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Traveling beyond gravity, working on the International Space Station (ISS), going on spacewalks. All of these and becoming an Astronaut is a dream for many. Although it may seem easy but it requires the aspiring candidates to undergo 2 years of mandatory basic training after they have completed 6 years of degree college and 2 years working as a professional. Astronauts are in charge of conducting experiments and gathering informations while onboard a space flight. Astronauts also develop and implement new concepts in engineering as well as navigation of a vehicle beyond the earth’s atmosphere.
Apart from mental and physical eligibility there are certain educational qualifications that must be pursued in order to become an Astronaut. Some of the top courses that can be pursued are Undergraduarion or Postgraduation in Aeronautical Engineering Courses or Astronomy Courses or Astrophysics Courses from any of the top Aeronautical Engineering Colleges across the country. Admissions to these colleges are done on the basis of Engineering Entrance Exams such as JEE Mains, JEE Advanced etc.
In order to become an Astronaut for NASA one has to fulfil certain eligibility criteria. NASA maintains a small crew of active astronauts, at present, there are 44 active astronauts at NASA. NASA accepts applications for new astronauts every year. The selection rate for NASA is as low as 0.04% to 0.08%. Candidates need to start preparing according to the requirements well in advance. Read More: Salary of an Astronaut
Table of Contents
Who is an Astronaut
Astronauts are professional skilled, trained individuals who are deployed to travel along in a spaceflight program serving as a commander or crew on the spacecraft. The major responsibilities of an Astronaut is to be the commander and is in charge of the crew and safety of the spacecraft.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is an independent body of the United States federal government which is responsible for the US space program, as well as aeronautics and space research. It is the leading Space Research Organization in the world.
How to Become an Astronaut for NASA
Being an astronaut is a very demanding job. Due to the high cost involved, only the most qualified are selected. There is no space for error, thus great measures are taken while recruiting. All aspects including academics, physical and mental health, and other necessary traits are thoroughly examined and tested.
Eligibility Criteria
The list of eligibility criteria for becoming an Astronaut for NASA are listed below for your reference,
- All applicants must have US Citizenship.
- All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Physical Science, Engineering, Biology, or Mathematics.
- All applicants must have secured a minimum of 65% aggregate score in their bachelor’s program.
- All applicants must have at least 3 years of professional experience or 1000 hours of piloting.
Educational Qualifications
Applicants need to complete the below listed educational qualifications to be eligible for the training process to be an Astronaut at NASA.
- Applicants must have a master’s degree in a STEM field, which includes engineering, biological science, computer science, physical science, or mathematics from an accredited institution.
In place of a master’s degree, applicants can also have any of the below-mentioned qualifications.
- Applicants must have done two years of work for a doctoral program in the science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field. Two years must include 36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours.
- Applicants have a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from a recognized medical school.
- Applicants must have completed or been currently enrolled in a nationally recognized test pilot school program.
Other Requirements
Apart from the eligibility and educational criteria, applicants have to undergo various tests which include swimming, scuba diving, military water survival, atmospheric pressure test, and several other aspects are also evaluated and assessed.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Astronaut for NASA
Considering the entire study duration, work experience, and training period, becoming an astronaut requires a decade-long preparation.
- Applicants need to complete their graduations as mentioned in the education qualifications and must have acquired three years of professional experience.
- If the applicant has 1000 hours of piloting experience then the 3-year professional experience criteria will be considered completed.
- Applicants must be in the best physical condition possible. Having an excellent vision is a must to be considered for astronauts at NASA.
- NASA has its own set of physical standards which must be met by the applicants to ensure that they fit into the capsules and suits, and are able to perform spacewalks and other operations smoothly.
NASA’s Astronaut Selection Board reviews each application accessing each candidate’s qualifications.
- The selected applicants are then called in for the first round of interviews at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Huston, Texas.
- About half the candidates qualify and are called for the next round of interviews. Final selected candidates are to undergo 2-year training in which they learn some basic astronaut skills including spacewalking, operating the space station, flying a T-38 jet plane, and also controlling a robot arm.
