Citizenship
The most influential factor in your chances of becoming an astronaut is your citizenship. Here, frequency of selection is important, as you need to have a competitive profile while still meeting the selection criteria for age.
For example, NASA most frequently hires astronauts with 6 selections since the year 2000 (every 3-4 years), followed ROSCOSMOS (Russia) with 5 selections (every 4-5 years) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) with 3 selections (every 7-8 years).
The number of individuals selected is also important, as it gives you a higher chance of success. The following graph shows which Space Agencies have hired the highest numbers (since the year 2000), including a breakdown of women and men selected.
If you would like to know more about what a competitive profile might look like for your application, this article may be useful: Navigating the Astronaut Application.
Dual-citizenship
If you are a citizen of a country, then you are eligible to apply for their space agency astronaut selection.
Certain countries allow citizenship of other countries in addition to the home nation (dual-citizenship). However, there are many different factors that require careful consideration. Some major points to note include certain laws imposed that may be prohibitive (e.g., some countries have agreements in place that mean you do not get taxed in each country, and some do not) and the cost, time, and effort over a prolonged period to obtain citizenship.
Certain countries do not permit dual-citizenship (e.g., China and Russia). If you want to be a citizen of these countries, you must renounce (give up) your citizenship of any other country. Note: Russia do have an agreement where this may be possible with Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.
Becoming a dual-citizen of a country that has an equally low rate and number of selecting astronauts may not be beneficial.
Below is an outline of background information for each nation, their associated space agency or organization that is responsible for human spaceflight, and insight into chances of success at astronaut selection.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Space Agency (SSA)
Great news! The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have an astronaut selection coming up! Those interested would need to make an application to the Saudi Space Agency, that is likely to be through a page on their website - https://ssa.gov.sa/en/home/.
United States of America (USA)
The National Astronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The National Astronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have selected more astronauts than any other space agency. In their last selection (2020/21) they had ~12,000 applicants with 13 selected. Prior to that (2015-2017) NASA selected 12 from ~18,300 applicants. NASA typically have an astronaut selection every 4 years, so the next is predicted to be announced ~2025/26. NASA also allow you to be a dual passport holder; for example, with a passport from the United States and another country that allow dual passports.
Russia
ROSCOSMOS
ROSCOSMOS have recruited the second largest number of cosmonauts, compared to the number of astronauts selected at other space agencies. They last held an astronaut selection in 2021 where they selected 4 individuals from 2,229 applicants. Prior to that, in 2017/18, they selected 8 from 420 applicants. They tend to recruit astronauts every 3-5 years, so the next is predicted to be announced ~2024 - 2026.
China
The China National Space Administration (CNSA)
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has recruited the third largest number of astronauts when compared with other space agencies. They last held a selection in 2022, where they selected 12-14 astronauts. Prior to that in 2020 they selected 18 astronauts. The numbers of applicants for these selections are unknown. The length of time between astronaut selections has been varied, with group 1 in 1998, then a 12 year gap before the next selection in 2010, a 10 year gap until the 2020 selection, and then a 2 year gap to 2022.
Japan
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
JAXA had their last selection in 2023, where they announced 2 astronauts from 4,127 applicants. Prior to that, JAXA had a selection in 2009, where they selected 3 astronauts from 963 applicants.
Germany
Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR)
The Germany Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.) is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency (ESA), and therefore German citizens needs to apply for ESA astronaut selection. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Germany had 3,695 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected two “Reserve” astronauts, but no “career” astronauts from Germany. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. This is the first time in the last three ESA astronaut selections that a German hasn’t been selected (2 in 2009 and 1 in 1998).
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where Germany contribute the most out of all member states. The ratio between the share of Germany in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the contribution paid to the Agency, must be of 21.4 % (1047 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
France
The National Centre for Space Studies (CNES - Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales)
The National Centre for Space Studies (CNES - Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) is the French national space agency, and are one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency. Therefore, French citizens who wish to be a space agency astronaut need to apply through the ESA astronaut selection. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, France had 7,087 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected one “career” and one “Reserve” astronaut from France. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. In the proceeding two ESA campaigns five astronauts have been selected (4 in 1998 and 1 in 2009).
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where France contribute the second greatest amount out of all member states. The ratio between the share of France in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the contribution paid to the Agency, must be of 20.4 % (1000 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Canada
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) last held an astronaut selection in 2017, where 3,772 individuals applied and 2 were selected. Prior to that, CSA had an astronaut selection in 2009 and 1992. This means on average they select astronauts every ~17 years. The selected astronaut candidates in 2017 spent 2 years in basic training, then pre-assignment training, and mission specific training. The first mission is around the moon for 10 days at the end of 2024. It’s unclear whether the CSA will select more astronauts after a shorter time period this time around, owing to their involvement in the Artemis program (returning to the moon). One very noticeable difference between the Canadian Space Agency requirements and those of any other nation, is it’s requirement to accept applications from Canadian citizens or those with a permanent residency.
