Author Topic: ESA seeks new astronauts - applications open 31 March 2021  (Read 12194 times)

Offline bolun

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N° 3–2021: Call for media: ESA seeks new astronauts - applications open 31 March 2021

8 February 2021

For the first time in 11 years, ESA is looking for new astronauts. These recruits will work alongside ESA’s existing astronauts as Europe enters a new era of space exploration.

Media representatives are invited to a virtual press event on Tuesday, 16 February, to learn more about the vacancies that are intended to initiate a real generational change for ESA.

The starting point for this is 31 March 2021, when the vacancies for new astronauts open. ESA is strongly encouraging women to apply, because we are seeking to expand gender diversity in our ranks.

ESA Director General Jan Wörner says, “Thanks to a strong mandate from ESA Member States at Space19+, our Ministerial Council in 2019, Europe is taking its place at the heart of space exploration. To go farther than we ever have before, we need to look wider than we ever have before. This recruitment process is the first step and I look forward to watching the agency develop across all areas of space exploration and innovation, with our international partners, in the years to come.”

"Representing all parts of our society is a concern that we take very seriously,” says David Parker, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. “Diversity at ESA should not only address the origin, age, background or gender of our astronauts, but also perhaps physical disabilities. To make this dream a reality, alongside the astronaut recruitment I am launching the Parastronaut Feasibility Project – an innovation whose time has come."

The vacancy runs from 31 March to 28 May 2021 and ESA will only consider applications submitted to the ESA Career website within those eight weeks. After that, the six-stage selection process will start, which is expected to be completed in October 2022.

The press event on 16 February marks the start of the communication campaign for the application phase.

Conference programme per language

English (Tuesday 16 February, 13:00–14:00 CET)

French (Tuesday 16 February, 13:00–14:00 CET)

German (Tuesday 16 February, 14:30–15:30 CET)

Dutch (Tuesday 16 February, 14:30–15:30 CET)

Italian (Tuesday 16 February, 15:30–16:30 CET)

Spanish (Tuesday 16 February, 15:30–16:30 CET)

http://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Call_for_media_ESA_seeks_new_astronauts_-_applications_open_31_March_2021
« Last Edit: 02/11/2021 07:12 pm by zubenelgenubi »

Offline bolun

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Watch live: ESA outlines its search for astronauts

11/02/2021

For the first time in over a decade, the European Space Agency (ESA) is seeking new astronauts. Tune in to ESA Web TV on Tuesday 16 February from 13:00 CET (12:00 GMT) for briefings in six languages and all you need to know.

Each briefing will be one hour long, with ESA experts and astronauts outlining the selection criteria and desirable traits for astronauts. They will also provide further detail around the Parastronaut Feasibility Project and astronaut reserve, as well as ESA’s vision for the next 10 years of human and robotic exploration.

English and French briefings will be held first, followed by sessions in German, Dutch, Italian and Spanish. All will be streamed live on ESA Web TV channels one and two.

A new website will also be launched at 13:00 CET (12:00 GMT) on Tuesday. This site is the hub of information relating to ESA’s 2021/22 astronaut selection and will be constantly updated with information for applicants and media.

The application period runs from 31 March to 28 May 2021. ESA will only consider applications submitted to the ESA Career website within those eight weeks. After that, a six-stage selection process will start. This is expected to be completed in October 2022.

Livestream programme: Tuesday 16
February 2021


English – 13:00–14:00 CET on ESA Web TV One
Participants:

- Jan Wörner, ESA Director General
- Samantha Cristoforetti, ESA astronaut
- Tim Peake, ESA astronaut
- David Parker, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration
- Frank De Winne, Head of the European Astronaut Centre
- Jennifer Ngo-Anh, ESA Research and Payloads Programme Coordinator
- Lucy van der Tas, ESA Head of Talent Acquisition

Moderator: Ninja Menning, Communication Department

French – 13:00–14:00 CET on ESA Web TV Two
Participants:

- Claudie Haigneré, ESA astronaut
- Luca Parmitano, ESA astronaut
- Ersilia Vaudo-Scarpetta, Chief Diversity Officer
- Guillaume Weerts, Space Medicine and European Astronaut Centre Management Support Team Lead
- Didier Schmitt, Strategy and Coordination Group Lead, Human and Robotic Exploration
- Zineb Elomri, Human Resources Officer

Moderator: Jules Grandsire, Communication Department

German – 14:30–15:30 CET on ESA Web TV One
Participants:

