Of the 22,523 valid astronaut applications received by ESA, the largest number came from France (7,087) followed by Germany (3,695) and the United Kingdom (2,000). The astronaut (with a physical disability) vacancy attracted a further 257 applications.

Following a comprehensive screening phase, 1,361 people were invited to phase two of ESA’s astronaut selection. This is a full day of psychological performance testing at a facility in Europe. Of these 13 are from Portugal, some 10 men and 3 women.

The number of astronaut applicants invited to phase two comprises 530 women and 831 men and at least three candidates from every Member State

In addition, 27 candidates who applied for the astronaut (with a disability) vacancy have been invited to phase two.

Candidates who are successful at phase two will go on to participate in a set of psychological interviews and group tests ahead of medical testing. Those who successfully pass each of these selection stages will be invited to recruitment interviews. ESA’s new class of astronauts and reserve astronauts is expected to be announced in autumn 2022.