2022 European Space Agency Astronaut Group Explained

Year:2022
Number:5 Career, 12 Reserve/Project
Prev:2009

The 2022 European Space Agency Astronaut Group is the latest class of the European Astronaut Corps. The selection recruited five "career" astronauts as well as 12 "reserve/project" astronauts (including one "astronaut with a physical disability").[1] They are the fourth European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut class to be recruited.[2]

The group joined the continuing corps of ESA astronauts, those selected in 2009, to perform both long and short-duration spaceflight missions aboard the International Space Station, and as part of the Artemis program.[3] [4]

Group members

Along with the five selected "career astronauts", the campaign recruited a "reserve" pool of astronauts who "...will not be permanent ESA staff, but could have the opportunity to be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts." The campaign also recruited a person with a physical disability through the "parastronaut feasibility project".[5] [6] The announcement of the selected candidates took place in Paris on November 23 2022 at the Grand Palais Éphémère, at the conclusion of the triennial ESA Ministerial Council meeting.[7]

Reserves

Chronology

Flights of class members!Astronaut!Date!Mission!Duration
Marcus Wandt 2024Ax-321 days
Sławosz Uznański early 2025Ax-414 days (planned)
Sophie Adenot early 2026TBD6 months (planned)
Raphaël Liégeois late 2026TBD6 Months (planned)

2023

Basic training for some of the group began throughout 2023 at the European Astronaut Center (EAC) facilities in Cologne, with a duration of approximately a year. The five selected "career" astronauts began in April,[17] joined by three members of the reserve who had received "project" astronaut assignments: McFall and Wandt in June,[18] [19] and Uznański in September.[20]

In August 2023 the Polish government signed an agreement with ESA and Axiom have a Polish citizen aboard a future Axiom flight. Although the agreement did no specify who would fly or when that mission would take place,[21] the Polish minister for Economic Development and Technology stated the intent was "to submit the candidature" of Uznański for a flight in 2024.[22]

2024

After being initially announced as a reserve Marcus Wandt became the first of the class to be assigned to a spaceflight, as "mission specialist" aboard Axiom-3, to the International Space Station.[23] It became be "the first commercial mission for an ESA-sponsored astronaut"[24] with the Swedish National Space Agency responsible to "negotiate directly with Axiom for the flight" following ESA director general signing of letter of intent in April 2023 for such a mission.[25] [26] His training was performed in reverse-order to the norm, with the mission-specific content first then followed by basic training at EAC second.[27] Wandt's mission name will be "Muninn" and will partially coincide with Danish ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen's mission "Huginn".[28] [29] The Axiom-3 mission took place from 18 January to 9 February with Wandt serving as a mission specialist.

The career astronauts (along with Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg) graduated from Basic Training at the European Astronaut Centre on the 22nd of April 2024 under the class name "The Hoppers".[30] One month later, in the context of a meeting of the EU/ESA "Space Council" meeting held in Brussels, Adenot then Liégeois were announced as receiving the first two long duration mission assignments – both scheduled in that order for 2026.[31]

In August, it was confirmed that Uznański was assigned on Axiom-4, scheduled for 2025.[32] [33]

Recruitment

The recruitment campaign was announced at press conferences in February 2021.[34] Applications for the roles of "astronaut" and "astronaut (with a physical disability)" in the ESA Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes were accepted between 31 March and 18 June of that year[35] [36] and over 22 thousand applications were received.[37] The original deadline of May 28 was extended by three weeks due to Lithuania joining ESA as an associate-member of ESA, and its citizens therefore becoming eligible to apply, only a week before the original deadline.

Criteria

Recruits could be a citizen of any ESA member or associate-member state. Women were particularly encouraged to apply — in order to address the gender gap among astronauts[38] — as under 16% of applicants in the previous recruitment campaign were women.[39]

The minimum formal criteria included: being a citizen of an ESA member (or associate member) state under the age of 50; being between 150 and 190cm tall (with possible exception under the astronaut with a disability category); a "normal weight" BMI range; fluency in English and another language; a master's degree in the Natural Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Mathematics/Computer Sciences (plus three years of professional experience), or accreditation as an experimental test pilot; a "hearing capacity of 25 dB or better per ear"; and a current class 2 pilot's medical certificate.[40] Upon selection, recruits would then receive training in "...the essentials of being an astronaut, survival skills and the Russian language, before moving on to robotics, navigation, maintenance and spacewalks", and then receiving mission-specific training.[41]

