ESA puts out the call for astronauts
15-05-2008
by Billy MacInnes

Budding astronauts dreaming of becoming the first Irishman or woman in space have been given the chance to join the European Space Agency's astronaut corps.

The ESA launched an astronaut recruitment drive on Thursday which is seeking to recruit at least four more people to join its 16-strong astronaut corps as they prepare for future space exploration programmes, including a return to the Moon and a possible manned space flight to Mars.

The recruitment drive is described as essential for Europe's hopes to participate in the next stage of manned space exploration. The ESA believes possessing an operational astronaut corps is a vital strategic asset if Europe is to take part in this endeavour.

Gerhard Thiele, ESA astronaut and head of the astronaut corps said: "After exploring the Earth, space is the logical next step -- and a new generation of explorers is needed to follow their illustrious predecessor Columbus and embark for those new worlds."

Leo Hennessy, special advisor to the ESA's scientific directorate, told ENN people from Ireland should "very definitely" apply. "Our standard of education and vocational training can stand with the best," he said.

The application process, which begins on Monday 19 May, will run until 15 June. Interested applicants should apply online at www.esa.int/astronautselection and will need to provide the same medical examination certificate as private pilots. If successful at the first stage, they will undergo two stages of psychological and professional aptitude evaluation, a clinical examination, laboratory screening tests and a formal interview before an ESA selection board.

Hennessy said the nature of the process meant that "people who meet the basic requirements are positively encouraged to apply".

It takes around three and a half years before selected candidates will be flight-ready, so successful applicants won't qualify to fly in space until 2012. The astronaut corps currently includes members from Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and The Netherlands. To date, more than 50 ESA astronauts have flown in space.