Alexander Gerst, the renowned German ESA astronaut, geophysicist, and volcanologist, has captivated the public with his groundbreaking missions to the International Space Station (ISS). While much of his life is dedicated to scientific exploration and public outreach, his romantic history has largely remained a private affair, with one notable exception: his long-term relationship with fellow space enthusiast Laura Winterling. Gerst has consistently maintained a discreet stance on his personal life, preferring to keep his relationships out of the intense glare of public scrutiny.
His most significant and publicly acknowledged relationship was with Laura Winterling, a physicist and astronaut trainer. Their paths reportedly crossed at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, where Gerst underwent his rigorous astronaut training between September 2009 and November 2010. Winterling, who also harbored aspirations of space travel and later became a prominent speaker on space-related topics, was one of his trainers. This shared professional environment and passion for space exploration formed the foundation of their connection.
Their relationship blossomed during Gerst's preparation for his first mission to the ISS, the "Blue Dot" mission in 2014. Media reports from that period often referred to Winterling as his girlfriend or life partner (Lebensgefährtin). They made several public appearances together, including official welcome ceremonies upon his return from space. For instance, in January 2015, Winterling was present at the presidential palace in Berlin when Gerst was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit, publicly signifying her role in his life.
The couple maintained a relatively low profile, with Gerst rarely discussing the specifics of their relationship in interviews. However, the public nature of their professional roles within the space community meant their partnership was known and acknowledged. Reports indicated they were a couple for several years, supporting each other through the demanding schedules and unique challenges associated with a career in space exploration. Laura Winterling, as a former astronaut instructor, possessed a deep understanding of the pressures and commitments inherent in Gerst's profession.
While the exact timeline and reasons for their separation have not been publicly detailed by either party, reports from German media outlets, such as echo24.de, later indicated a breakup between Gerst and Winterling. Following this, Alexander Gerst adopted an even more private approach to his romantic life. Sources suggest that since their separation, he has been particularly reserved about his relationship status, choosing not to disclose whether he is currently dating or in a new relationship.
As of recent reports, Alexander Gerst is widely believed to be single, or at least maintains an extremely private stance on any current romantic involvements. He has no publicly confirmed children. This preference for privacy aligns with his overall demeanor, focusing his public persona on his professional achievements and his advocacy for Earth and space exploration. His romantic journey, while not extensively documented, reflects a personal life largely shielded from the public eye, with the significant exception of his shared journey with Laura Winterling, a relationship forged in the unique world of astronaut training and space science.