ESA CAVES course designer Loredana Bessone and the astronauts that took part in CAVES 2012 recount their experiences this year. From preparatory training and exploration through to mission reporting.

CAVES, an abbreviation of Cooperative Adventure for Valuing and Exercising human behaviour and performance Skills, prepares astronauts to work safely and effectively and solve problems as a multicultural team while exploring uncharted areas following space procedures.