After the European Space Agency announced its latest recruitment drive for the first time in over a decade, the ESA is calling for applicants for its next generation of astronauts.

It's strongly encouraging women to apply on is looking at how it might add people with disabilities to its roster to boost diversity among cruise.

Those interested have a two month window from late March too late May.

To apply to be qualified applicants should have a master's degree in the sciences or mathematics field.

S a.

Chief John Warner.

We have astronauts from the last election, and they're still active astronauts and I would like to see them again going into orbit going into space.

But at the same time, we need also new astronauts to secure a continuity.

The selection process will involve six stages that will test candidates scientific and technical know how physical capabilities on the ability to stay cool under pressure.

British astronaut Tim Peake.

When you look at what we're doing a human spaceflight, it is quite remarkable.

We are pushing the boundaries were asking mawr of our engineering of our scientists of our astronauts and everybody on DSO To be part of this international team that could actually make a real difference is a huge privilege, a real privilege.

It was that really that motivated me to want to be part off this team, um, to push myself, you know, even further than I thought was possible.

The agency's last recruitment drive in 2008 drew 8000 applicants, of which 10 reached the final selection.

This time around, the ESA is looking to add up to 26 permanent on reserve astronauts.