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VK1DSN > SPACE 13.04.08 09:07l 124 Lines 5701 Bytes #999 (0) @ VKNET
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Subj: New European astronauts
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PR Nψ21-2008 - ESA to recruit new European astronauts
Press Release
Nψ 21-2008
Paris, 10 April 2008
ESA to recruit new European astronauts
With ESA astronauts working in the Columbus laboratory onboard the
International Space Station (ISS) and the first of ESA?s new ATV cargo ships
having delivered fresh supplies to the station, ESA?s human spaceflight
activities have entered a new era. It is now time for ESA to seek out new
talent to bolster its Astronaut Corps for future manned missions to the ISS,
the Moon and beyond.
The European Space Agency entered the annals of human spaceflight for the first
time in 1978 with its first astronaut selection, followed in 1983 by the first
Spacelab mission. Preparations for ESA?s Columbus laboratory project, meanwhile,
involved a second selection of astronauts in 1992.
The overall selection process will start on Monday 19 May and follow a by now
well-established procedure:
1)
Screening: the first step in the formal application will be online at www.esa.
int/astronautselection. Applicants will have to provide the same medical
examination certificate as private pilots, the examination for which must be
conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner certified by his/her national
aviation medical authority.
2)
Two stages of psychological and professional aptitude evaluation, including
behavioural and cognitive skills tests.
3)
Medical evaluation: this process includes clinical examination by aero- medical
physicians and clinical specialists, laboratory screening tests, and special
procedures.
4)
Formal interview: as potential ESA staff members, the astronaut candidates will
go before an ESA selection board for further professional assessment.
5)
The final appointments will be officially announced in 2009.
The selected candidates will then join the European Astronaut Corps and begin
basic training at the European Astronaut Centre (ESA-EAC) in Cologne, Germany.
?We want to find high-calibre men and women in Europe to prepare to meet the
challenges of ISS exploitation and human exploration of our solar system in the
21st century. As of May 2008, ESA will be searching in each of its 17 Member
States for the best candidates to make this vision a reality,? says Michel
Tognini, former astronaut and Head of the European Astronaut Centre.
ISS and beyond
ESA is readying its teams to take part in the human spaceflight missions of the
21st century. The solar system is the next objective for human exploration, and
the world's great industrial powers are taking steps to prepare for this vast
undertaking. Possessing an operational astronaut corps is an essential
strategic asset if Europe is to take part in this endeavour.
?Europe has long been involved in exploration, even before the days of
Christopher Columbus,? said Daniel Sacotte, ESA?s Director of Human Spaceflight,
Microgravity and Exploration. ?After exploring the Earth, space is the logical
next step - and a new generation of explorers are needed to follow their
illustrious predecessor Columbus and embark for those new worlds. I am
therefore very pleased that at the beginning of 2009, we will be welcoming a
new intake of men and women to the European Astronaut Corps to undertake
missions to the ISS and beyond.?
ESA needs to regenerate the European Astronaut Corps, increasing its size in
order to successfully accomplish its present and future programmes. The Agency
has therefore decided to initiate this process of selecting new astronauts.
Candidates from all 17 Member States (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom) are welcome to
apply.
Background in science and operations
?The ideal European astronaut candidate should be competent in relevant
scientific disciplines, including but not restricted to life sciences, physics,
chemistry and medicine and/or be an engineer or pilot, and should have
demonstrated outstanding abilities in research, applications or the educational
field, preferably including operational skills. In addition, characteristics
expected of all applicants include a good memory and reasoning ability,
concentration, aptitude for spatial orientation, and manual dexterity,?
explained Gerhard Thiele, former astronaut and Head of the European Astronaut
Division. Applicants should be fluent in English (Russian is also an asset) and
should exhibit personality traits such as high motivation, flexibility, team
competence, empathy with others and emotional stability.
Europe-wide information campaign
This major recruitment campaign will kick off with information conferences held
in ESA Member States, in which ESA astronauts will be involved. Media
organisations will be kept informed and will have the opportunity to attend
these events.
For further information:
European Astronaut Centre (EAC)
Linda Villette
Email:Linda.Villette@esa.int
tel: +49 22 03 6001 113
Fax: +49 22 03 6001 112
Posted by Rob vk1zqr@vk1dsn.act.aus.oc
Please use the same BID if re-posting...Thanks.
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