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.
On that occasion, media are invited to a press conference at ESA Headquarters starting at 13:15 CEST. Media representatives wishing to attend the event are kindly requested to fill in the attached accreditation form and return it by fax to the ESA Headquarters Media Relations Office: + 33 (0)1 5369 7690.
For more information:
Jean Coisne
Head of EAC Communications & PR Office
Communication and Knowledge Department
Tel: +49 2203 6001 110
email: jean.coisne @ esa.int
Markus Bauer
Human Spaceflight Programme Communication Officer
Communication and Knowledge Department
Tel: + 31 71 565 6799
email: markus.bauer @ esa.int
ESA presents:
New European Astronauts for Space Exploration
Press conference
20 May 2009, 13:15 CEST
ESA Headquarters,
8-10 rue Mario Nikis, 75015 Paris, France
Programme
12:45 Media registration – ESA Headquarters Room A
13:15 Introduction of the new ESA astronauts by Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, and Simonetta Di Pippo, ESA Director of Human Spaceflight
13:30 The new ESA astronauts introduce themselves
14:00 Questions and Answers
14:15 Photo opportunity – ESA Foyer
14:30 Possibility of individual interviews with Jean-Jacques Dordain, Simonetta Di Pippo and the new ESA astronauts
15:00 End
