The starting point will be March 31, 2021, the date for the opening of applications for the position of astronaut. ESA strongly encourages women to apply, as the agency seeks to strengthen gender diversity in its ranks.

“Representing all parts of our society is a concern we take very seriously,” says David Parker, Director of Human and Robotics Exploration at ESA. “The diversity within ESA should not only take into account the origin, age, background or gender of our astronauts, but perhaps also physical disabilities. To make this dream come true, along with recruiting astronauts, I am launching the Parastronaut Feasibility Project – an innovation whose time has come. “

The call for applications will be open from March 31 to May 28, 2021 and ESA will only consider applications submitted on the ESA Career website within the next eight weeks. The six-step selection process will then begin, and is expected to end in October 2022.

And you, do you dream of becoming an astronaut? Or did you dream of being an astronaut when you were little? Why ? Do you plan to try the recruitment competition? Testify via the response form below. We will publish some of your testimonials in our Wednesday edition.