ESA Astronaut Selection 2021 - UK FAQs
Information for UK applications to the European Space Agency's Astronaut Call 2021 - 2022
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The European Space Agency has announced that it is recruiting new astronauts and a Paraastronaut in a pilot project. The application period opens on 31 March 2021 and closes on 18 June 2021.
Full details of the selection, the requirements and FAQs can be found on ESA’s pages.
This page will provide answers to some commonly asked questions from UK-based applicants. This page will be updated with more information where appropriate.
Watch our chat with UK ESA astronaut Tim Peake, with application tips and answers to your questions.
Could you be the next UK astronaut?
Are UK citizens eligible for this call?
Yes, the UK is a member of the European Space Agency. ESA is not an EU organisation and the UK did not leave ESA when it left the EU. All UK citizens (and citizens of all 22 ESA member states and 2 associated member states) are eligible for this call.
Will I need to get a visa if successful?
ESA astronauts are ESA members of staff. The ESA convention, which governs the organisation, is clear that all member states are required to facilitate entry and stay in their territory for all ESA staff.
ESA require a European Medical Class 2 certificate. Is a UK one acceptable?
ESA have now updated their documents to state that UK CAA certificates are acceptable.
An applicant to the astronaut vacancy should be able to pass a European Part-MED, Class 2 medical examination (Private Pilot medical certificate), conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner certified by their national Aviation Medical Authority. For the purpose of the astronaut selection ESA will accept UK CAA and Canada CAR certificates for private pilots. USA FAA certificates for private pilots can also be accepted by equivalence.
An applicant to the astronaut (with physical disabilities) vacancy shall provide a medical certificate issued in English by any physician and stating that, if not for your disability, you would comply with the medical requirements of the European Part-MED, Class 2 (Private Pilot) medical certificate.
These requirements are available here. Requirements for UK CAA, Canada CAR and USA FAA certificates for private pilots will also be accepted. In a second stage you might be requested to provide a medical report and associated documentation related to your disability. Applicants will be instructed individually.
Can I make an appointment for a UK Class 2 medical during lockdown restrictions?
The Civil Aviation Authority regulates the Aeromedical Examiners (AME) who carry out the Class 2 medicals. The CAA consider that these medical examinations are being undertaken for the purpose of obtaining work and have advised AMEs of this.
Please check this against the COVID regulations in your area before leaving home. However, some AMEs may not be able to undertake medicals for personal reasons or due to their NHS commitments, so please contact the AME to see if they can accommodate you.
Applicants must undergo the required medical examination by an aviation medical examiner certified by their national aviation medical authority. However, if you have not yet received your formal certificate, ESA will also accept a copy of the official medical report.
The official certificate can then be provided at a later date if needed.
Last updated 9 April 2021 + show all updates
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Added livestream with Tim Peake
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First published.