Over 22,000 applications for the European Space Agency Astronaut Corps have been submitted as part of the new recruitment drive. Such enthusiasm could push Europe to develop its own manned flight capability.
There will only be a few chosen ones, but the "harvest" was good! As part of its new recruitment campaign, the European Space Agency (ESA) has indeed collected 22,589 job offers (filings closed on June 18). Three years ago, during the previous astronaut selection cycle, ESA received almost three times fewer (8,413 applications).
"Having more than 22,000 candidates is something! » , said Josef Aschbacher, Director General of ESA. “It is, I would say, almost a historic moment for us that we have so many candidates wishing to become astronauts. From this point of view, I am more than satisfied. I am extremely pleased with these figures ” .
ESA will now begin the process of evaluating these applications. As a reminder, the agency only recruits applicants with at least Bac+5 in physics, chemistry, biology or mathematics. A very good level in English and excellent physical condition are also required, among other skills.
At the end of the day, there will only be a chosen few. The agency plans to select only four to six new career astronauts . The latter will be eligible for missions aboard the International Space Station, but also for campaigns in deep space, as part of the Artemis missions to the Moon, and later to the planet Mars.
ESA will also select around 20 "reservists". The latter could be called upon to reinforce the corps of European astronauts if necessary.
As part of this announcement, Josef Aschbacher also raised the idea that Europe could one day develop its own manned flight capability , like the United States, Russia, China or even India, according to Spacenews . Especially since in a few years Europe will have a new heavy launcher – Ariane 6 – likely to be able to support this type of mission.
These efforts, he underlined, can only be possible under the impetus of politicians. " We have the expertise. We can build human-powered spaceships ” , he had already declared at the Paris Air Forum on June 21. " But if we don't invest, we will be out of the race " .
