JUNE 2008

European Space Agency hoping to attract local candidates

The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched an astronaut recruitment drive to attract Irish applicants to take part in the human spaceflight missions of the 21st century. At least four candidates will be selected from the EU countries to reinforce the Astronaut Corps complete its present and future space exploration programmes.

Gerhard Thiele, ESA astronaut and head of the European Astronaut Corp, said they were on the look out for "high-calibre men and women" who were prepared to meet the challenges of the exploration of the solar system. He added: "Europe has long been involved in exploration, even before the days of Christopher Columbus. After exploring the earth, space is the logical next step - and a new generation of explorers is needed to follow their illusions predecessor Columbus and embark for those new worlds. We would encourage any potential Irish applicants to log onto the recruitment section of the European Space Agency to find out how to apply".

The application process will run until 15th June and anyone interested should follow the following steps:

• Screening: The first step in the formal application will be online at www.esa.int/astronautselection. Applicants will have to provide the same medical examination certificate as private pilots, the examination for which must be conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner certified by his/her national aviation medical authority.
• Aptitude evaluation: Successful applicants must undergo two stages of psychological and professional aptitude evaluation, including behavioural and cognitive skills tests.
• Medical evaluation: This process includes clinical examination by aero - medical physicians and clinical specialists, laboratory screening tests, and special procedures.
• Formal interview: As potential ESA staff members, the astronaut candidates will go before an ESA selection board for further professional assessment.

The ideal astronaut candidate should be competent in relevant scientific disciplines, including but not restricted to life sciences, physics, chemistry and medicine and/or be an engineer or pilot, and should have demonstrated outstanding abilities in research, applications or the educational field, preferably including operational skills. In addition, characteristics expected of all applicants include a good memory and reasoning ability, concentration, aptitude for spatial orientation, and manual dexterity. Applicants should be fluent in England (Russian is also an asset) and should exhibit personality traits such as high motivation, flexibility, team competence, empathy with others and emotional stability.

The final appointments will be officially announced in Spring 2009. The selected candidates will then join the European astronaut Corps and begin basis training at the European Astronaut Centre (ESA - EAC) in Cologne, Germany.

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