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Reach for the stars

It’s not everyday that you can apply to be an astronaut but today is that day. The European Space Agency (ESA) has posted many people’s “dream job” advert and is looking to appoint four individuals to its European Astronaut Corps. There has not been a selection campaign since 1992, so this is a rare opportunity to be part of future missions to the International Space Station, the Moon and beyond.

Prospective candidates can now carry out the first step of the application procedure by filling in details online. The deadline for applications is 16 June 2008.

All shortlisted candidates will go through a series of selection procedures and at the end of the day, four lucky individuals will begin basic training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. The final appointments will be officially announced in 2009.

So, what qualities is ESA looking for? Well, optical scientists will certainly be in with a chance. “The ideal candidates should be competent in relevant scientific disciplines, such as life sciences, physics, chemistry and medicine and/or be an engineer or experimental test pilot,” says ESA.

And if you have ever suffered in a lab trying to make your experiment work, you will certainly relate to some of these additional qualities. “Applicants should also have demonstrated outstanding abilities in research, applications or the educational field, preferably including operational skills. A good memory and reasoning ability, concentration, aptitude for spatial orientation and manual dexterity are also prerequisites.”

Applicants have to be fluent in English (with Russian being an asset) and should have high motivation, flexibility, team competence, empathy with others and emotional stability.

Right, I’m off to apply and search for a book on “Beginners Russian for Prospective Astronauts”.

Posted by Jacqueline Hewett on May 19, 2008 4:29 PM | Permalink