Italy
Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI)
Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), the Italian national space agency, is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency. Therefore, to become a space agency astronaut, Italian citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Italy had 1,845 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected two “Reserve” astronauts, but no “career” astronauts from Italy. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. The 2023 selection is the first time in the last three ESA astronaut selections that an Italian hasn’t been selected (2 in 1998 and 2 in 2009).
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where Italy provide the fourth greatest contribution of all member states. The ratio between the share of Italy in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the contribution paid to the Agency, must be of 11.8% (580 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
United Kingdom (UK)
The UK Space Agency
The UK Space Agency, is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency. Therefore, to become a space agency astronaut, citizens of the United Kingdom need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, the UK had 2000 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected one “career” astronaut, one “reserve” astronaut, and one “Parastronaut” from the UK. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. To date, ESA is the only space agency to hire a parastronaut; an astronaut with a physical disability. Prior to the 2021/22 selection, 1 astronaut was selected through ESA in 2009.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where the UK provide the third greatest contribution of all member states. The ratio between the share of the UK in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the contribution paid to the Agency, must be of 12.4% (609 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Spain
The Agencia Espacial Española (AEE)
The Agencia Espacial Española (AEE), the Spanish Space Agency, is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency. Therefore, to become a space agency astronaut, Spanish citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Spain had 1,341 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected one “career” and one “Reserve” astronaut from Spain. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where Spain provide the fifth greatest contribution of all member states. The ratio between the share of Spain in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the contribution paid to the Agency, must be of 5.8% (286 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Belgium
Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO)
The Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO) represents Belgium and defends the Belgian interests in the framework of ESA. Belgium is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency and therefore, to become a space agency astronaut, citizens of Belgium need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Belgium had 1,007 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected one “career” and no “Reserve” astronauts. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where Belgium provide the sixth greatest contribution of all member states. The ratio between the share of Spain in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the contribution paid to the Agency, must be of 5.3% (260 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Sweden
Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA)
The Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA) is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency. Therefore, to become a space agency astronaut, Swedish citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Sweden had 281 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected one “career” and one “Reserve” astronaut, giving Swedish applicants the best opportunity of any member state with 1. the relatively small numbers of people who applied; 2. The number of astronauts selected from Sweden. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return). The ratio between the share of Sweden in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 1.7% (84 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Switzerland
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)
Switzerland does not have a space agency, instead its affairs are conducted through the Swiss Space Office, which is the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) division responsible for space matters. Switzerland is one of 22 member states of the European Space Agency, and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, Swiss citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Switzerland had 668 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected one “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. The last Swiss astronaut to be selected through ESA was in 1978.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where Switzerland are the seventh highest contributor to ESA. The ratio between the share of Switzerland in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 3.8% (185 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Czech Republic
Czech Space Office (CSO) Česká kosmická kancelář
The Czech Space Office (CSO; Česká kosmická kancelář) is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency. Therefore, to become a space agency astronaut, citizens from the Czech Republic need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, the Czech Republic had 204 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and one “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where the Czech Republic provide the twelfth greatest contribution of all member states. The ratio between the share of Czech Republic in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 1% (49 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Poland
The Polish Space Agency (POLSA; Polska Agencja Kosmiczna)
The Polish Space Agency (POLSA; Polska Agencja Kosmiczna) is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency. Therefore, to become a space agency astronaut, citizens from Poland need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Poland had 549 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and one “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where Poland provide the thirteenth greatest contribution of all member states. The ratio between the share of Czech Republic in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 0.9% (45 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Denmark
Danish Space Authority
The Danish space authority (part of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science), represents Denmark as one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency (ESA). Therefore, to become a space agency astronaut, citizens from Denmark need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Denmark had 145 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronauts (unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future).
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where Denmark provide the eighteenth greatest contribution of all member states. The ratio between the share of Denmark in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 0.7% (35 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Hungary
Hungarian Space Research Office
The Hungarian Space Research Office is the official Government of Hungary agency responsible for the civilian space program as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. Hungary is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency, where Hungarian citizens could apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Hungary had 149 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. A second opportunity for Hungarians is through a national initiative called HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit Astronaut Programme), where 240 individuals applied with four astronauts selected who will spend two years training prior to the first mission. It’s unclear if this initiative will be taking applicants in the future.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return). The ratio between the share of Denmark in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 0.5% (25 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
South Korea
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)
South Korea had their first and last astronaut selection in 2006, where 36,000 individuals applied for two astronaut roles where one traveled to Space and has since left the Space Agency. There’s currently no information available about South Korea’s intentions to hold a further astronaut selection, however, they have bold ambitions for a lunar orbiter, so their space ambitions continue.
