ESA Astronaut Selection

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Join the new era of exploration as an ESA astronaut

 

For the first time in over a decade, the European Space Agency (ESA) is seeking new astronauts to join humankind’s greatest adventure for the benefit of Earth.

Applications open 31 March 2021 and ESA’s Astronaut Selection webpage provides everything you need to know to prepare a strong application and apply. This site is the hub for all ESA astronaut selection content and will be updated throughout the campaign.

Astronauts from ESA's Class of 2009
Astronauts from ESA’s Class of 2009

The opportunity to become an ESA astronaut is rare and highly competitive. ESA last sought applicants for astronaut positions in 2008 and has held only three recruitment rounds, including its first in 1978.

This time there is a new opportunity for astronaut hopefuls thanks to the introduction of a parastronaut feasibility project.

Full details of the requirements for the astronaut selection and parastronaut feasibility project will be released when applications open. The application period will run until 28 May 2021 and the outcome is expected to be announced in October 2022.