The European Space Agency (ESA) has prepared to recruit 26 astronauts for expeditions to the moon, and they are then planned to be sent to Mars. The recruitment of candidates will focus on diversity: ESA wants to see more women among its employees, as well as people with disabilities, reports The Guardian.
The new recruitment of astronauts is being held for the first time in 11 years and is being presented as a revival of manned space expeditions. Candidates will become both active flight participants and reservists, the selection program will last until autumn 2022. The ability to hire people with disabilities to work in space has come thanks to technology.
“When it comes to working in space, we are all people with disabilities,” said Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti.
Future astronauts will require a master's degree and three years of practice in science, engineering, mathematics or computer science, as well as a psychological readiness for testing.
In 2020, it was reported that Anna Kikina, the only woman in the Roskosmos cosmonaut corps, will go to the ISS as part of the Russian crew.
