European Space Agency on the hunt for new astronauts

The hunt Is on to find a new group of adventurous that will take to the stars as part of the next generation of European Space Agency (ESA) astronauts.  

This is the first time in 11 years that the pan-European agency has put the call out for new astronaut candidates, and they are ‘strongly encouraging’ women to apply. 

These recruits will work alongside the ESA’s existing astronauts as Europe enters a new era of space exploration – including possible future missions to the Moon.

Very few specific details about the recruitment drive, including how many are being recruited, have been announced – more details are expected next week.

The agency is strongly encouraging women to apply for a place on the new team, as it seeks to expand gender diversity in its ranks.

The vacancy runs from March 31 to May 28 and ESA will only consider applications submitted to its career website within those eight weeks.

After that, the six-stage selection process will start, which is expected to be completed in October 2022.

ESA director general Jan Wörner, said: ‘Thanks to a strong mandate from ESA member states at Space19+, our Ministerial Council in 2019, Europe is taking its place at the heart of space exploration.’

‘To go farther than we ever have before, we need to look wider than we ever have before,’ he added.

‘This recruitment process is the first step and I look forward to watching the agency develop across all areas of space exploration and innovation, with our international partners, in the years to come.’ 

The UK is a major contributor to the European Space Agency and remains a member of the non-EU agency.

British funded astronaut Tim Peake, who is involved in the recruitment drive, is expected to go back to the International Space Station on a future mission – and may even travel to the Moon later in the decade.

As the UK is still a member of ESA British applicants are able to apply for the chance to be part of the new group of astronauts.

As well as seeking to improve diversity within its ranks by encouraging more female astronaut candidates, Wörner says it is also examining how to get more people with disabilities into space – or at least involved in space travel. 

David Parker, ESA director of human and robotic exploration, said: ‘Representing all parts of our society is a concern that we take very seriously.

‘Diversity at ESA should not only address the origin, age, background or gender of our astronauts, but also perhaps physical disabilities.

‘To make this dream a reality, alongside the astronaut recruitment I am launching the Parastronaut Feasibility Project – an innovation whose time has come.’

Specific details of the requirements – and the full vacancy notice – have not been finalised by ESA yet, but they will work with the existing group.

There will be no upper age limit but according to the Telegraph, sources have suggested there could be an upper limit of about 50 – depending on health.

According to the ESA page ‘how to become an astronaut’ the process is ‘neither simple nor straightforward’ as there are no schools or university courses.

While there isn’t an undergraduate degree in ‘astronaut studies’, ESA says a ‘high level of education in scientific or technical disciplines’ is usually required. 

‘Astronauts need to be able to apply their considerable knowledge and skills to the tasks for which they have been trained,’ ESA wrote. 

‘Previous experience with aircraft operations is a bonus, particularly if it involved responsible tasks such as being a test pilot or flight engineer. 

‘The more skills and experience an applicant has the better, as this will increase their ability to undertake a variety of tasks.’ 

Applications for the role of ESA astronaut open on March 31 and close eight weeks later on May 28.