Most children at some point in their lives had aspirations of becoming astronauts.
While some people failed to land their ideal job, only a select few managed to succeed in landing their ideal job. This piece seeks to educate you on how to become an astronaut.
The job of astronauts is highly selective and competitive. Each year, bright people compete against one another in a challenging application process to fill a limited number of positions.
The first man to travel into space was Yuri Gagarin in April 1961. He was a soviet pilot and a cosmonaut. The first female to travel to space was Valentina Tereshkova in June 1963. NASA chose the first American astronaut candidates in 1959 for Project Mercury to launch men into orbit around the Earth in lone-man capsules.
Subsequently, 22 other groups of astronauts have been chosen by NASA, allowing citizens, educators, scientists, and medical professionals to join the astronaut corps.
It can be difficult to become an astronaut, but with a lot of patience and persistence, it is possible to succeed. We’ll examine what an astronaut does, how they train, what it takes to be one, and how to apply in this post.
Who Is an Astronaut?
People who are trained to travel to space are called astronauts. Numerous everyday tasks are performed by them to keep space stations running smoothly. An “astronaut” is any member of the crew of a NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) spacecraft or a member of the NASA Astronaut Corps.
There are three types of astronauts in the U.S. space program: the commander/pilot, mission specialist, and payload specialist. NASA chooses astronauts from a pool of candidates with a diversity of backgrounds. Only a small number of applicants are picked for the rigorous astronaut candidate training program out of the thousands that apply.
Recent research shows that the NASA corps has 43 “active” astronauts consisting of 16 women and 27 men or 37.2% female and 62.8% male.
Although there is no minimum age requirement, U.S. astronauts typically range in age from 26 to 46, with an average age of 34.They are tasked with exercising for at least two hours every day to be physically fit.
Physical deconditioning of the body can occur while in space. Decompression sickness, barotrauma, immunodeficiencies, loss of bone and muscle, loss of vision, orthostatic intolerance, sleep disorders, and radiation harm are just a few of the health concerns that astronauts are prone to.
On the International Space Station, an astronaut needs roughly 830 g (29 oz) of food for each daily meal. Astronauts are required to understand and speak foreign languages, particularly Russian since space travel has become collaborative.
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Duties of an Astronaut in Space
Different tasks are performed by astronauts during space missions. The paths to several planets and satellites are also navigated, along with a variety of experiments.
The ranks and positions held by astronauts are varied. A spacecraft’s ability to function depends on the performance of each of these roles. The complex technology in a spacecraft’s cockpit necessitates a different set of abilities than, say, those needed to operate the scientific equipment, etc.
On a space mission, the commander is in charge and ultimately decides what is most crucial. Working closely with the commander is the pilot. The position of mission specialist is filled by other astronauts, who use specialized knowledge or abilities.
Other duties such as cleaning, equipment inspections, and broken item repairs are all done by the crew.
REQUIREMENTS
In becoming an astronaut there are some vital requirements necessary to possess in order to excel in this field. This comprises both technical and social skills
- Education
- Vision
- Height
- Physical and mental health
Education
Having a sound educational background and the right bachelor’s degree is vital for aspiring astronauts. This field requires having a good knowledge of STEM courses.
Vision
It’s important to have great eyesight but in case of any sight defects, surgical corrections can be done. Although you’re expected to wait for at least a period of one year before training commences.
Height
In order to be considered for this career, you’re required to have a good standing height. A minimum of 158cm and of 190cm is required for a commanding pilot while a mission specialist should have a minimum of 149cm and a maximum of 193cm.
Physical and mental health
Astronauts spend at most six months in space and that’s a very long time which is why it’s essential to stay healthy physically and psychologically. You should be capable of maintaining long-distance relationships as staying away for long is part of what being an astronaut entail.
Others include:
- Advanced intelligence
- Adaptability
- Physical stamina
- Critical-thinking abilities
- Self-discipline
Advanced Intelligence
Astronauts need more than just a college degree and general intellect for effective work. To handle and solve complicated, unforeseen situations, they must possess creative intelligence and curiosity.
Adaptability
Due to the work description, astronauts should be able to quickly adjust. They must be prepared to adapt to newly introduced policies and guidelines.
They collaborate with experts from diverse industries and nations in their place of employment, so they should have no trouble adjusting to new situations and cultures.
Physical Stamina
Astronauts are required to pass spaceflight physical fitness tests. They must also pass a military water survival test, which tests the ability to tread water while wearing flight gear and to swim a certain distance without stopping. They also need to be prepared for the effects of zero gravity.
Critical thinking abilities
Astronauts have challenging tasks to tackle, and they must carefully and critically assess their work as well as that of others to ensure that each assignment is carried out as intended.
Self-Discipline
When astronauts travel to space, they must have the self-control to work independently, live on the space station, and do their assigned responsibilities on schedule.
Educational Requirements
Becoming an astronaut as earlier said can be a very challenging career path. To qualify for this field there are several steps and getting the right educational background is necessary. Several attempts made by lots of aspiring astronauts have been futile.
Listed below are some relevant subjects needed to start up a career as an astronaut.
