Orbinaut Pete
ISSU Project Manager
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Hi all.
I thought I would start this thread to give people info on how they would go about becoming an astronaut in real life.
I have been doing some research on the requirements needed to become an astronaut. Here's what I know so far....
Whichever Space Agency you are applying to, these rules are generally the same for all:
Requirements:
1.
A degree is A MUST if you wish to become an astronaut. Only degrees in maths/science/physics/engineering are accepted.
The following degree fields 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.
Degree MUST be followed by actual experience. Masters degree = 1 year of experience, Doctoral degree = 3 years of experience. Research, educational & computer systems fields are highly desirable.
2.
A piloting background is NOT required, however if you intend to submit your flying experience on your application, flying hours must be at least 1000 hours in jet aircraft in order to be considered as a factor for employment.
3.
A military background is NOT required. However, it is highly desirable & most military applications will be given greater priority over civilian applications, especially for piloting/commanding jobs. Military background is desirable as candidates are already on the payroll of the government, & are disciplined & are willing to take orders. Non-military background candidates usually get Mission Specialist assignments.
4.
Nationality. NASA applicants MUST be of American nationality. ESA applicants must be of nationality from: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland or the United Kingdom.
5.
Health requirements.
Distant visual acuity - must be correctable to 20/20, each eye
(NOTE: For applicants under final consideration, additional visual screening will be performed to include the following standards: refractive error (distant vision)-cycloplegic refractive error must be between +5.50 and -5.50 diopters in any meridian. Astigmatism may require up to 3.00 diopters of cylinder correction. Anisometropia of up to 3.50 diopters. You are not required to provide this information with your initial application. It will be requested later if needed.)
Near visual acuity: Must be correctable to 20/20, each eye
The refractive surgical procedures of the eye, PRK and LASIK, are now allowed, providing at least 1 year has passed since the date of the procedure with no permanent adverse after effects. For those applicants under final consideration, an operative report on the surgical procedure will be requested.
Blood pressure not to exceed 140/90 measured in a sitting position
Standing height between 62 and 75 inches
There is NO age limit for becoming as astronaut, but younger people are generally favoured.
6.
An ability to speak good English is REQUIRED
Desirable: (Not required, but can greatly increase your chances of being selected)
1.
Languages.
English is required, but ability to speak other languages such as Russian & Japanese are desirable.
2.
PR
Astronauts are usually in the public spotlight. So an ease in front of the media and an ability to promote one's mission is desirable. Need to be easy with having photographs taken by mass media, doing interviews, etc.
3.
Personality.
Must be easy to get-along with & easy to make friends with. Must be able to co-operate effectively with any other crew, of any nationality. Must be able to communicate with other people effectively.
4.
Customs.
Knowledge of typical cultural customs of USA, Russia & Japan are desirable, as it will aid with getting to know foreign partners aboard the ISS.
General info:
Qualities:
. Ability to survive for long periods of time in a confined space
. Ability to adapt quickly to new situations
. Ability to use initiative during real-time scenarios
. Ability not to panic, to think clearly & make informed decisions
. Ability to lead other crew members
Salaries:
Astronaut salaries range from $59,000 to $130,000 per year.
Training:
The basic training process takes roughly 2 years. In order to be eligible to fly to the ISS, a further advanced training course of 2 years MUST be taken. Astronauts all receive basic training, and can opt for advanced training. Once they are selected for a mission, training specifically for that mission will begin
Missions:
As the Space Shuttle in retiring in 2 years, and training lasts 2 years, NASA is now beginning to train it's new astronauts to fly the Orion capsule. ESA is beginning to train astronauts to fly the manned version of the ATV. Future training will switch from living aboard the ISS to building & living on a Moonbase. Longer-term training will involve flying missions to Mars.
Links:
http://nasajobs.nasa.gov/astronauts/content/broch00.htm
http://www.esa.int/esaHS/ESA1RMGBCLC_astronauts_0.html
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Astronaut_Selection/index.html
Training materials:
Tests faced by astronauts upon ESA interviews:
http://www.esa.int/astronautselection/sampletest
I thought I would start this thread to give people info on how they would go about becoming an astronaut in real life.
