European Space Agency seeks new astronauts, especially women

Agency also launching programme looking at potential for recruiting astronauts with physical disabilities

The European Space Agency is looking for new astronauts for the first time in 11 years, with a particular emphasis on greater representation of women.

Esa said on 8 February that it is “strongly encouraging women to apply” to the call running from 31 March and 28 May, “because we are seeking to expand gender diversity in our ranks”.