Psychological evaluation of European astronaut applications: results of the 1991 selection campaign.

In the summer of 1991, the European Space Agency (ESA) performed its second selection campaign since 1977 in order to find 10 astronaut candidates (laboratory specialists and space plane specialists). An integral part of this selection process was the psychological evaluation, according to the principles laid down in the study report "Definition of Psychological Testing of Astronaut Candidates." After national preselection, 59 applicants underwent the psychological evaluation, which consisted of the assessment of operational aptitudes (basic cognitive and psychomotor functions) and personality traits (motivation, social capability, stress resistance).

Results of the ESA study on psychological selection of astronaut candidates for Columbus Missions II: personality assessment.

A unique composition of personality assessment methods was applied to a group of 97 ESA scientists and engineers. This group is highly comparable to real astronaut candidates with respect to age and education. The list of used tests includes personality questionnaires, problem solving in groups as well as a projective technique.

Results of the ESA study on psychological selection of astronaut applicants for Columbus Missions I: aptitude testing.

European participation in the Space Station Freedom brought about new challenges for the psychological selection of astronaut candidates, particularly in respect to specific demands of long duration space flights. For this reason existing selection criteria and methods were reassessed. On these grounds a study was undertaken applying a unique composition of aptitude tests to a group of 97 ESA scientists and engineers who are highly comparable to the expected astronaut applicants with respect to age and education.

The recruitment and organizational integration of space personnel.

This paper describes the philosophy of selection of astronaut scientists. It deals mainly with psychological selection criteria oriented at the job demands. Generalizable results of the European selection campaign for Spacelab are reported.