This article will tell you what it takes to become an astronaut, what all is involved, like training, experience, education and other factors that are required of you in order to fly in space.
Basic Qualifications
You must apply to NASA in order to become an astronaut; however you have to have extensive qualifications and education first. Not to mention the fact that you will have to go through even more training once you are selected and you could wait years before being selected to go on an actual mission.
If you're thinking about becoming an astronaut or trying to become qualified to be an astronaut; you will need to know the basic qualifications. The basic qualifications are that you must have at least a Bachelor's degree in some type of science. It could be in biology, mathematics, engineering or some other physical science. An advanced degree, such as a Master's or Doctorate is preferred however. In order to be a pilot with NASA you have to have at least 1,000 hours of pilot in command time. You must also be able to pass a physical test, have correctable 20/20 vision, have good blood pressure rating and be of a height between 64 and 76 inches.1 Not to mention that you must be a citizen of the United States, but that is a given. Both civilians and military personnel are encouraged to apply and are considered for NASA astronaut positions.
Physical and Mental Testing After Applying
People interested in becoming astronauts must be dedicated and have much endurance. Before applicants can be considered for a position they must go through an initial screening process. The process includes personal interviews, medical testing and an orientation into NASA’s process of selection. Oftentimes people wait for long periods of time before finding out whether or not they are selected as a candidate. Once they are selected they must go through extensive training for two straight years. During this period they attend classes on scientific subjects and participate in practical training, such as the use of a space suit and how to actually fly a space shuttle.
After undergoing this rigorous training the candidates have the weary task of waiting and waiting and waiting. If a mission comes along, NASA will choose who they think will be the best fit for that mission. As a candidate you must wait until the right mission comes along for you and this may take years. Talk about dedication! For those who are impatient and cannot stand to wait for anything, this would most certainly be an obstacle you would have to overcome immediately. Once the momentous day comes along and you are selected to be on a mission, there is yet more training awaiting you. You must train for at least six months to a year before the mission. The training you receive now will be specific and unique to that mission.
As an astronaut in training you would be subjected to all sorts of crazy things that will test your physical and mental endurance. You will have to have the ability to swim three times back and forth in a 25-meter pool without stopping. You must also be able to swim that wearing a flight suit and shoes. Candidates must also be able to tread water for a continuous ten minutes in a flight suit. As a candidate you will be exposed to things that will make you literally sick. You will be subjected to high and low atmospheric pressure during your training. You will be exposed to microgravity and intense G-forces. You will learn what to do in the case of any possible emergency during your mission. If you are able to make it through this strenuous process from the beginning to end, and NASA is satisfied with your performance, then you will be selected to become a permanent astronaut. If, however, you are not selected, NASA will place you in another position relating to your experience within NASA. “Once you become an astronaut at NASA you will be expected to remain as an employee with NASA for at least five years.”2
What's in the Future
NASA has missions in the works right now to go back to the moon and to establish a base station on the moon. There are also missions to go to Mars and beyond. It is rumored that by 2020 there will be an outpost set up on the moon. A base on the moon could potentially be used as a launching site to other planets and other moons. Also, there has been much talk about civilian space travel to and from the moon. The chance and possibility of your odds at becoming an astronaut are there, but just how good your odds are is up for debate. Out of the thousands of applications NASA receives, only a very select few are chosen to go into the candidate-training program. If you apply and get accepted, congratulate yourself because you are among an elite group who have made it that far, consider yourself lucky! According to a listing of all astronauts on Wikipedia, only 321 astronauts have been selected since the beginning of space flight in 1959, and out of those only 316 have actually been into space on a mission. However, there are still many people out there who dream and have hopes to become an astronaut. You can always dream about what it would be like, but to actually do it takes perseverance, hard work and a special type of person. The candidates selected are no doubt the best of the best of the best. Don't let this discourage you though, if you really want to become an astronaut, go for it and at least you can say you tried if you don't make it.
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