I have been doing some research on the requirements needed to become an astronaut. Here's what I know so far....
Whichever Space Agency you are applying to, these rules are generally the same for all:
Requirements:
1.
A degree is A MUST if you wish to become an astronaut. Only degrees in maths/science/physics/engineering are accepted.
The following degree fields 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.
Degree MUST be followed by actual experience. Masters degree = 1 year of experience, Doctoral degree = 3 years of experience. Research, educational & computer systems fields are highly desirable.
2.
A piloting background is NOT required, however if you intend to submit your flying experience on your application, flying hours must be at least 1000 hours in jet aircraft in order to be considered as a factor for employment.
3.
A military background is NOT required. However, it is highly desirable & most military applications will be given greater priority over civilian applications, especially for piloting/commanding jobs. Military background is desirable as candidates are already on the payroll of the government, & are disciplined & are willing to take orders. Non-military background candidates usually get Mission Specialist assignments.
4.
Nationality. NASA applicants MUST be of American nationality. ESA applicants must be of nationality from: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland or the United Kingdom.
5.
Health requirements.
Distant visual acuity - must be correctable to 20/20, each eye
(NOTE: For applicants under final consideration, additional visual screening will be performed to include the following standards: refractive error (distant vision)-cycloplegic refractive error must be between +5.50 and -5.50 diopters in any meridian. Astigmatism may require up to 3.00 diopters of cylinder correction. Anisometropia of up to 3.50 diopters. You are not required to provide this information with your initial application. It will be requested later if needed.)
Near visual acuity: Must be correctable to 20/20, each eye
The refractive surgical procedures of the eye, PRK and LASIK, are now allowed, providing at least 1 year has passed since the date of the procedure with no permanent adverse after effects. For those applicants under final consideration, an operative report on the surgical procedure will be requested.
Blood pressure not to exceed 140/90 measured in a sitting position
Standing height between 62 and 75 inches
There is NO age limit for becoming as astronaut, but younger people are generally favoured.
6.
An ability to speak good English is REQUIRED
Desirable: (Not required, but can greatly increase your chances of being selected)
1.
Languages.
English is required, but ability to speak other languages such as Russian & Japanese are desirable.
2.
PR
Astronauts are usually in the public spotlight. So an ease in front of the media and an ability to promote one's mission is desirable. Need to be easy with having photographs taken by mass media, doing interviews, etc.
3.
Personality.
Must be easy to get-along with & easy to make friends with. Must be able to co-operate effectively with any other crew, of any nationality. Must be able to communicate with other people effectively.
4.
Customs.
Knowledge of typical cultural customs of USA, Russia & Japan are desirable, as it will aid with getting to know foreign partners aboard the ISS.
General info:
Qualities:
. Ability to survive for long periods of time in a confined space
. Ability to adapt quickly to new situations
. Ability to use initiative during real-time scenarios
. Ability not to panic, to think clearly & make informed decisions
. Ability to lead other crew members
Salaries:
Astronaut salaries range from $59,000 to $130,000 per year.
Training:
The basic training process takes roughly 2 years. In order to be eligible to fly to the ISS, a further advanced training course of 2 years MUST be taken. Astronauts all receive basic training, and can opt for advanced training. Once they are selected for a mission, training specifically for that mission will begin
Missions:
As the Space Shuttle in retiring in 2 years, and training lasts 2 years, NASA is now beginning to train it's new astronauts to fly the Orion capsule. ESA is beginning to train astronauts to fly the manned version of the ATV. Future training will switch from living aboard the ISS to building & living on a Moonbase. Longer-term training will involve flying missions to Mars.
Links:
http://nasajobs.nasa.gov/astronauts/content/broch00.htm
http://www.esa.int/esaHS/ESA1RMGBCLC_astronauts_0.html
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Astronaut_Selection/index.html
Training materials:
Tests faced by astronauts upon ESA interviews:
http://www.esa.int/astronautselection/sampletest
