European Space Agency (ESA) Astronauts Recruitment Program

Deadline: May 28, 2021

Apply to become an Astronaut at the European Space Agency (ESA). The main mission of ESA is to conduct peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. Among the many activities that the space agency conducts include, watching over Earth, developing and launching inspiring and unique space projects. ESA also trains astronauts and conduct space research, pushing the boundaries of science and technology and seeking answers to the big science questions about the Universe.

ESA astronauts are highly skilled and will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to achieve the goals and mission of ESA. They must therefore posses the skills and have the ability to apply their expertise in situations of high stress and pressure. As an ESA astronaut, you will often be away from your families, loved ones and normal social life for long periods.

During your missions, you will live and work together with colleagues from international partner space agencies, including the USA, Russia, Canada and Japan. You will receive training and work at ESA partner agencies and form an international team with a single chain of command during their missions, adhering to multilaterally agreed legal frameworks, policies and rules, including an astronaut code of conduct.

ESA has two vacancy notices, one Astronaut and one Astronaut with a physical disability. Both vacancy notices have the same requirements, however candidates with an eligible physical disability will be considered in the selection process for the vacancy notice for an Astronaut with a physical disability.

Benefits

If you are selected as an astronaut, you will be eligible the following benefits

• ESA astronauts usually receive a salary scale with a monthly base net salary ranging from €5400–8600. This salary salary scale is dependent on the number of years of relevant professional experience you posses
• As an ESA Astronaut, you are entitled to other benefits and allowances such as expatriation allowances, ESA childcare facilities and family allowance.
• You will be eligible for a relocation support package for those if you are moving from your home country to your ESA worth location
• A relocation package includes a assistance to finding accommodation, reimbursement of removal expenses, plus an installation allowance to help with the costs associated with settling into a new home.
• ESA Astronauts are eligible for Medical insurance and pension packages.
• You will receive a yearly adjustment and monetary rewards depending on performance
• Astronauts are eligible for a six weeks of paid holiday per every year.

Eligibility

Prospective ESA Astronauts must meet the conditions below.

• You must be a citizen of the following ESA Member States.
• Prospective Astronauts are required to hold a driving license. If at the time of application you do not yet possess a valid driving license, you need to be willing to obtain one.
• Applicants with prior Experience working as part of a team to achieve challenging objectives are warmly welcome
• Since space travel is associated with many risks and dangers it is most preferable that applicants posses experience with activities with personal exposure which required a sound capability of risk management.
• You must be aged 50 and below at the time of application if you are to be considered
• Your physicals characteristics must meet the following:
  • Must have a height between 150 and 190 cm to enable assignment to space missions using current space suits and vehicles. Applicants under 130 cm may be eligible for the ‘Astronaut (with a physical disability)’ selection.
  • Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) representing normal weight (as defined by the World Health Organization
  • Visual acuity in line with the requirements for private pilots.
  • Hearing capacity of 25 dB or better per ear. Astronauts are sometimes exposed to high levels of noise while at the same time needing to ensure accurate communication over various devices and in noisy environments.