On Alexander Gerst’s mission to the ISS in 2014:

TR: He’s a volcanologist; the new astros all have a variety of backgrounds but are all capable of performing on board science. Alex is not with us today, as he’s in training for his mission. I hope each ESA astro can get an EVA, as well. EVAs are important for practising techniques and technology for future missions, post-2020.

RD: Post 2020, the leading 15 or so space agencies are now identifying plans on where to go – the Moon, asteroids or what. The budgets are problems; Europe has stated its firm plan to fund ISS operations until 2020, but we need a new ‘Kennedy’ – but he can be any nationality – to provide a vision that people can support.