Malaysia
Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA)
The Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) held their first and last astronaut selection in 2006, where 11,000 applied for 1 astronaut role. Despite rumors from Malaysia’s first astronaut, MYSA have recently confirmed (2023) that they have no intentions at present to conduct an astronaut selection.
Austria
The Aeronautics and Space Agency (ALR)
The Aeronautics and Space Agency (ALR) is the Austrian forum for space activities. Austria is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency, and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, Austrian citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Austria had 466 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. In the past, one Austrian has been to space (1989) and one reached the final 22 (1998).
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return). The ratio between the share of Austria in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 1.3% (66 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Netherlands
The Netherlands Space Office (NSO)
The Netherlands Space Office (NSO) is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency (ESA). Therefore, to become a space agency astronaut, Dutch citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, the Netherlands had 982 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronauts (unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future). The last astronaut selected from the Netherlands was in 1998.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where the Netherlands provide the eighteenth greatest contribution of all member states. The ratio between the share of the Netherlands in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 2% (96 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Israel
Israel Space Agency (ISA)
If you are a citizen of Israel, and you wanted to apply to become an astronaut, you would have to apply through the Israel Space Agency (ISA), part of the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. The involvement of Israel in human spaceflight has increased recently, with a commercial astronaut flying to the International Space Station in 2022, with one astronaut before that in 1997. It’s also one of 27 nations that have signed the Artemis Accords, which will guide space exploration cooperation among nations participating in NASA's 21st century lunar exploration plans. There are no clear plans at the moment that Israel will be holding an astronaut selection.
Estonia
The Estonian Space Office (ESO; Eesti Kosmosebüroo)
The Estonian Space Office (ESO; Eesti Kosmosebüroo) is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency. Therefore, to become a space agency astronaut, Estonian citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Estonia had 57 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. Although astronauts with Estonian ancestry have been to space, there have been no Estonian astronauts.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where Estonia provide the fifth greatest contribution of all member states. The ratio between the share of the Netherlands in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 5.8% (286 M Euros) by the end of a given period. Given the low numbers of Estonian applicants, and higher geographical return compared to other countries who have had astronauts selected through, it’s possible that a high quality applicant could have an opportunity of being selected on the next ESA campaign.
Finland
Finnish Space Committee
The Finnish Space Committee steers the implementation of space strategy and operates as an advisory board under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Finland is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency, and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, Finnish citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Finland had 307 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. No Finns have been to space to date, but three have booked a place with Virgin Galactic in commercial spaceflight.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where Finland provide the fifth greatest contribution of all member states. The ratio between the share of Finland in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 0.8% (39 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Greece
Hellenic National Space Committee
The Hellenic National Space Committee is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency, and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, citizens of Greece need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Greece had 281 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. Whilst there have been astronauts of Greek origin, there has not been a national astronaut selected, through ESA or otherwise.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return). The ratio between the share of Greece in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 0.4% (21 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Ireland
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and Enterprise Ireland
Ireland manages its investment in space primarily through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and Enterprise Ireland. Ireland is one of the 22 member states of the European Space Agency, and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, Irish citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Ireland had 276 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. There has been one astronaut with Irish heritage, but none selected as an Irish national.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return). The ratio between the share of Ireland in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 0.4% (21 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA)
Luxembourg Space Agency is one of 22 member states of the European Space Agency, and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, citizens of Luxembourg need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Luxembourg had 64 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return). The ratio between the share of Luxembourg in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 0.9% (42 M Euros) by the end of a given period. Given the small numbers of applicants, and the larger geographic return, compared with some other ESA nations, high-quality applicants applying for future ESA astronaut selections may have a good chance.
Romania
Romanian Space Agency (ROSA)
The Romanian Space Agency (ROSA) is one of 22 member states of the European Space Agency, and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, Romanian citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Romania had 254 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. Prior to this, one astronaut of Romanian origin has flown to space in 1985.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return), where Romania is the twelfth highest contributor to ESA. The ratio between the share of Romania in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 1.2% (56 M Euros) by the end of a given period. Given the small numbers of applicants, and the larger geographic return, compared with some other ESA nations, high-quality applicants applying for future ESA astronaut selections may have a good chance.
Portugal
Portuguese Space Agency
The Portuguese Space Agency is one of 22 member states of the European Space Agency, and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, citizens of Portugal need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Portugal had 320 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. Portugal has one commercial spaceflight astronaut through Blue Origin.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return). The ratio between the share of Portugal in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 0.6% (31 M Euros) by the end of a given period.
