Selection Process
The process of becoming an astronaut
Spaceflight is an extremely complex and rather risky activity that tests both the human body and psyche. Not to mention the outstanding mental performance required to carry out scientific experiments and tests in isolation and weightlessness on board the International Space Station during the mission.
The selection of Hungarian astronaut candidates was made in cooperation with the European Space Agency and in compliance with ESA’s Astronaut Policy. Thanks to this cooperation, the Hungarian candidates who had previously applied for and qualified for ESA’s astronaut screening became part of the Hungarian astronaut selection. The training and transportation of the astronauts was finalized with the approval of the partner Axiom Space and then the competent body of the International Space Station.
Only one Hungarian astronaut, Tibor Kapu, is expected to be a member of the flight crew, who was selected from the four best qualified and best performing candidates at the end of the Hungarian selection process. Gyula Cserényi, one of the three remaining candidates, has been given reserve status and will receive virtually the same basic training as Tibor Kapu.
The second Hungarian national research astronaut
During the selection process, experts assessed the candidates against more than 50 measurable criteria. Based on the results, the HUNOR Steering Board found Tibor Kapu to be the most suitable candidate, while Gyula Cserényi was selected as a reserve.
The selection process started with an online application, which closed on January 31, 2022.
Candidates with physical abilities within the physical limits of the spacecraft and meeting the other basic requirements of the application had to pass an online aptitude test. The test was designed to assess the minimum skills and abilities required for selection. The candidates with the best results and the highest scores in the test were passed to the next selection round.
General requirements:
Hungarian nationality
- registered permanent address in Hungary
- maximum 40 years of age (date of birth after January 31, 1981)
- no criminal record
- ability to swim
Language skills
- a high level and confident command of English (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR level C1)
- a command of Russian is considered an advantage with regard to the Russian module and instruments of the ISS
Qualifications
- university degree (Master’s level is an advantage), recognized in Hungary
- engineering, technical and scientific qualifications, medical and dental qualifications, as well as a driving license is considered an advantage
Professional experience
- at least three years’ professional experience in engineering, natural sciences or medicine – a PhD in one of the above fields may be recognized as three years’ professional experience
Physical and health requirements
- basic requirements for application include a Class 2 certificate of medical fitness in accordance with EU 1178/2011 Annex IV (Part-MED), valid at the deadline for applications, and the following physical fitness requirements:
Height: between 1.5 m and 1.9 m
Weight: between 50 kg and 95 kg, normal body mass index (WHO BMI normal)
Blood pressure: maximum 140/90 mmHg (measured in sitting position)
Vision: 20/20 or better, with or without correction, healthy color vision. Corrective eye surgery is acceptable, provided that it is free of complications affecting vision and other factors.
Hearing: healthy sound perception (without chronic or recurrent hearing loss)
Qualifying candidates were then subjected to a psychometric and psychological assessment, which, in addition to determining psychological aptitude, was designed to assess and evaluate personality traits pertinent to the mission. On the basis of an expert’s recommendation, based on the personality matrix established, candidates best prepared for the mental challenge of the mission were admitted to the next round.
The next stage in the process was the aerospace medical assessment for fitness, which aimed not only to determine current medical fitness, but also to predict the likelihood of a candidate’s body being able to maintain its state of health and physical capabilities until the end of the mission. A valid certificate of medical fitness to fly, presented to the medical officer coordinating the examination, was a prerequisite for the examination. During the examination, candidates had to undergo an examination similar to, but more rigorous and complex than, the aero-medical examination.
During these tests, they were subjected to low pressure, high and prolonged acceleration and deceleration forces, and load tests. Based on an individual health risk assessment, the aero-medical experts made recommendations on the ranking of the candidates, and the resulting order was crucial for the procedure as a whole. The higher up the list a candidate scored, the better their chances were of being selected.
The most promising candidates then took part in a technical hearing, during which they had to demonstrate their scientific and technical orientation and aptitude by solving and presenting challenges and simulated problems similar to the tasks they would be facing during the mission.
The next critical point in the process was the “job interview”, which took into account the results of the surveys, the candidates’ qualifications and professional experience, and their motivation, where the selection board ranked each candidate on the basis of their overall profile and drew up a shortlist of the four “most suitable candidates”.
The most suitable candidates were selected to participate in a three-phase training course organized by Hungary, during which they were given an insight into the challenges and tasks they could potentially be facing. The selection board made its final decision on the Hungarian astronaut candidate and their reserve, taking into account the performance delivered during the training.
During the first phase, the candidates acquired all the necessary basic knowledge on the space sector.
The second phase focused on more science-related education: candidates studied space dynamics, rocket theory, space engineering skills related to the International Space Station, Earth observation, programming, and even robotics. During this phase, they also received light aircraft pilot training, underwent barochamber load tests, and received land and water training organized by the Hungarian Defence Forces.
In the third phase, the candidates continued their aeronautical training: they performed aerobatic exercises aimed at improving their stress tolerance and adapting to extreme situations. During the exercise, the medical team continuously measured the neurological reactions to extreme manoeuvres, and the candidates practiced handling dangerous situations and dividing their attention in a stressful environment. They prepared for the extreme forces in a centrifuge at a company specializing in that field in the United States.
They participated in a six-day isolation training course designed to prepare them for the challenges of space travel. To achieve the right psychological effect, the training took place in an unknown location, completely isolated from the outside world and external influences, in a joint effort involving experts from the HUNOR-program, the Counter Terrorism Centre and Semmelweis University.
They also received training in communication and protocol training, as they will represent Hungary as prominent figures in the international space research sector, and will play a key role in the field of promoting science and space-related education in Hungary.
At the end of the third phase, during a ten-day trip to the United States, the four Hungarian spacecraft candidates and the HUNOR-program delegation met with Axiom Space experts. Axiom Space delivered a comprehensive theoretical and practical training on the implementation and details of spaceflight, laying the foundation for future professional astronaut training.
Throughout the training, continuous development of the candidates’ strength and physical endurance, as well as psychological monitoring, was coordinated by a dedicated team of experts from Semmelweis University and the HUNOR-program The physical and mental preparation of astronaut candidates was a priority, as the best possible physical and mental condition is needed in space to ensure optimal performance and to minimize negative health effects.
The Steering Board experts assessed the candidates against more than fifty measurable criteria per nominee, verified by independent peer reviewers, within the six main evaluation categories: they observed and analyzed, among others, attributes within each category such as learning abilities, scientific knowledge, research methodological skills, flexibility and cooperation skills, personality traits, self-control and mental stability, social skills, communication skills, workload, physical performance and its development, body constitution, etc.
