European Space Agency recruits future astronauts

European astronauts are starting their internship in the Columbus laboratory on the ISS international space station. At the same time, the European Space Agency's ESA-powered ATV aircraft made its first shipment to ISS.

Europe's activities in carrying out flights to bring people into space are entering a new era. This will be the time when ESA seeks new talents to add astronauts to future missions on the ISS, Moon and outer space stations.

In 1978 the European Space Agency opened a new history in bringing people to space by starting the first astronaut recruitment for the Spacelab project in 1983. Since then, the standard for the Columbus ESA Experimental Zone Project led to the second astronaut selection in 1992.

The selection process will take place on Monday, May 19, according to a predetermined form:

1) Preliminary selection: the first step of formal registration will be made online via www.esa.int/astronautselection. Candidates must submit a health certificate issued by a health examination conducted by aviation doctors.

2) The next step is to assess your professional and psychological abilities including tests on how to handle and assess cognitive abilities.

3) Health assessments: this stage includes clinical tests conducted by aviation medical experts and clinical experts, with tests and other special procedures.

4) Formal interview: as a prospective member, the astronaut candidates will continue to undergo an examination before the ESA Panel of Judges then the judges will complete the evaluation. that candidate's professional ability.

5) The results will be officially announced in 2009.

Successful candidates will be admitted to the European astronaut team and begin basic training courses at the European aerospace center (ESA - EAC) in Cologne, Germany.

' We have to find people who are talented enough to face the challenges of this 21st century: expanding ISS and exploring the solar system. Starting in May 2008, ESA will search for 17 member countries who are qualified to contribute to the development of the industry. ' That's the statement of Michel Tognini, a former astronaut and director of the European aerospace center.

Two astronauts in the training session.(Photo: ESA / A.Kuipers)

ISS station and universe

ESA will prepare many astronaut teams to participate in these 21st century missions. The solar system will be the next target of discovery. Industrial powers have also paved the way for the development of the project and the organization of a professional astronaut team will be an indispensable strategic condition.

'Europe has had a glorious past in the field of exploring the evidence that great explorers like Christophe Colomb' Daniel Sacotte, directing manned, probing and micro-gravity flights, confirmed. 'It is reasonable if, after exploring the Earth, people continue to aim for the Universe - a new generation of adventurers will need to follow the predecessor to discover new worlds. . I feel very happy that the European astronaut team, in early 2009, will welcome more new members, who have been trusted to carry out missions on ISS and beyond '

In order to well implement current and future programs, ESA must rejuvenate its astronaut team and improve its effectiveness. That's why ESA has decided to open up the new astronauts. Candidates of 17 member countries (including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal) Nha, Anh, Sweden and Switzerland) were invited.

Scientific background and professional skills

'To become an astronaut, candidates need to have knowledge in areas such as life science, physics, chemistry, health, engineering, aviation, and preference for candidates. have high professional ability. In addition, the candidate must have the ability to deduce, memorize, concentrate highly and always have orientation in space and skill. European family said. Candidates must speak English fluently (speaking Russian is an advantage) and they will have to train teamwork, flexibility, motivation and empathy.

Europe-wide information campaign

This massive recruitment campaign will start by informing conferences taking place in ESA member countries with the participation of ESA astronauts. The media will enter and be able to participate in these conferences.

Start the campaign in France April 18

ESA and CNES will invite French media to attend a Conference, in which Michel Tognini presents the life in space and introduces the steps for selecting candidates. The conference will take place at 10am on Friday 18 April at the Palais de la Découverte.