Alexander Gerst to command ISS on upcoming mission

Alexander Gerst will command the International Space Station on an upcoming mission. He is a German astronaut and geophysicist who previously flew to the ISS in 2014 and returned to space on 6 June 2018 as part of Expedition 56/57. His prior experience includes serving on Expedition 40 and 41 from May to November 2014, and he was selected for space training in 2009. This will be the first time a German astronaut leads the station’s operations, marking a milestone for European participation in ISS leadership.

Command appointment and mission overview

Alexander Gerst will command the International Space Station during Expedition 69, marking his second term as ISS commander. He previously led Expedition 56/57 in 2018 and served as a crew member on Expedition 40/41 in 2014. Selected for space training in 2009, Gerst is a German geophysicist and vulcanologist with extensive ISS experience. His upcoming mission continues Germany’s contributions to space research and strengthens international collaboration on the orbiting laboratory. The crew will conduct scientific experiments and maintenance tasks, building on lessons from past missions. Gerst’s leadership reflects Germany’s growing role in space exploration.

Previous ISS experience and training

Alexander Gerst was selected in 2009 to take part in space training. He previously participated in Expedition 40 and 41 from May to November 2014. During that mission he spent 197 days in space and returned safely to Earth on 20 December 2018, according to reports. His prior flight provided experience with ISS systems, scientific experiments and long‑duration living in microgravity.

Alexander Gerst was selected in 2009 to take part in space training. He previously participated in Expedition 40 and 41 from May to November 2014. During that mission he spent 197 days in space and returned safely to Earth on 20 December 2018, according to reports. His prior flight provided experience with ISS systems, scientific experiments and long‑duration living in microgravity. He arrived at the International Space Station on 6 June 2018 at 13:12 CEST. He returned to space on 6 June 2018 as part of Expedition 56/57. He was involved in repairing a tiny hole in the International Space Station with his finger. He performed a spacewalk while attached to a robotic arm. He played a virtual synthesizer from space during a special performance.

Upcoming mission details and significance

Gerst will command the ISS on an upcoming mission that launches to the station on 6 June 2018 at 13:12 CEST. He joins a Russian cosmonaut and two crewmates, one from the United States and one from Germany, aboard a Soyuz spacecraft that will return to Earth in Kazakhstan. The mission marks Gerst’s second command of the orbital laboratory and underscores Germany’s expanding role in ISS operations. His leadership comes after earlier ISS stays in 2014 and 2018, including a 197‑day flight that ended on 20 December 2018. This assignment reflects the growing collaboration among German, European and international partners in maintaining and advancing the station’s scientific agenda.

Historical context and future implications

Alexander Gerst will command the International Space Station on an upcoming mission, becoming the first German to hold the position. This appointment builds on his prior involvement with the orbital laboratory, beginning with his 2018 flight and continuing Germany’s long standing role in international space cooperation. His background as a geophysicist and vulcanologist, combined with experience on Expeditions 40 and 41 and a second mission from 2018 to 2019, provides a foundation for leadership in scientific research and operational oversight. The mission underscores the enduring partnership between European space agencies and their global partners, highlighting Germany’s contribution to collaborative efforts in space exploration and the advancement of research conducted aboard the ISS.

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