Arthur Rock

German astronaut and aquanaut

Josef Schmid is a German physician and astronaut who has participated in various space missions and underwater expeditions. He is known for his work with the European Space Agency (ESA) and his contributions to space medicine.

Early life and education

Josef Schmid was born in Munich, Germany. He pursued a career in medicine, earning his medical degree from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Schmid specialized in aerospace medicine, a field that focuses on the health and well-being of astronauts.

Career

Medical career

After completing his medical education, Schmid worked in various hospitals in Germany, gaining experience in internal medicine and emergency medicine. His interest in space led him to join the European Space Agency as a flight surgeon, where he was responsible for the health of astronauts before, during, and after their missions.

Astronaut training

Schmid was selected for astronaut training by the ESA, where he underwent rigorous training in various disciplines, including extravehicular activity (EVA), robotics, and survival training. His training prepared him for potential missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and other space endeavors.

Aquanaut missions

In addition to his work in space, Schmid has participated in underwater missions as an aquanaut. He was part of the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) project, which involves living and working in an underwater habitat to simulate the conditions of space missions. These missions help astronauts prepare for the challenges of long-duration spaceflight.

Contributions to space medicine

Schmid has made significant contributions to the field of space medicine, focusing on the physiological and psychological effects of space travel on the human body. His research has helped improve the safety and effectiveness of space missions, ensuring that astronauts remain healthy during their time in space.

Personal life

Josef Schmid is married and has children. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and scuba diving, which complement his professional interests in space and underwater exploration.

Related pages

• European Space Agency
• NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations
• International Space Station
• Aerospace medicine

Gallery

• 
  Josef Schmid during an extravehicular activity (EVA)