Did you dream of going into space as a child? Well, maybe your chance has just arrived. Starting on March 31, the European Space Agency (ESA) will be accepting applications for new astronauts for the first time in more than a decade.
“It’s time to look for new astronauts, and I’m sure we’ll find the best ones,” ESA Director General Jan Wörner said at a news conference announcing the hiring campaign.
For hopes from ESA member states that apply, there is a six-stage, 18-month waiting process, which should go up by October 2022.
26 lucky soul
ESA is looking for four to six career astronauts to join their team. They also employ 20 reserved astronauts.
“This is something that is completely new to us,” said David Parker, Director of Human and Robotic Research at ESA.
The reserve astronauts work in the same way as conserving members of the army – only when a special mission or project is called for.
“Such a mission is a kind of one-time, one-time limited, so if someone enters the astronaut reserve, the electorate will stay with their current employer,” Parker explained. “However, they may be employed by ESA as astronauts on a temporary contract linked to this particular mission. “
Who do they have in mind?
A key focus for ESA is diversifying its astronaut workforce.
“Diversity is not a burden for us. Diversity is an asset to us,” Wörner said. “We would particularly encourage women to apply because it’s very exciting and supportive, if we have mixed teams with different people from different backgrounds, with different genders. “
Wörner also welcomed candidates regardless of gender, race, religion and age.
There was strong pressure in the last application round to hire pilots, which will not be the case this time, explained Lucy van der Tas, Head of Talent Building at ESA. ESA hopes this will open the door to more women.
Since its inception in 1975, ESA has had only two female astronauts – Claudie Haignere and Samantha Cristoforetti. Of the 560 people who have ever gone into space, only 65 have been women and 51 of them are Americans, according to the Associated Press.
In addition to encouraging more women to apply, the other big piece of news was that ESA will choose an astronaut with physical disabilities as an asylum seeker or parastronaut.
Applicants with lower limb deficiencies, leg length differences or with a short stature (<130 cm) will be considered for the ESA parastronaut program
Some of the selected members may come from member states that have not yet seen a citizen in space: Estonia, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway and Portugal.
Don’t take it
While ESA is looking for diverse applicants, there are specific requirements that they must meet.
To be considered, candidates must have a master’s degree in medicine, natural sciences, engineering, mathematics or computer sciences. A master’s degree will be accepted as an experimental test pilot or test engineer. A Ph.D. or second master’s degree is not required, but it won’t hurt either. Applicants must have at least three years’ postgraduate professional experience, speak English fluently and have a good knowledge of a second language. A medical certificate from an airline physician is also on the application’s checklist.
In addition to a person’s CV, being an astronaut requires the ability to stay calm under pressure and be highly motivated.
“This is a process that greatly values the whole person,” said Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, confirming that it’s all about personality as well. She encourages people to apply as long as they meet the minimum requirements.
To be elected
For the selection process?
“It’s a long process. It’s definitely very heavy. And we have to be honest: We’re expecting, and we’re hoping thousands of people will apply and we’re just ‘s going to pick a handful. So the chances of success are slim, “Cristoforetti said. “But I think it’s a good opportunity, whether you get elected at the end or not. It’s an amazing journey. I think it’s going to be an opportunity learn a lot about yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, how to perform in a process like this. “
This is not just about technical skills, astronauts need the right personality too
The last time ESA hired new astronauts in 2008-09, they saw more than 8,000 people apply. British astronaut Timothy Peake said that about 11% of people made it to the first round of that process (remember, there are six rounds).
“The Astronaut selection is very competitive and focuses on the image of a particular candidate,” van der Tas said. “I would also like to say that there are other exciting opportunities to work at ESA.”
Other Duties as Assigned
So let ‘s say you make it through those six grim rounds and get selected to become an ESA astronaut – what awaits you on the other side?
The list of job responsibilities includes: participation in microgravity simulations, flight activity, intensive training, physical exercise, working with an intercultural and interdisciplinary team (so communication skills are definitely tough in order), as well as frequent travel, irregular hours and being away from home.
Taking part in live science experiments is part of being an astronaut
“Astronauts need to be willing and motivated to participate as test subjects in life science and other scientific experiments,” said Jennifer Ngo-Anh, ESA Team Leader for Human and Robotic Research. In addition to being a human guinea pig, successful candidates must be attractive and inspirational ambassadors. “They should be passionate about sharing their knowledge of ESA and space exploration and engaging with a wide audience, especially the younger generation.”
And the perks?
The astronauts selected in this application process are unlikely to explode into orbit until 2025 or later, which requires extensive training first.
As soon as the new class of career and asylum astronauts is ready, their first missions go to the International Space Station, followed by potential opportunities to go to the moon and then hopefully the lunar gate, fly farther from Earth than anyone ever has.
“It’s a long journey, but it’s very exciting, it’s life-changing,” said Peake from being an astronaut. “I’m really happy for anyone who enters the this new selection process. “
If this sounds like the gig to you, the application period will be open March 31 through May 28th.
