Cottbus is experiencing great moments: ESA astronaut Ewald inspires students!

Cottbus is experiencing great moments: ESA astronaut Ewald inspires students!

Yesterday, on October 15, 2025, the public lecture series “Open BTU” started at the Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg. The focus was on a very special lecture by the German ESA astronaut Reinhold Ewald entitled “Space travel – For the Earth into space”. Ewald gave fascinating insights into his experiences in space travel, which included both the Mir space station and his life and work on the International Space Station (ISS). This exciting event was organized in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and marked the start of a discussion about the future of space travel and upcoming lunar missions.

A highlight of the lecture was an experiment by the DLR_School_Lab at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, which clearly explained weightlessness using a drop tower. This method lays the foundation for getting young people excited about science and astronomy and encouraging them to become active in these areas.

A look at Reinhold Ewald's career

Reinhold Ewald was born on December 18, 1956 in Mönchengladbach. He is married and has three children. His academic career is impressive: in 1977 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in physics from the University of Cologne, followed by a master's degree in experimental physics in 1983 and a doctorate, which he obtained in 1986 with a minor in human physiology. Ewald is also a member of various scientific societies, including the German Physical Society and the International Academy of Astronautics.

Ewald also had a remarkable career in the field of space management. After joining DLR in 1987, he became a member of the German astronaut team in 1990 and completed numerous training courses and missions. From 1997 to the present, he has been involved in various significant projects, including managing ISS operations and leading missions within the European Space Agency (ESA). His commitment was recognized with several awards, including the Federal Cross of Merit and the Russian Order of Friendship.

The importance of space travel for the future

Through his lecture, Ewald emphasized the crucial role that space travel plays in our future. He explained how scientific findings and technical developments in space research also apply on Earth. Ewald, who retired in 2018, remains a sought-after lecturer and actively promotes interest in space travel among youth.

In order to arouse the curiosity of the young generation, it is important not only to impart specialist knowledge, but also to show the fascination and possibilities of space travel. This lecture series will help more people develop an understanding of the importance of space travel and perhaps take the next step into this exciting world.

For more information about Reinhold Ewald and his impressive career, you can read more here: ESA. Information about the event can be found here: DLR.