ESA: Applications for new astronaut jobs are open and all candidates are encouraged to send their CVs to be considered for employment.
The vacancies for “ Astronaut ” and “ Astronaut (with physical disability) ” have been posted on jobs.esa.int. Applications must be submitted via this website by 28 May 2021 to be considered for selection and important information for candidates is available in the recently released Astronaut Applicant Handbook
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Becoming an ESA astronaut is no easy feat, but the only guaranteed way for those who meet the minimum requirements not to be selected is to not apply for the position.
“The most important step is whether or not you apply,” says Thomas Pesquet. “Maybe one in a thousand people will be selected but one in a million will apply, so please send your resume.”
Thomas is set to head to the International Space Station for his second mission, known as Alpha, on April 22, 2021. ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer's first mission is scheduled for October, and ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti is expected to take part in her second mission in spring 2022.
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In a recent interview, ESA's director for human and robotic exploration, David Parker, said that the development of new spacecraft gives even more opportunities for European astronauts to travel to the International Space Station and beyond that the agency is entering a new decade of space exploration.
A new aspect of this astronaut selection campaign is the introduction of the “Parastronaut Fly!” project. To help increase the accessibility of spaceflight to all European professionals, ESA is looking for candidate(s) with physical disabilities to help evaluate the technologies and adaptations needed to one day send an astronaut with a physical disability on a professional space mission.
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For more information about the ESA 2021-22 astronaut selection and how to apply, visit this link esa.int/YourWayToSpace.
Information source: esa.int
