The UK is a member of ESA and so UK nationals are entitled to apply to take part in the ESA astronaut programme. However, where there are candidates of equal merit, priority is generally given to those from countries funding the missions. The UK believes that we get best value for money from unmanned missions so we do not currently fund any manned space missions which, because of the safety requirements, are many times more expensive than those that do not involve human spaceflight.
The most recent astronaut selection was performed in 1998 and was based on the 1991/92 national lists, with the following criteria:
General Requirements: Applicants, male or female, must be nationals of an ESA member state, preferably aged between 27 and 37. Applicants must be within the height range of 153 to 190 cm. They must speak and read English and have a university degree (or equivalent) in natural sciences, engineering, or medicine and preferably at least three years' postgraduate related professional experience or flying experience as a test, military or airline pilot.