The Canadian Space Agency is seeking applicants looking for a job that's out of this world. It's launched a recruitment drive in its search for two new astronauts
and a backup pool of about 20 others. The last time the CSA went looking for new astronauts was back in 1992 -- about a decade after its only other recruitment
drive in 1983. That's when the agency hired astronaut Steve MacLean, who went into space aboard the shuttles Columbia in 1992 and Atlantis in 2006.
MacLean, now the CSA's chief astronaut, said that the agency is looking for people with science, engineering or medical backgrounds who have "excelled in the
profession they've chosen."
The competition will be tough. Within 24 hours of announcing the official opening of the online recruitment drive on Thursday, the space agency had already received
600 applications. Both in 1992 and 1983, about 5,000 hopeful astronauts sent in applications. MacLean says that this time he believes about 10,000 people may apply.
Although the chances of success may appear daunting for applicants, MacLean said the odds shouldn't dissuade people from trying.
"You know, back in 1983 when I saw the application, I thought 10,000 people will apply for that, so I don't have a chance -- and I didn't apply," he said. But then he got
a phone call and was encouraged to give it a shot because of his professional background. "When I realized it was possible, I applied," he said.
So, what types of people have the right stuff to be an astronaut? "That's a good question," MacLean said, noting the importance of a science background.
But he also said the agency is also looking for some key personality traits. Applicants should be able to work well in teams, and they need to be both leaders and
followers, he said. For those wondering what an astronaut gets paid, MacLean said the monetary rewards are good. Astronauts start out earning about $100,000
a year and the salary tops off at about $160,000.
But the real reward of the job may have very little to do with money. According to the CSA, the successful applicants will have the opportunity to take part in
long-duration space flights to the International Space Station. They'll also get a chance to be a part of history by helping to build and maintain the station, and
they'll get to do research they couldn't do here on earth.
Facts about Canada's space program:
* Canadian astronauts have flown in 13 space flights over the past 24 years
* Astronauts Julie Payette and Robert Thirsk are slated for shuttle missions in 2009
* CSA's annual budget from Ottawa is about $300 million
* There are currently six active astronauts