- Samantha Cristoforetti, ESA astronaut
- Alexander Gerst, ESA astronaut
- Josef Aschbacher, future ESA Director General
- Chiara Manfletti, Head of Policy and Programme Coordination Department
- Rüdiger Seine, Space Training Team Leader
- Dagmar Boos, Head of Human Resources Competence and Policy Centre

Moderator: Jules Grandsire, Communication Department 

Dutch – 14:30–15:30 CET on ESA Web TV Two
Participants:

- André Kuipers, ESA astronaut
- Frank De Winne, Head of the European Astronaut Centre
- Angelique Van Ombergen, Science Coordinator for Human Research
- Lucy van der Tas, Head of Talent Acquisition

Moderator: Ninja Menning, Communication Department 

Italian – 15:30–16:30 CET on ESA Web TV One
Participants:

- Luca Parmitano, ESA astronaut
- Ersilia Vaudo-Scarpetta, Chief Diversity Officer
- Josef Aschbacher, future ESA Director General
- Sara Pastor, I-Hab Gateway module Team Leader
- Antonella Costa, Human Resources Business Partner
- Moderator: Fabrizio L’Abbate, Communication Department 

Spanish – 15:30–16:30 CET on ESA Web TV Two
Participants:

- Matthias Maurer, ESA astronaut
- Fabio Favata, Head of Strategy, Planning and Coordination Office
- Sergi Vaquer Araujo, Senior Flight Surgeon
- Rosario Martin-Sanchez, Head of Social Security & Related Policies Unit

Moderator: Emmet Fletcher, Communication Department

Watch ESA Web TV https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/ESA_Web_TV

https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Watch_live_ESA_outlines_its_search_for_astronauts


Offline bolun

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Offline hektor

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ESA will select :

4 to 6 active astronauts (ESA staff)

A corps of 15 to 20 reserve astronauts. They have been likened to Shuttle " payload specialists" ; so they remain in their respective organization (do not become ESA staff) but are considered fit for orbital spaceflight can be called for a mission which requires their specialty/skills

Possibly 1 or 2 parastronauts.
« Last Edit: 02/17/2021 04:20 pm by hektor »

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Offline bolun

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Timeline from applicant to astronaut

Quote
Stages of selection

From closure of the vacancy notice on 28 May 2021 to the worldwide announcement of selected astronauts in mid-late 2022, ESA’s astronaut selection consists of six key stages. These are preceded by a screening phase as follows:

- Screening: several screening rounds will be conducted on the basis of all documents submitted with the application form as well as the screening questionnaire completed as part of the application. In addition, applications for the selection of candidates with physical disabilities will undergo a medical screening on basis of the eligible impairments.

- Test Phase 1: cognitive, technical, motor coordination and personality testing.

- Test Phase 2: psychometric testing, group and individual exercises and practical tests.

- Test Phase 3: applicants’ physical and mental abilities are measured against international medical standards for spaceflight missions.

- Interview Round 1: panel interview in which applicants are tested on technical and behavioural competencies (educational qualifications are verified and criminal record checks are carried out).

- Interview Round 2: final stage of the selection process. Applicants who make it through to this stage can expect an interview with the ESA Director General, after which a final decision will be made.

The ESA astronaut selection process is comprehensive. Applicants are asked to be patient as we move through the different stages. More information about selection will be available on 31 March in the Astronaut Applicants' Handbook.

https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection/Timeline_from_applicant_to_astronaut

Image credit: ESA

Offline jacqmans

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Apply now to become an ESA astronaut

ESA Press Release for Immediate Release

Wednesday, 31 March 2021

Applications are now open for the ESA’s 2021 astronaut selection and qualified candidates of all genders are encouraged to apply.

As well as recruiting new members to our astronaut corps, ESA has also issued a vacancy notice for the ‘Parastronaut’ feasibility study to select astronauts living with specific physical disabilities.

This project is a global first to begin removing barriers for people living with physical disabilities to carry out a professional space mission.

"Representing all parts of our society is a concern that we take very seriously,” says David Parker, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. “Diversity at ESA should not only address the origin, age, background or gender of our astronauts, but also perhaps physical disabilities. To make this dream a reality, alongside the astronaut recruitment, I am launching the Parastronaut Feasibility Project – an innovation whose time has come."

Both vacancies run from 31 March to 28 May 2021 and all applications must be submitted via the ESA Careers website within these eight weeks. Following this deadline, a six-stage selection process will start. Successful candidates are expected to be appointed in October 2022.

