Stages of selectionFrom 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.
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.
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!
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!