During the 2 year training period, they are put through several psychological situations to prepare them for the stress and pressure of working on the ISS.
Classes on Space Systems, Space Vehicles, Earth Sciences, Meteorology, Space science, and Engineering are conducted for the trainee astronauts. As part of the physical training, candidates are trained in both land and water survival. It includes aircraft exercises, swimming, and scuba diving.
To make the astronauts familiar with microgravity environments they are given extensive water training( Buoyant force, which helps stimulate the feeling of weightlessness) and repeated trips to reduced gravity aircraft.
Candidates need to complete the below mentioned courses as well,
| International Space Station Systems Training. | Extravehicular Activity Skills Training. | Robotics Skills Training |
| Russian Language Training. | Aircraft Flight Readiness Training. | - |
After completing the basic training, candidates are provided with mission assignments. All the astronauts are divided into two groups: Pilots and Mission Specialists. The mission Specialist group is further trained in the maintenance of the systems present at the ISS, while the pilot group is assigned to complete 15 hours of flying time per month to keep their flying skills fresh.
Skills Required to Become an Astronaut for NASA
There are certain skill sets that needs to be inculcated by an aspiring NASA Astronaut, which would not only help him / her understand the job but also give them an insight about the whole process,
| Good Communication Skills | Coordination Skills | English Language Proficiency |
| Knowledge of Foreign Language | Multi-Tasking Ability | Patience |
| Calm during emergencies | Observational Skills | Teamwork |
| Leadership Skills | Resiliency | Adaptability |
| Curiosity | Ability to Trust | Creativity |
| Resourcefulness | Optimistic Nature | Discipline |
Average Salary of Astronauts for NASA
The salaries of astronauts at NASA are governed by the Federal Government’s General Schedule PayScale. Astronauts are covered under GS-12 and GS-13. Each astronaut’s grade is determined according to his/her academic qualifications and experience.
| Pay Grade | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| GS-12 | 47.60 L |
| GS-13 | 73.60 L |
How to Become an Astronaut for NASA: FAQs
Ques. What is a STEM degree?
Ans. Any degree obtained in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics is called a STEM degree.
Ques. Which is the most ideal course to help become an astronaut at NASA?
Ans. A degree in Astrophysics is ideal if someone plans to become an astronaut. Astrophysics covers various aspects of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Cosmology.
Ques. Does fulfilling the eligibility criteria confirm someone’s entry as Astronaut for NASA?
Ans. No, the selection board at NASA, selects only the best applications. Fulfilling the eligibility criteria does not ascertain selection. The selection rate at NASA is as low as 0.04% to 0.08%.
Ques. What is the age limit for becoming an astronaut for NASA?
Ans. There is no age limit to join the astronaut program at NASA. However, the average age group applying for the same ranges from 26 to 46 years of age.
Ques. What physical tests does an astronaut applicant need to pass at NASA?
Ans. Along with swimming, scuba diving, vision test, etc. A special test called the 30 Movement Agility Test is conducted to ascertain perfect body coordination.
Ques. What is the minimum height to be selected as an astronaut for NASA?
Ans. Aspirants must be at least 4 feet 10½ inches to be accepted in the astronaut program. To be a shuttle pilot the minimum requirement is 5 feet 4 inches.
Ques. What are the disqualifying criteria for astronauts for NASA?
Ans. Kidney stones, visual acuity, anything less than perfect 20, or any other physical or mental disability is enough for the application to be disqualified by the selection board. Glasses and Contact lenses are acceptable.
Ques. What is the acceptable weight for astronauts for NASA?
Ans. All applicants must have their weight between 50 Kg to 95 Kg.
Ques. How long does the basic training for NASA astronauts take?
Ans. NASA astronaut basic training usually takes about 2 years which includes several aspects including academics, physical training, and psychological pieces of training.
Ques. Where is astronaut training for NASA done?
Ans. All training for astronauts is conducted at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Huston, Texas.