Want to be an astronaut?

I DO!!!!!!!!

ESA (European Space Agency) is recruiting for new astronauts!! http://www.esa.int/esaHS/ESA1RMGBCLC_astronauts_0.html And I want to apply!! But do I have what it takes? Hmmmm?

A high level of education in scientific or technical disciplines, coupled with an outstanding professional background in research, application or education fields possibly supported by the use of computer systems and applications, is essential. Previous experience with aircraft operations is a bonus, particularly if it involved responsible tasks such as being a test pilot or flight engineer. The more skills and experience an applicant has the better, as this will increase their ability to undertake a variety of tasks.

Equally essential is excellent physical condition. Astronauts have to undergo intensive periods of training and may participate in spaceflights that last for months. During this time their body will be subject to a great deal of stress and good health and physical endurance are essential.

I guess thats a NO then. Looks like I'm waiting for commercial space flight to become cheap as chips. :(

Endeavour

The ultimate freedom

This is US astronaut Bruce McCandless II ( could he be anything other than American with that name!). This was taken in 1984 from Challenger. The very next mission the shuttle blew up on take off due to a faulty O Ring in the booster rockets.

Bruce is doing a spacewalk un-tethered - the furthest un-tethered spacewalk ever. He is manouvering using a jetpack on his back; the Manned Manouvering Unit (MMU) by firing little jets of Nitrogen in various directions.



The MMU was replaced by SAFER (Simplified Aid for EVA(Extra Vehicular Activety) Rescue). Modelled by the lovely Mark Lee - SAFER is smalled and, well safer, than the MMU.

Mark is wearing 1994 seasons white space suit, and is hanging 200km over the planet Earth.

;)

Earth from Galileo

I read a wonderful quote from ex US astronaut Walter Schirra Jr, who died recently aged 84. He was one of the pioneers from the Mercury programme.

"I left Earth three times and found no other place to go. Please take care of Spaceship Earth"