ESA LOOKING FOR A FUTURE ASTRONAUT
For the first time since 2008, the European Space Agency (ESA) is seeking new astronauts. Here is all you need to know about the selection competition.
News
16.02.2021 Press release
09.02.2021 Call for media
31.03.2021 Applications Open
25.05.2021 Extended deadline
19.01.2022 Astronaut selection: stage one complete
11.02.2022 16 candidates from Romania move to next phase of ESA's astronaut selection
11.07.2022 ESA astronaut selection in the final stages
Romanian Space Agency Facebook Page
Use: #YourWayToSpace #ESARecruits
About the selection and astronauts
Who can apply?
ESA is seeking candidates with a Master’s degree (or higher) and a minimum of three years’ experience in: Natural Sciences / Medicine / Engineering / Mathematics / Computer Sciences.
ESA is also issuing a special call for candidates with physical disabilities to apply to its astronaut reserve.
Link: FAQ — Requirements and eligibility criteria
When to apply
Applications are open from 31 March 2021 until 18 June 2021 (extended). Candidates can submit a complete application online through the ESA careers website.
When you apply to this vacancy, you will be required to upload a medical certificate for private airplane pilots (aeromedical certificate class 2 for Europe or equivalent). You can receive such a certificate from INMAS (Institutul Național de Medicină Aeronautică și Spațială General Doctor Aviator Victor Anastasiu). In addition, a list of aeromedical centres and aeromedical examiners authorised by Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority can be accessed via the AACR website here (PDF download).
The final announcement will be made in October 2022.
Link: Selection calendar
What do astronauts do?
In Space
From breakfast to experiments, from spacewalks to houskeeping, this is how the day of an astronaut looks like:
On Earth
While not in space, astronauts are involved in office work, training, outreach and public relations and may other activities
Link: ESA Careers
How do astronauts train?
Astronaut training is constantly evolving. However, there are three key phases for European astronauts.
- Basic training: One year, at European Astronaut Centre
- Pre-assignment training: at all partner sites
- Increment training: Around two years,in preparation for the assigned mission
Link: FAQs: training facilities and projects
What will be the next space missions?
ESA’s Human and Robotic Exploration programme will see astronauts and robots explore low Earth orbit on the International Space Station, the Moon and Mars.
Link: FAQs: ESA’s planned space missions
Where do astronauts live in space?
International Space Station
The International Space Station is an example of broad cooperation, uniting Europe, USA, Russia, Japan and Canada in one of the largest partnerships in the history of science.
Gateway
The lunar Gateway will be assembled and operated in a highly elliptical orbit around the Moon.
Orion European Service Module
Orion is a NASA spacecraft set for missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
What rockets will transport astronauts?
These are the rockets that ESA astronauts could be launched on.
Where can you find more details?
Link: YourWayToSpace Website
Ready? Apply!
Link: ESA Careers