Final phase of the last ESA astronaut selection process

The newest selection of astronauts for the European Space Agency (ESA) has been proceeding as planned. The second phase of the selection process concluded in March this year and the third phase in June.

Throughout the third phase of the process, just over 400 applicants went to the European Astronaut Center in Cologne, Germany, to undergo an exhaustive psychological evaluation by an international team of experts. Although the specific tasks and tests are confidential, this phase is designed to ensure that the selected candidates meet the psychological profile necessary to work as astronauts.

The fourth phase of the selection process began on May 2, 2022 and is still ongoing. Throughout this selection phase, applicants will undergo a medical evaluation in which their state of health and physical abilities will be assessed. An astronaut’s job is physically demanding, requiring endurance and dexterity, among other things. This evaluation guarantees that the selected candidates are capable of developing the physical effort necessary for this position, both on Earth and in space.

Medical screening has also been expanded to accommodate physically challenged astronaut candidates, for whom the usual physical requirements could present a barrier to selection. In this first case of recruitment of “para-astronauts”, people with a deficiency in the lower extremities and/or with heights less than 130 centimeters are being taken into account.

An ESA astronaut, Matthias Maurer, carrying out a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS). (Photo: ESA / NASA)

The invitations for the final phase, in which the applicants will participate in interviews with a selection committee, will be sent throughout this summer.

In 2021, ESA opened the call for astronaut and astronaut with physical disabilities positions. This has been the first call for new astronauts since 2008.

In response, ESA received more than 22,000 valid applications for the astronaut position from all Member States and Associate Members. Of these, 1,361 people were invited to participate in phase two of the selection process. For the position of astronaut with physical disability, 257 applications were received, of which 27 passed to phase two.

Finalist applicants are expected to be selected during the fourth quarter of 2022.

ESA thanks all applicants for their interest and commitment. (Source: ESA)