Phases 2.1 and 2.2 in the ESA Astronaut Selection Process

[Christopher Lusardi]

ESA Astronaut Selection Proceeds with Psychological Exams
Published: March 13, 2022  
By: Doug Messier

The recruitment of the next ESA astronauts continues. Phase 2 began with the psychotechnical tests and will continue until the end of May with the psychological assessments.

Phase 2 is divided into 2 stages. The 1st (called phase 2.1) takes place in Hamburg. It involves psycho technical and cognitive tests : memorization, mental calculation. There is also an exercise which takes place in front of a control screen: the candidates must manage several parameters simultaneously, using different joysticks and controllers. They are also assessed on their level of English. This stage ends in early March. Phase 2.2 began on 01/31 in Cologne at the European Astronaut Center.

Psychological assessments constitute phase 2.2 of recruitment. Each candidate is evaluated during a day at the EAC, via a series of exams – all in English of course – including an interview with a psychologist and another faced with 4 people: 2 psychologists, 1 member of ESA human resources and an astronaut.

After that, the candidates will have to undergo a complete medical check-up, either in Germany or at the MEDES clinic in Toulouse.

http://parabolicarc.com/2022/03/13/esa-astronaut-selection-proceeds-with-psychological-exams/