Astronauts wanted

The Canadian Space Agency has, er, launched a recruitment campaign for astronauts. Two lucky applicants will be chosen to join the Canadian Space Agency Astronaut corps and a "pool of qualified candidates will also be created for future needs." From the job description:

The Canadian Space Agency is seeking outstanding scientists, engineers and/or medical doctors with a wide variety of backgrounds. Creativity, diversity, teamwork, and a probing mind are qualities required to join the Canadian Space Agency's Astronaut Corps. To withstand the physical demands of training and space flight, candidates must also demonstrate a high level of fitness and a clean bill of health.

Astronaut trainees will train for tours of duty on the International Space Station (ISS), the largest human spacecraft ever built...

Long-duration missions aboard the ISS generally last from three to six months. Training for long-duration missions is very arduous and takes two to three years. This follows basic training of about one year. This training requires extensive travelling, and includes assimilation of the ISS assembly sequence and its on-orbit operations.

Link (Thanks, Douglas Rushkoff!)

[#1 posted by insomma , May 29, 2008 10:29 AM]

Ooh! Oooooh!!! Me! Me me me!! Please pick me!!

[#2 posted by Enochrewt , May 29, 2008 10:38 AM]

Do you have to be a Canadian to be an Canadian Astronaut? If not, count me in.

[#3 posted by flipa , May 29, 2008 10:56 AM]

The European Space Agency is recruiting too! Their recruitment team is currently touring the ESA member countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK) and getting thousands of applications.
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Astronaut_Selection/index.html

[#4 posted by JSG , May 29, 2008 11:14 AM]

Ha Ha Bob and Doug McKenzie in space.

[#5 posted by iRoy , May 29, 2008 11:25 AM]

"Disability
If you have a disability that prevents you from registering in our system, please contact us to find out about other ways to register"

Love the idea somebody passes all their criteria but has a disablement that stops them using a web form.

[#6 posted by Enochrewt , May 29, 2008 11:59 AM]

Sigh, I think my typo from my post above automatically disqualifies me.

[#7 posted by Kibble , May 29, 2008 12:06 PM]

I wonder if they'll have to check space shuttle astronauts for illegal MP3 files before they board the ISS.

[#8 posted by MrsBug , May 29, 2008 12:24 PM]

I love the part that says, "extensive travel." World-wide travel, even, I'd guess!

[#9 posted by jgold , May 29, 2008 12:47 PM]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Space_Homer

[#10 posted by gonzilla , May 29, 2008 2:07 PM]

Strange Brew 2: Space Brew

[#11 posted by Halloween Jack , May 30, 2008 7:39 AM]

Given that about half of the current US astronaut corps aren't expected to go into space because of the winding-down of the shuttle program, I'd imagine that they'll be getting quite a few applicants from Florida...

[#12 posted by Tenn , May 31, 2008 1:15 PM]

Awesome. I'm in. What? I'm a scientist, I've completed college, isn't it apparent?