The European Space Agency (ESA) announced this week that it will be looking for a candidate with a physical disability as one of the new astronauts selected during the 2021-2022 recruitment cycle.
“We all see people with different disabilities or say people with different abilities taking place in society: in politics, on our TV screens. We have all been amazed at the Paralympics, “said David Parker, Director of Human and Robotic Research at ESA. “We already have people working at ESA who have disabilities, and we need more of them to join us.”
Who should apply
In addition to the other requirements for astronaut applicants, Parker further specified what ESA is looking for in parastronaut candidates: “We are looking for someone with a psychological, conscientious, technical and professional qualification to be an astronaut, but having certain classes of physical restraint would normally prevent them from being selected through the requirements we normally have. ”
According to the ESA website, the classes of physical restraint include physical disabilities that affect the legs or feet of a person or individuals affected by dwarfism.
Potential is relative
British astronaut Timothy Peake pointed out that when dealing with weight loss, there are many things one can do without using their lower limbs.
“Really, it’s about ability. It’s not about disability,” Peake said.
Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti was like Peake’s feelings.
“We didn’t grow up going into space. So when it comes to space travel, we’re all disabled,” she said. “Ultimately, it’s just a matter of whether we want to invest in technology, in the necessary changes of space hardware that make it possible?”
Lots to learn
Parker explained that the space agency has been looking at the barriers for people with physical disabilities in space as part of their Parastronaut Capability Project. They plan to explore the technical and operational feasibility of making space flight for a parastronaut possible.
“Now, this capability raises many, many questions, and most of them don’t have answers yet,” Parker said. “Nevertheless, we believe that if we do not get the questions, we will not find the answers. And this is a true testimonial.”
ESA says it cannot guarantee a space flight for the chosen parastronaut, but that the organization promises to “try as hard and as hard as we can”. They made the point that a top priority for any mission is that it is safe for the astronauts.
In developing the program, ESA looked to the Paralympic Games for inspiration.
“We can only congratulate the ESA on these measures to increase the diversity of astronauts going into space,” Craig Spence of the International Paralympic Committee told DW. made to be achieved for the first time, and I think it sends out a strong inclusion message for a disabled person to be in space for the first time. “
New boundaries
The news was met with enthusiasm on social media and praise from disability rights advocates.
Kate Nash, CEO and founder of the group Purple Space, said it was a point of tension.
“We have always known that we are on a journey to develop inclusive workplace practices when it comes to building an inclusive world for employees with disabilities,” Nash told DW. there’s something just electronic about traveling into space. “
She hopes this move by ESA will show other employers that any work with a person with a disability can be done.
“It’s about recognizing the diversity of the disability experience,” Nash said.
ESA ‘s application period for parastronauts and other astronaut positions opens March 31st.