The types of disability considered for astronaut with a disability program were lower limb deficiency (e.g. due to amputation or congenital limb deficiency), leg length difference, or short stature.[42]

Applicants

Applications from 22,523 candidates were received. They came from all eligible nationalities (including Lithuania), as well as 257 for the astronaut with a disability program.[43] This represented a 2.8x increase in the number of applications received compared to the previous ESA astronaut selection process. Almost five and a half thousand applicants (24%) were women – up from 1287 (15.3%) female applicants in the previous selection process.[44] Estonia had the highest proportion of female applicants (38.6%), while Switzerland had the lowest (17.8%).

With over seven thousand applications the largest number of applicants were French citizens, almost twice as many as the next most common applicant citizenship, Germans. It was speculated that the popularity of the call for applicants among French citizens was due to Thomas Pesquet's "Alpha" mission to the ISS beginning while the application period was open.[45] More than a thousand applications were also received from British, Spanish, Italian and Belgian citizens, while less than 100 applications were received from Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians, Luxembourgers, and Slovenians.[46] ESA stressed that the eventual selection is "irrespective" of national funding of the organisation.[47]

Applicants by citizenship – total (%♀)
Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark Estonia
466 (24.9%)1007 (22.8%)204 (18.1%)145 (24.1%)57 (38.6%)
Finland France Germany Greece Hungary
308 (18.8%)7087 (23.2%)3695 (28%)281 (21.4%)149 (22.8%)
Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg
276 (28.3%)1845 (18.8%)83 (27.7%)80 (23.8%)64 (18.8%)
The Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania
982 (30.1%)391 (17.9%)549 (23.3%)320 (19.1%)254 (21.7%)
Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom
62 (21%)1341 (22.2%)281 (18.1%)668 (17.8%)2000 (28.5%)

Selection process

Announcement of ESA's new class of astronauts[48] |right|thumb|alt=stage with curtain and two presenters, once the curtain is raised people behind are standing spread out across two rows and are called upon individually to come forward to the frontThe selection process itself proceeds over six stages:[49]

  1. Screening of applicants was undertaken "on the basis of documents submitted, the application form and the screening questionnaire." It was initially expected that approximately 1500 (7%) applicants would be accepted through to stage 2. By the conclusion of the 1st stage in January 2022, 1361 astronaut candidates and 27 disabled candidates were invited to the 2nd stage – including at least one man and one woman from every eligible nationality.[50]
  2. Initial tests consisted of "cognitive, technical, motor coordination and personality tests" administered by the German Aerospace Center in Hamburg.
  3. Assessment centre evaluation involved "additional psychometric tests, individual and group exercises and practical tests" administered at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne.
  4. Medical tests assessed "physical and psychological condition in view of long-duration astronaut missions" administered in Cologne and the Toulouse Space Centre, France.
  5. Panel interview assesses "technical and behavioural competencies" including a background check.
  6. Final interview with the ESA Director General at the agency headquarters in Paris.
Selection process statistics!Recruitmentround!Applicants(of which disab.)!Completed!%♀!% of previous!Ref.
Screening22,780 (257)June 202124%–
Initial tests1,388 (27)March 202239%5.9%
Assessment centre~400May~28.8%[51]
Medical testsJune~25%
Panel interview
Final interviewOctober40%+[52]
Selected23 November 2022
Career540%
Reserve/Project12 (1)50%

