How to Become an Astronaut
Whether it’s because of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story, Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, or Capt. James T. Kirk in Star Trek, almost every person has dreamed of going to space one day. Astronauts have traveled to space for the past half-century, cementing their place in history as people who reached the peak of human ingenuity and the will to go further. If you want to become an astronaut, here are some ways to help you reach that goal.
Qualifications
Many countries have their own space programs, but the most well-renowned is the astronaut program of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA. The basic requirements for an applicant to be accepted into the Astronaut Candidate program include:
A qualifying degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, biology, mathematics, or any similar field related to natural and physical sciences
Blood pressure not beyond 140/90, taken from a sitting position
A standing between 62 inches (5′2″) and 75 inches (6′2″)
Vision must be correctable to 20/20. NASA will accept applicants who have had corrective eye surgery (like PRK or LASIK) as long as the surgery has passed one year without any permanent damage or negative effect to vision.
NASA has different requirements for the Astronaut Candidate program:
Non-Piloting Requirements
astronautQualifying experience like professional work or advanced education related to the applicant’s field of study is needed for people applying for a non-piloting role in the astronaut program. Professional experience like teaching, or advanced degrees (masteral degrees and doctoral degrees) should be filed with the application for evaluation.
Piloting Requirements
Applicants with piloting experience should satisfy the following requirements:
At least 1,000 hours of flight time in a jet aircraft as pilot-in-command
Experience in flight-testing roles
Once the application is approved, the applicant is scheduled for interviews and examinations. Medical screenings, physical tests, and background investigations will be performed on applicants who are considered for acceptance to the Astronaut Candidate program.
Training
The Astronaut Candidate program is a very rigorous two-year period where successful candidates are trained to develop the skills and knowledge needed before the actual mission program should they be selected as part of one. Some of the programs in astronaut training include lectures, physical examinations, and intensive training in water survival, as well as airborne and terrestrial simulation, to match situations in space.
Not all Astronaut Candidates make it to become astronauts. Candidates who have completed the program may be selected for detailing at NASA (for military candidates) or assigned to other positions at the agency as Federal employees (for civilian candidates).
The Russian scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky once wrote, “The Earth is the cradle of the mind, but one cannot stay in the cradle forever.” With these tips, you can reach your goal and realize your dream of a giant leap for mankind through a space mission.