Training Involved to become an Astronaut
The training involved in becoming an astronaut is extremely difficult and time-consuming, and those wishing to become an astronaut need to know that this is not going to be an easy task! Since the first astronauts were chosen back in 1959, only 339 astronauts to date have been selected for NASA's intensive Astronaut Candidate training program. But becoming an astronaut, though improbable, is not impossible for those with the correct skills, training and dedication.
- Commander and pilot astronaut basic requirements -
To become a spacecraft commander or pilot - being responsible for the vehicle, crew, mission success and safety of flight in general, takes a great deal of training.
As a basic requirement, candidates must be in possession of a full Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in one of the following fields: engineering, mathematics, biological science, or physical science. An advanced degree, such as a Masters or a Doctorate, in a related field is also desirable.Pilots of jet aircraft also make excellent spacecraft pilots and commanders: another basic requirement to become an astronaut is a minimum of 1,000 hours time in command of a jet aircraft, with flight test experience time also being highly desirable.Aside from the mental skills needed to become an astronaut, excellent physical condition is also needed. Candidates must be able to pass the NASA space physical, which is much like a military or civilian flight physical, and they must be able to meet a set of specific health and body criteria. Having 20/20 vision, a blood pressure around 140/90 whilst sitting, and a height between 62 and 75 inches are also astronaut requirements.
- Mission Specialists -
Similar to the requirements for a commander and spacecraft pilot, Mission Specialists - those trained in the details of running onboard systems, as well as the mission requirements and objectives, to name but a few of their duties - must also be highly qualified academics. Candidates require a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, mathematics, biological science, or physical science. And this degree must be followed by a minimum of three years related, professional experience. If the three years experience criteria cannot be met, it may be possible to substitute an advanced degree for part of the time; e.g. a Masters degree, plus two years of experience, or a Doctoral degree by itself.
The ability to pass a NASA space physical with the same specific health criteria is also needed for this role. However, acceptable height for mission specialists is between 58.5 and 76 inches.
Regardless of whether candidates would like to be a commander, pilot or mission specialist, once accepted into the NASA intensive Astronaut Candidate training program, then the hard work really begins! Training once selected includes scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in complex Shuttle and International Space Station systems, physiological training, and flight training, in addition to water and wilderness survival training, in order to prepare astronauts for the physical and mental challenges they will face.
Becoming an astronaut is a dream for many people, and although the training involved is tough and will take many years, it's a dream that 339 astronauts have made a reality.
-Source-
www.nasa.gov