Norway
Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA)
The Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) is one of 22 member states of the European Space Agency, and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, citizens of Norway need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Norway had 312 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. To date, no Norwegian has become an astronaut and been to space.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return) and Norway is the ninth highest contributor to ESA. The ratio between the share of Norway in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 1.5% (76 M Euros) by the end of a given period. Given the higher contribution from Norway versus other countries who have had astronauts selected, it’s possible that citizens of Norway have a good chance during the next ESA selection.
India
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of India. India has yet to have an astronaut or send a human to space. They have announced their intentions for their own human spaceflight program, however, where they are currently developing and testing hardware for “Gaganyaan” (Sanskrit for “Sky Craft”). The Gaganyaan mission is aimed at developing a human-habitable space capsule that will carry a three-member crew into an orbit of 400 km (250 miles) for three days, before returning to safety in a planned splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The crew for this mission has already been selected (in 2020) where four astronauts were selected from twelve pilots, and spent ~1 year completing generic space flight training at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Russia. The launch is expected in 2024, and it’s possible after this first mission that a selection process may open for the future.
Mexico
Agencia Espacial Mexicana (AEM)
The Agencia Espacial Mexicana (AEM) is the space agency for Mexico. While NASA astronauts of Mexican heritage have flown for space agencies such as NASA, no astronaut has flown from the nation of Mexico. There is no information available at the moment regarding Mexico’s intentions to have a human spaceflight program or to select astronauts in the future.
Slovakia
Slovak Space Policy Association
The Slovak Space Policy Association is a non-governmental organization dealing principally with space policy, governance, law, and European space integration. Slovakia is an Associate Member of the European Space Agency (Oct 2022) and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, Slovakian citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Slovakia was not an Associate Member of ESA, and therefore no Slovakian citizens could apply. Individuals with Slovakian descent have become astronauts, but none that have flown for the nation of Slovakia.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return). The ratio between the share of Slovakia in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 0.1% (3 M Euros) by the end of a given period. As the contribution to ESA is much lower than other nations, and Slovakia is an Associate Member (rather than a full member), it’s likely that ESA would not select an astronaut from Slovakia. If, however, the government decided to provide further investment, it’s possible that ESA could select an applicant from Slovakia.
Slovenia
Ministry of Economic Development and Technology
The institutional interface for space in Slovenia is the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology. Slovenia is an Associate Member of the European Space Agency and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, Slovenian citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Slovenia had 62 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. There are astronauts of Slovenian descent, but none to date who have flown as a Slovenian citizen.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return). The ratio between the share of Slovenia in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 0.1% (3 M Euros) by the end of a given period. As the contribution to ESA is much lower than other nations, and Slovenia is an Associate Member (rather than a full member), it’s likely that ESA would not select an astronaut from Slovenia. If, however, the government decided to provide further investment, applicants from Slovenia would have one of the highest chances at success, given the low numbers of applications.
Latvia
Latvian Space Office
The Latvian Space Office is an entity in charge of a coordinated space policy development, administration of Latvia's associate membership in the European Space Agency (ESA). Latvia is an Associate Member of the European Space Agency, and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, Latvian citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Latvia had 83 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future. There are astronauts of Latvian descent, but none to date who have flown as a Latvian citizen.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return). The ratio between the share of Latvia in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 0.1% (1.1 M Euros) by the end of a given period. As the contribution to ESA is much lower than other nations, and they are an Associate Member (not a full member), it’s likely that ESA would not select an astronaut from Latvia. If, however, the government decided to provide further investment, applicants from Latvia would have one of the highest chances at success, given the low numbers of applications.
Lithuania
Lithuanian Space Agency
Lithuania, an Associate Member of the European Space Agency, and therefore to become a space agency astronaut, Lithuanian citizens need to apply through ESA’s astronaut selection process. During the last ESA astronaut selection in 2021/22, Lithuania had 80 individuals apply of the 22,523 ESA applicant total. They selected no “career” and no “Reserve” astronaut. Unlike career astronauts, reserve astronauts will not be permanent ESA staff, but could be selected for specific projects, as project astronauts, and have the opportunity to become career astronauts in the future.
Note - ESA’s funding works on geographic distribution (or fair return). The ratio between the share of Lithuania in the weighted value of contracts, and its share in the paid to the Agency, must be of 0.1% (1.8 M Euros) by the end of a given period. As the contribution to ESA is much lower than other nations, and they are an Associate Member (not a full member), it’s likely that ESA would not select an astronaut from Lithuania. If, however, the government decided to provide further investment, applicants from Lithuania would have one of the highest chances at success, given the low numbers of applications.
Country not listed?
Countries that have never sent an astronaut to space are not listed, neither are countries who do not have a space agency and/or have a low probability of conducting an astronaut selection. If obtaining dual nationality is available to you, you could consider that option with a country that has a more favorable chance of holding an astronaut selection. Otherwise, you can consider commercial spaceflight.
