This is not a scoop:going to Space is far from accessible to everyone. If SpaceX wants to launch its first space tourism mission by the end of 2021, the European Space Agency (ESA) will soon launch a recruitment campaign to hire new astronauts. However, the last ESA campaign dates back to 2011!
Many people dream of spending time in space , but there are unfortunately very few elected officials. One way to do this may be to enter SpaceX's charity contest. On February 1, 2021, the private aerospace giant claimed to have opened applications to the public. At the end of the year, three people drawn will accompany Jared Isaacman, head of the company Shift4 Payments. The latter is the first space tourist of the group and he has in fact decided to offer the other three places on board.
If traveling in SpaceX's Dragon capsule can indeed appeal, becoming an astronaut represents an even more interesting possibility. However, in a press release dated February 8, 2021, the European Space Agency (ESA) affirmed its desire to recruit new astronauts . This campaign, which will begin on March 31, will allow a few lucky ones to join the ESA training program.
If integrating this training does not guarantee 100% going into space, it is already a very good start. On the other hand, the high level of selection criteria may discourage some. During the last campaign in 2011, the first criterion concerned the school level. ESA wanted to recruit people with at least Bac+5 in physics, chemistry, biology or mathematics. Let's mention another essential criterion:the level in English. Given that future astronauts will have to interact with nationals of many countries, ESA requires an exemplary level in this language universal.
Let's also mention physical condition , which is also a very important criterion. Remember that astronauts must be able to withstand G forces from 4 (gentle take-off) to several tens (emergency landing) without difficulty. We should also mention the fact that during a stay in space, the human body is abused. Among other things, bones stretch and muscles melt. An exceptional physical condition is therefore a sine qua non for resisting these changes and recovering after returning to Earth.
Finally, let's remember one last essential point:to be at the Thomas Pesquet level, you need to have a steely mind. Indeed, the ESA requires that its astronauts can be capable of perfectly managing their stress . The objective is to be able to respond in the best way to any possible emergency.
