This article is from page 76 of the 2008-05-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 76 JPG
CLARE people with a desire to work on the International Space Station and explore the solar system have just a few weeks to apply for a place on the European Space Agency’s new astronaut training programme. Recruitment opened yesterday May 19, and candidates from Ireland are welcome to apply.
Candidates need a relevant degree or equivalent, and/or be a pilot or engineer. They will have to provide the same medical examination cer- tificate as private pilots do.
The first step in the application process takes place online at www. esa.int/astronautselection. There will also be two stages of psychological and professional aptitude evaluation.
“The ideal European candidate should be competent in relevant sci- entific disciplines, including but not restricted to life sciences, physics, chemistry and medicine and/or be an engineer or pilot, and should have demonstrated outstanding abilities in research, applications or the educa- tional field, preferably including op- erational skills,’ explained Gerhard Thiele, former astronaut and Head of the European Astronaut Division.
“In addition, characteristics expect- ed of all applicants include a good memory and reasoning ability, con-
centration, aptitude for spatial orien- tation, and manual dexterity.”
Applicants should be fluent in Eng- lish (Russian is also an asset) and should exhibit personality traits such as high motivation, flexibility, team competence, empathy with others and emotional stability. The final appointments will be officially an- nounced in 2009.
Encouragement for people from the region to apply came from a NASA astronaut last Friday last. Speaking at his talk on the NASA space pro- gramme, Captain Jon McBride said it was time for the first Irish astronaut to go into space with ESA. Looking beyond that to NASA’s planned mis- sion to Mars, he said that the likely candidates for this were at school now, and the first step for them was to study hard and go to college.
McBride was the pilot on the first shuttle mission to carry a crew of seven astronauts. He has also held many other senior positions within the NASA organisation. Although now retired from active service, he still works for NASA to raise aware- ness of its work.
Dr Moore also announced that, for the first time, the society will be run- ning evening classes on astronomy for beginners this autumn at the University of Limerick. Register at www.astronomy.ie.