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: ESA presents new generation of ESA astronauts . 2022-11-23 . www.esa.int . en.
  2. Web site: Astronaut selection 2021-22 FAQs . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220824214353/https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection/Astronaut_selection_2021-22_FAQs . 2022-08-24 . 2021-02-16 . www.esa.int . en.
  3. Web site: Hunt on to find British astronaut to go to the moon - here's what you need to qualify . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210617070510/https://news.sky.com/story/hunt-on-to-find-british-astronaut-to-go-to-the-moon-heres-what-you-need-to-qualify-12219644 . 2021-06-17 . 2021-02-16 . Sky News . en.
  4. Web site: 2021-02-17 . Europe launches recruitment drive for female and disabled astronauts . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220728130511/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/feb/17/europe-launches-recruitment-drive-for-female-and-disabled-astronauts . 2022-07-28 . 2021-02-17 . the Guardian . en.
  5. News: 2021-02-16 . European Space Agency: Astronaut recruitment seeks disability applicants . en-GB . BBC News . live . 2021-02-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507033846/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56072219 . 2022-05-07.
  6. Web site: 2021-02-16 . European Space Agency in bid to recruit female and disabled astronauts . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211026155932/https://www.euronews.com/2021/02/16/european-space-agency-in-bid-to-recruit-more-female-and-disabled-astronauts . 2021-10-26 . 2021-02-17 . euronews . en.
  7. Web site: Media Invitation: Announcement of ESA Astronaut Class of 2022 . 2022-11-08 . www.esa.int . en.
  8. Web site: Meganne Christian . 2022-11-23 . www.esa.int . en.
  9. Web site: Anthea Comellini . 2022-11-23 . www.esa.int . en.
  10. Web site: Sara García Alonso . 2022-11-23 . www.esa.int . en.
  11. Web site: Andrea Patassa . 2022-11-23 . www.esa.int . en.
  12. Web site: Carmen Possnig . 2022-11-23 . www.esa.int . en.
  13. Web site: Arnaud Prost . 2022-11-23 . www.esa.int . en.
  14. Web site: Amelie Schoenenwald . 2022-11-23 . www.esa.int . en.
  15. Web site: Aleš Svoboda . 2022-11-23 . www.esa.int . en.
  16. Web site: Nicola Winter . 2022-11-23 . www.esa.int . en.
  17. Web site: ESA's astronaut candidates start training . 2023-04-04 . www.esa.int . en.
  18. News: 2023-06-19 . John McFall: World's first disabled astronaut begins training . en-GB . BBC Newsround . 2023-09-15.
  19. Web site: ESA proposes Marcus Wandt from Sweden to fly on a future Axiom space mission . 2023-09-15 . www.esa.int . en.
  20. Web site: Sławosz Uznański from Poland to train as a project astronaut at the European Astronaut Centre . 2023-09-15 . www.esa.int . en.
  21. Web site: Foust . Jeff . 2023-08-18 . Poland signs agreement to fly astronaut on Axiom Space ISS mission . 2023-10-01 . SpaceNews . en-US.
  22. Web site: Polish astronaut to become second ever Pole to go into space . 2023-10-01 . www.thefirstnews.com . en.
  23. Web site: Marcus Wandt will fly to International Space Station on third Axiom Space mission . 2023-10-01 . www.esa.int . en.
  24. Web site: NASA, Partners Clear Axiom Space’s Third Private Astronaut Crew – NASA . 2023-10-01 . en-US.
  25. Web site: Sweden intends to send ESA astronaut to the International Space Station . 2023-10-01 . www.esa.int . en.
  26. Web site: 2023-04-21 . Axiom Space, ESA Sign Agreement with Swedish National Space Agency on Future Mission to ISS . 2023-10-01 . Axiom Space . en-US.
  27. Web site: Foust . Jeff . 2023-10-18 . Axiom Space refines training for next private astronaut mission . 2023-10-19 . SpaceNews . en-US.
  28. Web site: Elizabeth Howell . 2023-09-13 . Axiom Space names Ax-3 astronaut crew for SpaceX mission to ISS . 2023-09-15 . Space.com . en.
  29. Web site: Robert Lea . 2023-06-20 . Swedish astronaut 'fast-tracked' to join crew of upcoming private Axiom Space mission . 2023-09-15 . Space.com . en.
  30. News: 2024-04-22 . European astronaut rookies make the grade . 2024-04-22 . BBC News . en-GB.
  31. Web site: ESA astronauts Sophie Adenot and Raphaël Liégeois assigned for Space Station missions . 2024-05-22 . www.esa.int . en.
  32. Web site: Sławosz Uznański from Poland will fly to International Space Station on fourth Axiom Space mission . 2024-08-19 . www.esa.int . en.
  33. Web site: published . Elizabeth Howell . 2024-08-12 . Axiom Space's next astronaut mission to the ISS with SpaceX delayed to spring 2025 . 2024-08-19 . Space.com . en.
  34. Web site: Watch live: ESA outlines its search for astronauts . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220210161649/https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Watch_live_ESA_outlines_its_search_for_astronauts . 2022-02-10 . 2021-02-16 . www.esa.int . en.
