In Photos: Astronauts from China and Europe Take Sea Survival Challenge

On Aug. 14, 2017, European Space Agency (ESA) astronauts Samantha Crisoforetti and Matthias Maurer trained with their counterparts with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) in Yantai, China. For the first time, non-Chinese astronauts participated in this sea survival training. See photos of how this first-of-its-kind joint space exercise here.

Chinese astronauts returning from space must be prepared for a water landing. In a first, ESA astronauts join a CNSA training for sea survival.

ESA astronauts Samantha Cristoforetti and Matthias Maurer, with an ESA flight surgeon and training specialist, participate in a briefing during the sea survival training to learn about cultural differences and approaches.

ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti wears a Chinese flightsuit. During the “superbly planned and conducted” training, Cristoforetti had the opportunity to “practice capsule egress in the ocean with decent waves.”

Part of the sea survival training included the group wearing pressure suits inside a Shenzhou spacecraft mock-up that was dropped into the ocean.

ESA’s Matthias Maurer climbs from the Shenzhou capsule. Before jumping into the inflatable boat, Maurer changed into a insulation and buoyancy suit.

During the training, Maurer jumped from the capsule into the ocean as a Chinese astronaut waited in the inflatable boat.

Another part of the sea survival training included practicing rescue procedures with a ship and a helicopter.

A helicopter raises sea survival participants out of the ocean.

ESA’s Samantha Cristoforetti jumped from the Shenzhuo capsule during the sea survival training.

ESA’s Cristoforetti took part in the CNSA’s sea survival training with Chinese colleagues in Yantai, China.

As the team is lifted onto a ship during the Aug. 18, 2017 training, ESA’s Matthias Maurer is in good spirits.

During the sea survival training, the Shenzhou capsule mock-up is raised back onto the ship by a crain. The two ESA astronauts joined 16 Chinese astronauts for the nine day event.

On Aug. 15, 2017, ESA’s Cristoforetti prepares for sea survival training atop the Shenzhou capsule mock-up.

ESA’s Maurer and his Chinese counterparts pose for photos during a nine day sea survival training off the coastal city of Yantai, China.