The first official British astronaut is expected to be announced by the European Space Agency (Esa). Esa is expected to name a 37-year-old Apache pilot from the Army Air Corps as one of six new recruits.
The European Space Agency (Esa) is expected to name four new astronauts on Wednesday. The recruits were selected from more than 8,000 applications and have been described as young and extremely capable individuals. The astronauts will train to work on the International Space Station (ISS) and, depending on future developments, may even get to go to the Moon.
ESA began the search for new astronauts in 2008, calling for applications from talented European citizens who wished to join the European Astronaut Corps to conduct future missions to the International Space Station, and one day to the Moon and beyond. Following a very demanding selection process, which started out with 8413 valid applications, ESA is ready to announce the individuals who are to become the new European astronauts. Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, and Simonetta Di Pippo, ESA Director of Human Spaceflight, will present them at ESA Headquarters on 20 May.