ESA’s next astronauts – selection begins

Date: Fri, Sep 10, 2021 | 06:30 - 07:05 GMT | 08:30 - 09:05 CEST

Replay: Sat, Sep 11, 2021 | 10:30 - 11:05 GMT | 12:30 - 13:05 CEST

Type: ESA TV Exchange

Work has begun to sort and assess more than 22 500 applications to become an ESA astronaut. The rigorous selection process will eventually take some 18 months. Initial screening to ensure that basic criteria are met, will be followed by medical and psychological tests, exercises and interviews.  

ESA plans to recruit 4-6 new astronauts through this 2021-22 selection round to support the future of European space exploration. This is likely to include missions to the International Space Station as well as the Moon. As part of the selection process, ESA is also assessing the feasibility of flying astronauts with some physical disabilities. 

A-roll contains new interviews with Head of ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (and former astronaut) Frank De Winne, and Lucy van der Tas, ESA Head of Talent Acquisition.  

B-roll contains additional soundbites in English and Dutch plus soundbites from Guillaume Weerts, ESA Head of Space Medicine in English and French.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More information at: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection

Preview and download:
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2021/08/Selection_begins_ESA_s_next_astronauts

Script:
2108_003_ESAs-new astronauts-the selection begins.doc