ESA Astronaut Recruitment Drive Nets 22,000 Applicants
Voice of America
The European Space Agency (ESA) reports that the first recruitment drive for astronauts since 2008 netted 22,000 applications, including an increase in female applicants and the first applications from people with disabilities.
The agency put out a call for applicants in February, encouraging more women and people with disabilities to apply to boost diversity among crews. The agency launched the “parastronaut” program to examine what is needed to get disabled astronauts onto the International Space Station. The ESA said the preliminary number of applications this year far exceeded the 8,413 applications received in 2008. More than 200 people applied for the newly established vacancy for astronauts with a physical disability, and about 5,400 women — about 24% of all applicants — applied. The share of women was 15.5% in 2008, the ESA said. The space agency said applications would next be screened through a six-stage process, with finalists expected to be announced in October 2022.A scenic view from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, May 10, 2024. A view of roses in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, May 10, 2024. The White House Kitchen Garden in Washington, May 10, 2024. The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden at the White House in Washington, May 10, 2024.
FILE - A movie-prop helicopter parked on a bridge causes traffic to slow on the Hollywood Freeway below, in Los Angeles, Dec. 12, 2018. California could soon deploy generative artificial intelligence tools to help reduce traffic jams. FILE - California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks in Larkspur, Calif., April 16, 2024. California could soon deploy AI tools to help solve problems, under agreements announced May 9, 2024, as part of Newsom's efforts to harness technologies for public services.
FILE - A Vodouist clad in white invokes a gede spirit during the Saint George celebration, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, April 24, 2024. A child stands with Vodou pilgrims during a Mass marking the feast day of agriculture and work, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, May 1, 2024. FILE - Believers dance during the St. George Vodou celebration in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, April 24, 2024.