Become an ESA astronaut: five tips and four weeks to apply!
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.
If you are planning to apply to become an ESA astronaut, don’t delay - applications are still open for four weeks. To help you with your preparation, we asked our HR Department for their five most important tips.
1. If you meet the minimum requirements and are inspired to become an astronaut, apply!
The only guaranteed way to miss out on selection is to not submit an application, so go for it and apply!
2. Don’t forget to upload all the necessary documents
For your application to be considered, the following documents need to be uploaded with your application: a Europass CV, your motivation letter, your medical certificate and a copy of your passport.
For the Astronaut vacancy, you need to upload an European Part-MED, Class 2 medical certificate issued by an aviation medical practitioner.
To apply for the Astronaut (with a physical disability) vacancy, you need to upload a standard medical certificate.
More details can be found in our Astronaut Applicant Handbook.
3. Read the ESA Astronaut Applicant Handbook
The handbook is where we’ve gathered all the information you need to apply. Find out more about the application and selection process, the requirements to become an astronaut, the contractual status and more information about the "Fly!" Feasibility Study. Read it carefully to give your application the best possible start.
4. Tell us about yourself and your motivation
Your motivation letter should be clear and concise and it should detail any experience which could be relevant to the role of an astronaut. We usually recommend any applicant to ESA to keep this letter to just one page (maximum two). This also applies to the astronaut vacancies.
5. Check the FAQs to see if they answer your questions
As we receive questions from candidates, for example about the role of an astronaut, the recruitment process, or the health or medical conditions, we are regularly updating our astronaut selection FAQs. Please check them to see whether we’ve addressed your queries. If you can’t find the answer you need about your application, you can contact us at astronaut.recruitment@esa.int.
Need more information?
Don’t hesitate to visit the Astronaut Selection website and consult the vacancies.
You can also check the FAQs and access the Astronaut Applicant Handbook.
