This is a guide to becoming an astronaut. It is not a guide to becoming a famous astronaut.
There are thousands of people who want to become astronauts, and the number of astronaut slots available in the coming years will be very few. I have only modest expectations that you will beat these odds. But I do have some advice that may improve your chances, and even if they don’t, I think you’ll find it interesting.
A good way to get started is to write down what you would do as an astronaut. This should be as detailed as possible, such as: “I would go into space and take pictures of Jupiter.” Then consider what steps between you and this goal might seem impossible at first glance but on closer inspection turn out not to be. For example, getting into space is expensive; but with the rise of commercial makers of rockets, it’s not nearly as expensive as it used to be for non-astronauts. What about taking pictures of Jupiter? This one actually is pretty hard; but with affordable access to space there may soon be a much higher volume of space missions, some of which might need someone with your skills.
If your goals do turn out to be impossible like this one, that’s fine: just move on to the
To become an astronaut, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics. You also need to have three years of relevant professional experience (or 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft).
In the past, the minimum height requirement for astronauts was 5’4″, but since the Space Shuttle program retired in 2011, there are no longer height restrictions for candidates.
The most recent class of astronauts selected by NASA had over 6,100 applicants. Of those, only 12 were chosen to join the ranks of nearly 500 individuals who have flown on missions into space.
At the age of 32, Sally Ride became the first American woman to fly in space. She flew two missions aboard Space Shuttles Challenger and Atlantis before retiring from NASA in 1987 to become a professor at UC San Diego.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is looking for astronauts to fly on future space missions. If you have always wanted to be an astronaut, this is your chance.
It begins with a simple question: “Do I have what it takes to become an astronaut?” NASA wants to find out if you are ready for the physical and mental challenges of spaceflight. The road to becoming an astronaut is not easy, but with the right stuff and some hard work, you can become one of NASA’s newest explorers. Here’s how:
STEP 1: What does it take? Step one is finding out if you have what it takes. It all starts with education and experience. You must be a U.S. citizen in order to apply. You must also meet NASA’s basic educational requirements, including a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics from an accredited institution. You also need at least three years of related professional experience or at least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft, or the completion of test pilot school.
Medical Requirements — You must pass a physical examination by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be eligible for a commercial pilot license. In addition, astronauts must pass NASA’s
Step 1
Learn to fly an airplane.
Step 2
Join the military and become a fighter pilot.
Step 3
Become a test pilot.
Step 4
Apply for astronaut training with NASA or the Air Force.
Step 5
Get accepted by NASA as an astronaut candidate.
Step 6
Complete your two years of basic training and evaluation, including scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in Shuttle and International Space Station systems, physiological training, T-38 flight training, water and wilderness survival training, first aid, rescue and self defense training.
The long answer is that it depends on your perspective. NASA, for example, has put a lot of thought into the question of what makes someone a qualified astronaut. The agency currently requires that all astronaut candidates have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science or Mathematics; three years of related professional experience; or at least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.
That’s the minimum. Most astronauts exceed these requirements considerably – as you might imagine, it’s not easy to become an astronaut. Most astronauts have advanced degrees and many are test pilots who have spent years working their way up through the ranks of the military (38% of current active astronauts are military officers). Other astronauts were civilians employed by NASA, often having worked their way up the ladder from lower positions within the agency.
The long answer is also that it depends on your perspective. For example, if you’re a kid who wants to become an astronaut when you grow up, why wait until then? You can start preparing now! The first step is to learn everything you possibly can about space exploration and space travel technology. You should also be sure to stay fit by eating healthy foods and exercising every day. And if you want to be an astronaut because you hope to do scientific
After being selected as an astronaut, you will begin two years of training. This training starts with general space operations and aircraft safety before moving on to the International Space Station (ISS), the Space Shuttle, Russian spacecraft systems, and T-38 jet training.
After completing these courses you will learn to speak Russian and practice spacewalks in a giant pool at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. You can expect to train for several months at a time in Russia and Kazakhstan as well.
To prepare for your first launch into space, you will go through launch and landing simulations and be fitted for a flight suit and parachute. You may also participate in underwater drills that simulate the weightlessness of space.
1. Review the requirements for the role of an astronaut:
Applicants to the Astronaut Candidate Program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics. In addition to this academic requirement, they must have at least three years of related professional experience or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.
2. Prepare your resume and cover letter as you would for any other job. Include your educational background and work experience in detail, along with references that are familiar with your work history.
3. Apply online for the position of an astronaut candidate at USAJobs.gov. This is a federal program and you’ll need to fill out a federal application form known as OF-612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment).
4. Check your email account often after applying for a response from NASA regarding your application status. If they’re interested in interviewing you, they’ll contact you via email to set up a time and place for your interview. You may also be required to attend group interviews or complete other assessments based on specific skills needed by NASA at that time.
5. Complete a medical examination prior to the start of your candidacy if you are selected by NASA officials