Do You Want To Go To Space?

The European Space Agency (ESA) has extended its deadline to apply to become an astronaut, looking to take on 26 new recruits (something that only happens once every ten years or so) – and it’s keen to make the application process more diverse.

According to the Guardian, disabled people are now being encouraged to apply for the job for the first time, with the agency opening a parastronaut feasibility project to assess the conditions for including disabled people in space.

Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti commented on the news, saying: “When it comes to space travel, we are all disabled. We did not evolve to go to space. And so [sending an individual with a physical disability into space] becomes a question of technology.”

Of course, competition will be rife and in 2009, only six people were selected from over 8,000 candidates – but you’ve got to be in it to win it, so now’s the time to review your CV and see if you’ve got what it takes to explore the final frontier.

The deadline for applications is June 18th, so there’s still plenty of time to get your CV into the ESA. The organisation is looking for professionals to conduct spaceflight missions to low earth orbit and the moon, fulfilling scientific, technical, administrative and managerial tasks to support the Human Spaceflight Programme.

Duties will include space flight training, operating and maintaining onboard systems, launch and landing operations, and much more. Eligible disabilities include short stature (under 130cm), leg length difference, single or double leg deficiencies below the knee, or single or double foot deficiencies through the ankle.

 

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