and procedures for the selection, recruitment, training and flight assignment of European astronauts. To implement this policy, the European Astronauts Centre (EAC) was established in May 1990, near Cologne - the second ESA establishment on German soil. The first group of astronauts was recruited in 1992.

This publication highlights some results and illustrates how the EAC is preparing to support future Space Station activities.