An overview of how to become an astronaut in the US
There probably isn't a kid in America who hasn't dreamed of looking down on the Earth from space. It's a life changing experience, and one that few individuals will ever have. Becoming an astronaut is hard, and the process takes several years. Therefore, it's important to start as early as possible. NASA will only consider those who have the education, work experience and excellent physical fitness that meets the demands of the space program.
To become an astronaut, a student will need to do exceptionally well in math and science right up to the last year of high school. When it's time to enter university, he or she should choose an accredited institution recognized and approved byNASA. A degree in physical sciences, mathematics, biology, or engineering would be desirable. Outstanding grades would greatly improve one's chances, but that doesn't mean it will be time to rest easy. After a student finishes university, he or she must complete at least three years of relevant work experience.
Many astronauts are pilots, and have obtained their flight experience from the military. The pilots are responsible for the safety of the crew, and the onboard equipment. The U.S. Navy and Air Force can offer invaluable training. Mission specialists, who are in charge of things like food, water or fuel, don't need to join the military. However, it would help to get as much experience as possible. The standards of NASA are strict and they only want the best.
Once an applicant has been invited to the NASA Selection Office in Houston, Texas, he or she must be prepared to undergo an intense screening process. Interpersonal skills will be evaluated, as well as the ability to perform all necessary duties in difficult conditions. The physical exams will come next, and being too tall or short will disqualify a candidate. Near perfect vision is required to see all of the mechanical instruments and control panels. A candidate's blood pressure can't be too high, or too low.
NASA receives thousands of applications every year, and the list is shortened considerably before the most qualified candidates are accepted into thetraining program. That's when the hard work really begins. The training regimen is grueling, and includes courses in land/sea survival, scuba diving, and adapting to severe atmospheric pressures. Basic training lasts for a minimum of two years.
The most difficult stumbling blocks are the psychological tests. Spatial awareness tests, simulated flight tests, and dealing with system malfunctions in cramped areas are all part of the program. Why are these tests so hard? They are specifically designed to mimic conditions that astronauts will likely encounter while in space. When a group of astronauts are depending on each other hundreds of miles above the surface of the Earth, there is no room for mistakes. That's why it's important to be able to get along well with every member of the team.
New astronauts are paired with experienced mentors who teach the fundamentals of guidance, payload and retrieval systems. When astronauts are selected for a flight, they learn the experiments specific to their mission, and this takes several months. Joining the ranks of NASA's finest group of space explorers is no easy task. There is no guarantee that everyone who is accepted will get a chance to reach the stars. That is to be expected. Those who do will increase our understanding of the universe, and pave the way for future missions.
