Since the 1960s, NASA has selected and trained 350 astronaut candidates—though not all have made it through the rigorous two-year preparation, which includes mastering the complex hardware and communication controls aboard International Space Station, flight readiness training, and much more.At the beginning tests were a little different. If you would like to see how they were, you can test yourself with some of them from the link below: https://www.popsci.com/nasa-project-mercury-intelligence-test/
Recently NASA took some applications for the Artemis lunar exploration program and more than 12,000 people applied to become an astronaut.
Artemis will send astronauts to the moon aboard the Orion spacecraft using its new Space Launch System—a rocket that NASA claims is its most powerful of all time. It will propel Orion to at least 24,500 miles per hour, the minimum speed needed to exit low-Earth orbit and travel to the Moon.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY ?
U.S. citizenship is a must to become a NASA astronaut which made me dissappointed at first.
However there is an interesting exception to this that I found : "NASA astronauts do train and fly with international astronauts from the countries with which we have an international agreements. Each of these countries has their own space agency." !!!
You can find the list of the countries from the link below :
LET'S HAVE SOME MORE GOOD NEWS. THEY DON'T HAVE AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR THE PROGRAM. SO IT IS NEVER LATE TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAM !
Also there is a confusion related to have flight time from what I see in different websites, but NASA says it is not a requirement. It is same for master's degree.
Let'see what they say about these topics on official NASA website: "The basic requirements to apply include United States citizenship with master’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Teaching experience, including experience at the K - 12 levels, is considered to be qualifying Experience for the Astronaut Candidate position, provided the degree is in a Science, Engineering, or Mathematics field.
The requirement for the master’s degree can also be met by: Two years (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) of work toward a Ph.D. program in a related science, technology, engineering or math field; A completed doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine degree; Or completion (or current enrollment that will result in completion by June 2021) of a nationally recognized test pilot school program.
The following degree fields, while related to engineering and the sciences, are not considered qualifying:
Degrees in Technology (Engineering Technology, Aviation Technology, Medical Technology, etc.)
Degrees in Psychology (except for Clinical Psychology, Physiological Psychology, or Experimental Psychology which are qualifying).
Degrees in Nursing
Degrees in Exercise Physiology or similar fields
Degrees in Social Sciences (Geography, Anthropology, Archaeology, etc.)
Degrees in Aviation, Aviation Management, or similar fields
Astronaut candidates must also be able to pass the NASA long-duration astronaut physical, which includes the following specific requirements:
Distant and near visual acuity must be correctable to 20/20 in each eye. The use of glasses is acceptable. The refractive surgical procedures of the eye, PRK and LASIK, are allowed. Note that such surgeries are permitted, but not required for potential applicants.Since all crewmembers will be expected to fly aboard spacecraft and perform space walks, applicants must meet the anthropometric requirements for both the spacecraft and the spacesuit. Applicants brought in for an interview will be evaluated to ensure they meet the anthropometric requirements."
However from the 48 currently active astronauts, you can see that flight time, master's degree (Ph.D. is even better) and speaking Russian are very beneficial.
Also your physical shape must be awesome. For example your blood pressure, which can’t exceed 140/90 when taken in the normal sitting position. Astronauts must also stand between 62 and 75 inches in height, which is between 5’2” and 6’3” (157.48 and 190.5 cm). There’s also a swimming test. Selected candidates eventually receive scuba certification and military water survival training, so strong swimming skills are a must.
HOW MUCH DO THEY MAKE ?
I can hear you say "show me the money!". Salaries for civilian Astronaut Candidates are based upon the Federal Government's General Schedule pay scale for grades GS-13 through GS-14. The grade is determined in accordance with each individual's academic achievements and experience. Currently a GS-13 starts at $104,898 per year and a GS-14 can earn up to $161,141 per year.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AS A STUDENT TO PREPARE TO BECOME AN ASTRONAUT ?
If you are a student who wants to #BeAnAstronaut, NASA is kind enough to help you with a pathway. You can reach from the link below:
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/10-ways-students-can-prepare-to-beanastronaut/
So I wish you all luck if you plan to become an astronaut. May the force be with you!
Comments