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Aspiring astronaut Celene Meraz Benavente will enter a new phase of training next month when she visits Ottawa, Canada with the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences.

The third-year Federation University Australia physiotherapy student will undertake a week of research and training including parabolic flight - an airplane manoeuvre during which passengers experience simulated microgravity – similar to what is experienced in suborbital space flight.

A 2023 immersive training program in Florida saw Celene experience up-to five seconds of microgravity, along with hypoxic training to experience low oxygen levels, space suit simulation and mobility training.

This year’s trip will extend the microgravity experience to 20-30 seconds.

“The three-to-five seconds of microgravity was just phenomenal, so I’m excited to see how I adapt to this environment for much longer,” Celene said.

“Through the parabolic flight we are not only training our body to adapt to the environment, we’re also conducting experiments.

“I am especially interested in testing how balance is affected after this period of microgravity as we know that it happens to astronauts after suborbital missions.”

Celene said this research component of the training was a critical part of being a scientist astronaut candidate through the Scientist Astronaut Program that will prepare her to take part in future sub-orbital missions with Project PoSSUM (Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere).

“This training is the first step to begin research and receive a suborbital mission in the future. I’m just really excited and it’s pretty amazing to have Federation University behind me,” she said.

While in Canada, Celene will also have the opportunity to connect with three astronaut researchers preparing for their next suborbital mission in 2026.

“I am just very thankful to be a part of the incredible training opportunity with individuals who are training to go to space,” Celene said.

“The reason I’m here is reaching out to others and getting support from those who have actually done it and have advice for how to get there. Having that guidance has been incredible.”

Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley said the University was very excited for Celene as she embarked on the next phase of her astronaut training.

“We are incredibly proud of all that Celene has achieved so far and look forward to watching her take the next step in realising her dream of becoming an astronaut,” he said.