Further information on the vacancies as well as the ESA astronaut selection process and astronaut training is available online at esa.int/yourwaytospace

Further information
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply via the ESA Careers website until 28 May 2021: https://jobs.esa.int/

Astronaut applicant handbook:
https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/ESA_Astrosel_Handbook.pdf

Astronaut selection media kit:
https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/MediaKitAstronautSelection.pdf

Upcoming events are posted on the launch calendar and events calendar at www.esa.int/newsroom.

More information about ESA: www.esa.int

If you have further questions or interview requests, please contact [email protected].
Jacques :-)

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Jacques :-)

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Jacques :-)

Offline bolun

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Re: ESA seeks new astronauts - applications open 31 March 2021
« Reply #10 on: 05/22/2021 11:54 am »
ESA extends deadline for astronaut applications as new Associate Member joins

Quote
Aspiring astronauts now have until 18 June 2021 to submit an application for ESA’s astronaut selection. The three-week extension comes as ESA welcomes Lithuania as a new Associate Member state.

Lithuania’s new status as an ESA Associate Member means Lithuanian citizens are now eligible to apply for all ESA vacancies. As a result, ESA is encouraging all those who meet the criteria for the ESA Astronaut or ESA Astronaut (with a physical disability) vacancies, and dream of flying to space, to put themselves forward.

Extending the deadline provides these applicants with the opportunity to submit a complete application.

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Re: ESA seeks new astronauts - applications open 31 March 2021
« Reply #14 on: 06/21/2021 09:08 am »
https://twitter.com/esa/status/1406011570807840768

Quote
AND THAT'S IT. Applications are now closed for our #AstronautSelection 2021. Thanks everyone, for your time, laughs and patience (esp. in these last few days).

What's next? 👉  https://esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection/Timeline_from_applicant_to_astronaut

Good luck! We'll be seeing some of you again next year on #YourWayToSpace!

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Re: ESA seeks new astronauts - applications open 31 March 2021
« Reply #15 on: 06/23/2021 12:07 pm »
Press Release: Wide range of applications for ESA’s astronaut selection


ESA Press Release for Immediate Release

23.06.2021

Aspiring astronauts from across Europe are awaiting the next step in ESA’s astronaut selection, following the 18 June closure of the Agency’s first application period in 11 years.


Though figures are not yet final, initial numbers indicate more than 22 000 people submitted an application to ESA’s astronaut vacancy notices. During ESA’s last call for astronauts in 2008, the number of applicants who provided a medical certificate and finalised their online application form was 8413.

Through this recruitment round, more than 200 applied for the newly-established astronaut (with a physical disability) vacancy, and around 5 400/24% of all astronaut applicants identify as female – in 2008, this figure was 15.5%.

The 2021 astronaut selection is the first time ESA has issued a vacancy for an astronaut with a physical disability. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will work with ESA to determine the adaptations required for such an astronaut to serve as a professional crew member on a future space mission.

Applications have been received from all Member and Associate Member states. This includes Lithuania, whose citizens recently became eligible for selection because of the country’s new status as an ESA Associate Member.

https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/ESA_AStroSel_2021_Preliminary_Numbers.pdf


Next steps for selection

From the closure of the vacancy notices on 18 June 2021 to the worldwide announcement of selected astronauts in late 2022, ESA’s astronaut selection process consists of six key stages.

The first of these stages is screening. During this phase, applications will be assessed on the basis of all documents submitted, the application form and the screening questionnaire completed as part of the application process. Applications for the astronaut (with a physical disability) position will also undergo medical screening.

Candidates will be notified at the end of each stage as to whether their application has been successful in progressing to the next step. However, patience is a virtue because the entire selection process will take one and a half years.

A positive challenge

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher says the Agency sought to attract a wide range of applicants through its recruitment campaign and looks forward to the challenge of selecting Europe’s best-suited candidates.

“The establishment of an astronaut reserve, alongside the selection of four staff astronauts and an astronaut with a physical disability, provides more opportunities for our applicants than ever before. However, as can be seen from initial numbers, there is still huge competition for these coveted roles in space,” he says.

“I would like to thank all of you who applied for the time and effort you have already put into your astronaut application. We appreciate your patience as our team works to ensure a fair and thorough process, and remind anyone with an interest in space that being an astronaut is not the only opportunity available at ESA. In the coming years we will be seeking a wide range of space professionals and I encourage you to view these opportunities on the ESA Careers website.”

ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration David Parker reiterates these comments and says: “It is pleasing to see an increase in the gender distribution of applicants to this astronaut selection, but the numbers also show there is more to be done to achieve gender balance in the space sector.

“Representing all parts of our society is a concern that we take very seriously. I’m looking forward to seeing which of these applicants will join our existing astronaut corps and help contribute to that representation both on Earth and in space.”

