Think you’ve got the right stuff? Well, you only have a couple of weeks left to prove it. The European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for new astronauts, but you have to apply by June 15.
But don’t get too excited - ESA expects around 50,000 applications for the four astronaut training vacancies. Successful candidates will probably be experienced scientists or test pilots and will be between the ages of 27 and 37.
ESA wants new talent to bolster its astronaut corps for future manned missions to the ISS, the Moon and beyond. Michel Tognini, former astronaut and head of the European Astronaut Centre, says: “We want to find high-calibre men and women in Europe to prepare to meet the challenges of ISS exploitation and human exploration of our solar system in the 21st century. We are searching in each of the EU’s 17 member states to make this a reality.”
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| Hans Schiegel during a space walk at the ISS |
Gerhard Thiele, a former ESA astronaut, says the ideal European astronaut candidate should be competent in relevant scientific disciplines, such as life sciences, physics, chemistry and medicine and/or be an engineer or pilot.
Thiele says: “You should have also demonstrated outstanding abilities in research, applications or the educational field, preferably including operational skills. You will also need a good memory and reasoning ability, concentration, aptitude for spatial orientation, and manual dexterity.”
If you think you are up to it, the first step will be to apply online at www.esa.int, but you need to hold the same medical examination certificate as a private pilot. The next stage includes psychological and professional aptitude evaluation, including behavioural and cognitive skills tests. Pass those and you face a medical examination and formal interview.
If you make the grade you’ll know some time in 2009 and then your career can really lift off. The selected candidates will join the European Astronaut Corps and begin basic training at the European Astronaut Centre (ESA-EAC) in Cologne, Germany.
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Source: Flight Daily News
