Apply now to become an ESA astronaut
New application deadline: due to Lithuania's new status as an ESA Associated Member, the application period has been extended by three weeks. Applications for ESA's Astronaut and Astronaut (with a physical disability) vacancies now close 18 June 2021.
Applications are now open to become an astronaut at the European Space Agency and all qualified candidates are encouraged to put themselves forward.
Two vacancy notices have been published for ESA Astronaut and ESA Astronaut (with a physical disability). Applications must be submitted via ESA's recruiting website before 28 May 2021 to be considered for selection.
Before applying we strongly encourage candidates to read the ESA Astronaut Applicant Handbook which provides all necessary information.
Any questions? Read our FAQs for more information. Any specific enquiries concerning your application that are not answered by these FAQs should be sent to astronaut.recruitment@esa.int.
Who are we looking for?
ESA is looking for candidates from a large variety of profiles and backgrounds for two vacancies: Astronaut and Astronaut (with a physical disability).
For both vacancies, the minimum requirements are:
- Citizenship of an ESA Member State or Associate Member.
- Minimum of a master’s degree in natural sciences, medicine, engineering, mathematics, or computer sciences or a degree as an experimental test pilot and/or test engineer from an official experimental test pilot school.
- At least three years of relevant professional experience after graduation.
- Fluency in English. Good knowledge of another foreign language and any other additional language is a plus.
- Flexibility to cope with irregular working hours, frequent travel, and long absences from home, family and regular social life.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Willingness to participate in life science experiments.
To be eligible for the Astronaut vacancy, applicants must submit a class 2 medical certificate issued by an aviation medical examiner that shows they are medically qualified for a private pilot licence (PPL).
To apply for the Astronaut (with a physical disability) vacancy, applicants must submit a standard medical certificate and medical file with details of the disability. To ensure that the successful candidate is capable of fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of an ESA astronaut, we have limited eligibility to the following physical disabilities:
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Lower limb deficiency (e.g. due to amputation or congenital limb deficiency) as follows:
- Single or double foot deficiency through the ankle;
- Single or double leg deficiency below the knee. - Leg length difference (shortened limbs at birth or as a result of trauma).
- Short stature (<130 cm).
Learn everything you need to know to apply for the Astronaut vacancy and Astronaut (with a physical disability) vacancy in the Astronaut Selection Handbook.
How to apply
Applications for the two vacancy notices, Astronaut and Astronaut (with a physical disability) are accepted from 31 March 2021 until 28 May 2021. Only applications made online through the recruiting website and submitted before the deadline of 28 May 2021 can be considered.
Read the ESA Astronaut Applicant Handbook for more information.
Selection process
There will be six selection stages and the whole process will last from the closure of the vacancies on 28 May 2021 to the announcement of the selected astronauts in autumn 2022.
Discover other ways to join us.
From junior opportunities to expert and senior roles, we are always on the lookout for new talent to join our teams. Not only in engineering or science, but also in IT, business and administration services.
Visit our careers website to explore our vacancies and don’t hesitate to share them with your network.