  35. Web site: 2021-03-31. Astronaut Job Req ID: 12355. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210331095346/https://jobs.esa.int/job/Porz-Wahn-Astronaut-ESOC/662874901/. 2021-03-31. 2021-04-01. jobs.esa.int. en-GB.
  36. Web site: 2021-03-31. Astronaut (with a physical disability) Job Req ID: 12354. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210331103357/https://jobs.esa.int/job/Porz-Wahn-Astronaut-(with-a-physical-disability)-ESOC/662873001/. 2021-03-31. 2021-04-01. jobs.esa.int. en-GB.
  37. Web site: Final figures show astronaut applicants from all ESA Member States . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220712040852/https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection/Final_figures_show_astronaut_applicants_from_all_ESA_Member_States . 2022-07-12 . 2022-02-10 . www.esa.int . en.
  38. Web site: 2021-02-17 . Women and people with disabilities 'often better adapted to spaceflight than men' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210428035751/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-17/european-space-agency-in-recruitment-drive/13162870 . 2021-04-28 . 2021-02-18 . www.abc.net.au . en-AU.
  39. Web site: Applicants from all ESA Member States to become European astronauts. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211229121843/https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/European_Astronaut_Selection_2008/Applicants_from_all_ESA_Member_States_to_become_European_astronauts . 2021-12-29 . 2021-02-18 . www.esa.int . en.
  40. Web site: 2021-03-31. Astronaut Application Handbook. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210331161914/https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/ESA_Astrosel_Handbook.pdf. 2021-03-31. 2021-03-31. European Space Agency. 19.
  41. News: O’Leary . Naomi . European Space Agency launches search for new astronauts . en . The Irish Times . live . 2021-02-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210217082455/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/european-space-agency-launches-search-for-new-astronauts-1.4486862 . 2021-02-17.
  42. Web site: Parastronaut feasibility project . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210216114610/https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection/Parastronaut_feasibility_project . 2021-02-16 . 2021-02-16 . www.esa.int.
  43. Web site: Final figures show astronaut applicants from all ESA Member States . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220712040852/https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection/Final_figures_show_astronaut_applicants_from_all_ESA_Member_States . 2022-07-12 . 2022-02-10 . www.esa.int . en.
  44. Web site: Wide range of applications for ESA's astronaut selection . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211230174303/https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection/Wide_range_of_applications_for_ESA_s_astronaut_selection . 2021-12-30 . 2021-06-23 . www.esa.int . en.
  45. News: 2021-06-23 . Big numbers apply to be European astronauts . en-GB . BBC News . live . 2021-06-23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220815111220/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57530395 . 2022-08-15.
  46. Web site: 2021-06-23. ESA Astronaut Selection 2021: Preliminary Numbers. live. 2021-06-23. European Space Agency. 3. https://web.archive.org/web/20210623083908/https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/ESA_AStroSel_2021_Preliminary_Numbers.pdf . 2021-06-23 .
  47. News: 2021-02-16 . European Space Agency: Astronaut recruitment drive for greater diversity . en-GB . BBC News . live . 2021-06-23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507033846/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56072219 . 2022-05-07.
  48. Web site: 23 November 2022 . Announcement of ESA's new class of astronauts . Also broadcast live on YouTube. European Space Agency.
  49. Web site: 2021-03-31. Astronaut Application Handbook. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210331161914/https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/ESA_Astrosel_Handbook.pdf. 2021-03-31. 2021-03-31. European Space Agency. 13.
  50. Web site: Astronaut selection: stage one complete . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220627115106/https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection/Astronaut_selection_stage_one_complete . 2022-06-27 . 2022-01-18 . www.esa.int . en.
  51. Web site: ESA astronaut selection in the final stages . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220826103353/https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/ESA_astronaut_selection_in_the_final_stages . 2022-08-26 . 2022-07-07 . www.esa.int . en.
  52. News: Aschbacher . Josef . 18 October 2022 . Samantha Cristoforetti's first news conference after returning to Earth . min:42-46 . .

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