The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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These 17 astronaut candidates were among the more than 22 500 candidates who submitted a valid application in 2021 in response to ESA’s call for new astronauts for missions to the International Space Station and beyond.
The names of the selected candidates were announced on 23 November 2022, following the ESA Council at Ministerial level.
The ESA astronaut class 2022 includes five astronaut candidates and 12 members of the European astronaut reserve. ESA's astronaut candidates will start a one-year basic training at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in spring 2023.