- Electrical engineering
- Astrophysics
- Biochemistry
- Aeronautics
- Geology
How To Become an Astronaut
Becoming an astronaut can be challenging. Only a small number of space organizations and programs worldwide can conduct manned space flights. The China National Space Administration (CNSP) and the Russian Federal Space Agency (RFSA) can carry out manned space missions in addition to NASA in the United States.
Here are some guides on how to become an astronaut:
- Obtain a degree
- Get Experience
- Apply for NASA
- Complete your training
Obtain a degree: Aspiring astronauts need to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, usually in a science-related field such as engineering, biology, physical science, computer science, and mathematics.
Get Experience: In addition to having a degree, intending astronauts may possess at least two years of relevant professional experience and also in jet piloting.
Apply for NASA: Having completed the steps above, the next step is to apply for NASA’s candidate selection. This process may last for a period of 2months before applications are reviewed and candidates are been reached out to. Additionally, candidates are required to meet the physical requirements.
Candidates must be citizens of the United States, have a standing height between 62 and 75 inches, have good vision measured to 20/20 in both eyes, and have blood pressure that cannot exceed 140/90 when tested while sitting.
Complete your training: Before embarking on a flight mission, selected astronaut candidates must complete extensive mission training. Learning about space stations, vehicles, and equipment are just a few of the topics covered in the two-year basic training program, which is primarily classroom-based. astronauts must also perform survival training outside of the classroom.
When astronauts are given crew and mission assignments, advanced training takes place. It lasts for ten months and includes training for your particular role.
Nasa Requirements for Astronauts
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is part of the United States government in charge of spacecraft and space travel. Astronauts are expected to pass their requirements in order to be trained as an astronaut in the organization.
Here’s a list of NASA requirements to become an astronaut
- Must be an American citizen
- Have a master’s degree in STEM-related fields
- Must have an aggregate of 65%
- Must have a professional experience
- Must pass NASA’s physical assessment test.
Best Schools For Astronauts
Below is of the best universities for astronauts:
- University of Delaware, Newark
- University of Idaho
- Montana State University
- Berkley University of California
- The University of Arizona
- John Hopkins University
- Stanford University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
Challenges Faced By Astronauts
A career path as an astronaut can be fascinating but also like every other profession, they tend to encounter some challenges.
Here are some basic challenges faced by astronauts below:
- Radiation
- Isolation
- Distance
- Gravity
- Hostile environment
Radiation
The first challenge faced by astronauts on a space mission is radiation. Beyond the limits of the planet’s natural defenses, radiation exposure raises the risk of developing cancer, harms the central nervous system, affects cognitive and motor function, and causes behavioral changes.
Research is being carried out on medical measures including medications to assist defend against radiation.
Isolation
No matter how well-trained they are, groups of individuals cramped together for a long time will inevitably have behavioral problems. For crews to function well as a team for months or years in space, they will be carefully selected, trained, and provided with support.
Distance
The third and perhaps most apparent challenge is, quite simply, the distance. Astronauts tend to feel a bit lonely and sad due to the long distance away from home at some point.
Gravity
The variance of gravity that astronauts will encounter is the fourth challenge of a human mission. Astronauts tend to grow 2 to 3 feet taller than the usual height. And then returns to normal after 3 months back to earth. When astronauts finally return home they will need to readapt many of the systems in their bodies to Earth’s gravity.
Hostile Environment
A spacecraft is a machine as well as a place to live. NASA is aware that an astronaut’s daily existence is significantly influenced by the ecosystem within a vehicle. The following factors affect habitability: temperature, pressure, lighting, noise, and amount of space. Astronauts must acquire the necessary nutrition, rest, and exercise to stay fit and content.
Salary Outlook
An astronaut’s salary is based on education, level of experience, and also by grades; civilian and military.
Civilians
- Annual salary: $104,898 to $161,141
Salaries of civilian astronauts are set by the federal government to pay scale and are based on education and experience. Some benefits accrued to civilian astronauts include healthcare, travel, paid holidays, and paid leave.
Military
Military astronauts are assigned to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, and their pay, leave benefits, and other military considerations are dependent upon their active duty status. Candidates for military space missions are normally commissioned officers with a minimum of five years of on-duty experience.
Top Famous Astronauts
Below is a list of famous astronauts the world has known:
FAQs on How to Become an Astronaut
how long do astronauts train?
Astronauts do a lot of training before going into space. This training takes up to 5 years of training, these include learning how to fly, understand the systems aboard a spacecraft, speak Russian, and operate robotic equipment.
How often can you go into space?
Astronauts go into space routinely. There isn't a limit to how often you can go into space as long as it is necessary. Although, it may also depend on how long an astronaut has been in space.
Is a career as an astronaut good?
A career as an astronaut can be fascinating and also tiresome. If you are looking into becoming an astronaut, you should have a passion for traveling and experimenting.
How much astronauts make?
Astronauts are considered to be among one of the most highly paid careers. Because of the job description and the risk involved. Payments are made by grades, education and experience.
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Conclusion
It’s always quite fascinating knowing that there are astronauts in space carrying out experiments and so on. Although it is not an easy career path, it is also a great career if you love to travel. Astronauts are also well paid due to their rigorous job description.
