The European Space Agency (ESA) stated that it would recruit astronauts once again after a long time
and called on the citizens of the countries that are members of the agency. However, this time, he
broke new ground and announced that disabled citizens who will apply as astronauts can also apply.
The agency wants to take steps to expand the existing talent pool in its research in space and recruit
the first astronaut with a serious physical disability. Guillaume Weerts, the agency's medical team
leader stated that there were nearly a thousand applications for the Parastronaut Project, which
includes 22 European countries, and that they plan to hire a few astronauts among these people in
April 2022.
Basic features required
Those who can qualify are adults with no lower legs, one leg shorter than the other, and under 4 1/4
feet tall, ESA officials said.
Additionally, those who are under the age of 50 and do not have serious diseases that do not require
constant medication can apply.
In terms of education, the requirements include having a master's degree in one of the natural
sciences, engineering departments, mathematics or computer science departments, and having at
At least 3 years of work experience in one of these departments.
In addition, applicants must have an advanced level of English (at least C1) and any second language.
The program is open to citizens of countries with larger economies that are members of the agency,
such as Germany and the United Kingdom, starting from small countries in the Baltic Sea, such as
Estonia. It is open to citizens of ESA member states, extending to the centers of power.
The agency especially wants female citizens to apply.
Applications will start on March 31.
The application period is 2 months.
The qualifying period is expected to last exactly 18 months.
The selected astronauts are planned to start their first mission in 2025.
