The requirements for European astronauts in 1990, the last time there was an open selection round, where:

1) Completed University degree (masters=doctorandus) in a physical science (physics, chemistry, etc.), bio-medical science (medicine (MD), biochemistry, biology, etc.) or technical science (aerospace-, electrical-engineering, etc.)
Multiple degrees in different fields are an advantage. They like broad oriented people. A PhD will be helpful, but be careful not to become too specialized.
OR
2) Airline, military or (especially) a test pilot. (An extra university degree (bachelors or more) would be an advantage for pilots) further.

3) Three years of working experience in your field after the University.

4) Age between 27 and 37 to be considered for the first time.

5) Nationality of an ESA country.

6) Good health. You can have glasses or contact lenses if your eyesight is not too poor. (around -2.00). Also minor operations in the past that are not disabling you can be accepted. Your training condition should be normal, you do not need to be a top athlete.

7) You should be able to handle stress, work in a team, concentrate, do different tasks at the same time. Many psycholgical factors are tested, like intelligence and character aspects, but also claustrophobia for example.

You have to be patient. It takes many years before a selected astronaut goes into space.
Free time activities like flying, scuba diving, mounteneering, technical hobbies, etc. will look good on the Curriculum Vitae, but don't become a daredevil without feeling of responsibility.
Once you approach 27 you will have to investigate when ESA plans to start a new selection.
You do not want to miss the advertisement in the news paper!
2010 could very well be a period where ESA wants more astronauts, because the older ones are leaving.
But the chances are very small...

Where can I get an astronaut's e-mail address?

Because of the extremely high volume of e-mail they would receive if their addresses were public, astronauts' e-mail addresses are restricted. However, you can write them at the following address:

Astronaut Office/CB
NASA
Johnson Space Center
Houston, TX 77058

A few of NASA's former astronauts are listed below.
When writing to them, in order to receive a response, please include a self-addressed, self- stamped envelope.

Dr. Buzz Aldrin
Starcraft Enterprise
233 Emerald Bay
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Dr. Mae Jemison
The Jemison Group
PO Box 591455
Houston, TX 77259-1455

James A Lovell
President
Lovell Communications
PO Box 49

Lake Forest, IL 60045
Dr. Sally K Ride
Director
California Space Institute
University of California at San Diego
La Jolla, CA 92093

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