We are often very familiar with the image of astronauts working in space. However, there is a little-known fact: most of their career time is spent on training and missions on the ground.
Requirements to Become an Astronaut
Becoming an astronaut to carry out space missions is not a simple task. If you have ever dreamed of being an astronaut, you know that it is not something that happens overnight. It takes many years of training and ground missions for someone to gain enough experience for a space mission. Many of them may never fly even once and must say goodbye to their dreams. The odds of candidates successfully completing training to become a full-fledged astronaut are quite slim.
So, how arduous is the path to becoming an astronaut? Below, we will introduce how NASA selects astronauts for their missions.
Becoming an astronaut is not an overnight journey.
Candidate Selection
The first step to becoming an astronaut is that you must be trained to gain experience in related fields. Candidates are divided into two categories: military and civilian candidates. Military candidates will apply through their respective work units, each having its own procedure. Meanwhile, civilian candidates submit their applications directly to NASA.
In terms of education, NASA requires their astronauts to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological sciences, physics, or mathematics. Some exceptions may be accepted, such as geography or aviation management. Many NASA astronauts hold master’s degrees, and some are working on postdoctoral research in their fields.
Regarding work experience, a minimum of 3 years is required in a relevant professional field. Military candidates are often favored for their experience. If they are jet pilots, they must have at least 1,000 flight hours. Those with a master’s or doctoral degree may have the required years of experience reduced.
Health checks for astronauts.
The next step after the application process is a health examination. Here are the minimum requirements:
- Vision 20/20 (either naturally or with glasses).
- Blood pressure not exceeding 140/90 while sitting.
- Height between 1.6 meters to 1.9 meters.
The ultimate goal of the health examination is to assess if you are in top physical condition for emergencies such as returning to Earth or medical emergencies in orbit.
Along with the health assessment, there will be a psychological test conducted through interviews. Candidates must exhibit both physical and psychological stability to be selected. NASA also seeks candidates who are flexible, possess strong teamwork skills, and, importantly, have a passion for exploration and learning.
The Path to Flight
Passing the selection process does not mean you are ready to become an astronaut. The path to your first flight is still challenging. You will undergo at least 2 years of training. This training will equip you with fundamental knowledge about the International Space Station (ISS) and space travel.
Trainees practice in a simulated zero-gravity environment.
Skill subjects include: professional diving, survival skills, swimming. You will be exposed to high and low atmospheric pressure, participating in exercises simulating a zero-gravity environment. Additionally, there will be communication training, Russian language lessons, and various other subjects.
Even after graduation, many trainees may not be able to fly right away for several years. They must continue to train with simulation missions. Simulated space walks take place in NASA’s laboratories. Valuable hands-on experience will be gained during this time.
Future astronauts will be sent to specialized facilities to develop specific skills. For example, a course with Canadian partners solely for controlling a robotic arm in space. Furthermore, throughout the training process, they must maintain a set number of flight hours each month with T-38 aircraft.
Underwater exercises at NASA’s training center.
It often takes several years of waiting for the first flight. They must read all instructional materials for the actual equipment, using them in simulations. These training courses take place all around the world. They must practice skills in coordination with their team.
NASA utilizes computer systems and physical environments to establish simulated flights. Future astronauts must practice meal preparation, organizing supplies, moving items in space, waste management, using cameras, and their specialized experiments.
As mentioned, it can take several years to reach the first flight. If a trainee performs well in training and simulations, they will fly. Additionally, the specialized skills are continuously refined. Flights on the International Space Station (ISS) typically last around 6 months, with some extending to a year. Most of the time astronauts spend is dedicated to scientific missions. Therefore, they also need a strong passion for science in this unique environment.
NASA’s Criteria for Becoming an Astronaut
Recently, NASA has posted an application online. Candidates will have until March 31 to submit their applications, and they must meet the following criteria:
- Scientific background: In addition to being a U.S. citizen, candidates must meet educational requirements, holding at least a master’s degree in STEM fields such as biology, physics, computer science, or mathematics. Additionally, those with 2 years of research in a doctoral program in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; medical doctors; or those who have completed a U.S. military pilot training program also have opportunities.
- Flight experience: Candidates need to have professional flight experience, or at least 1,000 pilot-in-command flight hours in jet aircraft. For comparison, commercial pilots typically need 1,500 hours.
- Good physical fitness: Besides knowledge, you also need an extremely good physical foundation. Since they will be flying in space for extended periods, NASA requires excellent bodily functions such as 20/20 vision (natural or with glasses), and blood pressure not exceeding 140/90 while in a normal sitting state. Astronauts must also meet height requirements between 158 cm to 190 cm.
- Additionally, there will be a swimming test. Final candidates must complete diving certification and military-style survival training underwater, so swimming skills are mandatory.
- Willingness to spend several years in space: Long-term missions on the ISS can last a year or more. Besides space travel, astronaut candidates may be required to relocate to participate in training missions with NASA’s global partners like Russia and Canada.
- Knowledge of Russian is an advantage: Once selected, candidates will be assigned to learn Russian throughout the two-year training program. This is a necessary skill in space: when arriving at the ISS, all astronauts travel aboard Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
The Journey of a Thousand Candidates to Become a NASA Astronaut
