How to become an astronaut

"How do I become an astronaut?" is a question that our Human Resources team often hears. So far, astronaut selection campaigns have only taken place three times since the European Space Agency was created in 1975: the first campaign was in 1978-1979; the second one in 1991- 1992; the most recent astronaut campaign ran during a nine month period in 2008 and 2009.

ESA is recruiting for astronauts again in 2021-22. Applications open 31 March 2021. View more information about this recruitment process and requirements here.