Final figures on the number and geographical spread of applications will be released as soon as these are available. Regular updates on ESA’s astronaut selection will also be provided at esa.int/YourWayToSpace.

For more information about other opportunities available at ESA visit jobs.esa.int.

Contact

For further questions or interview requests, Media are invited to contact [email protected]
Jacques :-)

Offline bolun

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Re: ESA seeks new astronauts - applications open 31 March 2021
« Reply #16 on: 08/24/2021 08:30 pm »
Astronaut applicants asked for patience as numbers exceed forecasts

23/08/2021

Astronaut hopefuls are being asked for their patience as ESA processes over 23 000 applications to its Astronaut and Astronaut (with a disability) vacancies. This number far exceeds the Agency’s most optimistic forecasts.

Head of space medicine at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) Guillaume Weerts is part of the team leading the astronaut selection. He says the number of applications is a positive indication of the level of interest in space activities in Europe, but it will take some time to work through.

“At ESA, we firmly believe that every application should receive the attention it deserves. With the considerable number of applicants, it simply takes more time than initially foreseen,” explains Guillaume.

“Upon completion of the pre-screening stage, we found some applications did not fulfil the requirements stated in the applicable documentation, and these applicants were notified immediately. However, more than 80% of all remaining, eligible applications are still under review,” adds Antonella Costa, Human Resources Business Partner at ESA.

The next step for successful candidates is an invitation to a full day of testing at a facility in Europe. This step has already started and will last until at least the end of the year. Candidates are being invited progressively due to the work involved in this process and the need to consider COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

“If you have not yet been invited, it does not necessarily mean that your application is not being considered. We ask you for your patience as we process applications and issue these invitations,” says Antonella.

“We really want to thank everyone who did put themselves forward. We fully understand how important these applications are to candidates, and we are working to let everyone who applied know the outcome of their application as soon as possible.”

Under the revised processing timeline, it is expected that all candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of November 2021 at the latest.

Link

Offline jacqmans

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Re: ESA seeks new astronauts - applications open 31 March 2021
« Reply #17 on: 09/10/2021 10:24 am »
Selection begins | ESA’s next astronauts
10/09/2021

Work is underway to sort and assess applications from more than 22 500 ESA astronaut hopefuls. The rigorous selection process will take around 18 months. Initial screening to ensure that basic criteria are met will be followed by medical and psychological tests, exercises and interviews.

ESA plans to recruit 4-6 new astronauts through this 2021-22 selection round to support the future of European space exploration. This is likely to include missions to the International Space Station as well as the Moon. As part of the selection process, ESA is also assessing the feasibility of flying an astronaut with a physical disability.

More information about the ESA Astronaut Selection is available online at https://esa.int/YourWayToSpace


Jacques :-)

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Re: ESA seeks new astronauts - applications open 31 March 2021
« Reply #18 on: 09/10/2021 07:34 pm »
In 18 months... and likely before, it should be more apparent that SpaceX will (successfully, and quickly) open up many more opportunities for astronauts at relatively low prices. ESA should be seriously considering not 4 but 16 astronauts, and dozens that might be ready to join the program over the following few years.
If Artemis is in anyway derailed or significantly delayed, or, if on time, soon after the next 2 Americans walk on the moon; SX will do an international trip with places for ESA, and other countries, at small change compared with history! (IMO ).  Ideally ESA should have trained astronauts ready that would slot straight into such evolving opportunities! An then the floodgates open!
And of course LEO opportunities ... and Mars too!


« Last Edit: 09/10/2021 07:36 pm by DistantTemple »
We can always grow new new dendrites. Reach out and make connections and your world will burst with new insights. Then repose in consciousness.

Offline TrevorMonty

In 18 months... and likely before, it should be more apparent that SpaceX will (successfully, and quickly) open up many more opportunities for astronauts at relatively low prices. ESA should be seriously considering not 4 but 16 astronauts, and dozens that might be ready to join the program over the following few years.
If Artemis is in anyway derailed or significantly delayed, or, if on time, soon after the next 2 Americans walk on the moon; SX will do an international trip with places for ESA, and other countries, at small change compared with history! (IMO ).  Ideally ESA should have trained astronauts ready that would slot straight into such evolving opportunities! An then the floodgates open!
And of course LEO opportunities ... and Mars too!
ESA would want them spending months at spacestation give high travel costs. Until Axiom modules start coming on line, vacant spots on ISS are very limited. Could it handle second Dragon crew of 4 for 3 months.

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