Cosmic Kiss

The fascination of endless expanses: Astronaut Matthias Maurer has experienced it. In his autobiography, he recounts his spectacular mission to the ISS, his research, and what he has learned about space, Earth, and humanity. Only twelve Germans have ever left our planet, and Matthias Maurer is one of them. However, for the scientist, the journey into space is long and rocky. In 2009, he passes the rigorous selection process of the European Space Agency (ESA) and begins astronaut training in 2015. During this time, he travels across Europe, trains in China, Japan, Russia, Canada, and the USA to prepare for everything that can happen in space. In the fall of 2021, he finally launches on the "Cosmic Kiss" mission to the International Space Station. For almost six months, he lives and works aboard the ISS. He witnesses not only a satellite launch by Russia but also the outbreak of war in Ukraine from space. Hovering 400 kilometers above his homeland, he realizes how vulnerable Earth is. Separated only by a thin shell from the hostile vacuum, he learns what solidarity and teamwork mean. "And there it is at last, my first free, almost poetically touching view of this magically wonderful oasis amidst the darkest darkness of absolute nothingness. A realization that slightly frightens me: The Earth is glowing and vibrantly blue. The sky, on the other hand, is always black. Even during the day." Matthias Maurer. Matthias Maurer's autobiographical account of his journey to the stars and his life in orbit captivates with scientific details, thrilling stories from the life of an astronaut, and unbridled curiosity for exploration. The 600th person to ever leave Earth shares his gripping adventures from a personal perspective and explains in an understandable way how space travel works and what life is like in zero gravity.