There is some point in your life where you find yourself gazing at the stars or even lost in deep thoughts wondering what space is all about. These thoughts alone are enough to make you want to be an astronaut. 569 people from 41 different countries have traveled to space as of 4th December 2019. However, most of these people are astronauts from NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). The term “astronaut” was adopted for its basic meaning, “sailor among stars”.
To become an astronaut you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological or physical science, computer science, or math. You must also have 3 years of related professional experience or have accrued 1000 hours of piloting. You must also pass the NASA long-duration Astronaut Physical.
So in essence, the time you take to complete these requirements is how long it will take you to become an astronaut.
If being an astronaut is your dream job, then this is just the article for you. We will discuss all matters relating to becoming an astronaut. So sit back, relax, and read on to find out more.
Is It Difficult To Become an Astronaut?
You can join NASA’s astronaut program via an application process. It’s even difficult to make the shortlist since thousands apply for this job. You might have already had the famous story of the retired astronaut Clay Anderson. He failed 15 times before getting a breakthrough to join the program. The majority of the people don’t get through and you will need to be better prepared next time.
To become an astronaut, you will need motivation and hard work in order to succeed. It will take you many years of study and training years to become an astronaut. Besides, you will have to also meet the basic requirements before getting a chance to join NASAs astronauts program.
Is There an Age Limit to Be an Astronaut?
Unlike most of the jobs with age limit specifications, you will be amused to find out that there isn’t an age limit for being an astronaut. However, you will be required to meet some professional requirements to be one. By then you will be at least 26 years. Most of the candidates selected in recent years have averaged 34 years. It’s rare to see an individual in their 40s selected for an astronaut in the application process.
In recent years you will find out that some researchers say that there is a certain age at which you are likely to be able to make real-time decisions in relatively high-stress environments. Operational experience is crucial here, which will take you some time before getting that.
At the age of 26 years and above you should be at the age of choosing if you want to be a pilot astronaut or a mission specialist astronaut. Your career path will be highly defined by the decision you make. Pilot astronauts are trained to fly and will always have control over the operations of the spaceship or shuttle. Mission specialist astronauts are tasked with the orbit operations of the spaceship. Most of them learn how to operate the various equipment essential for space travel. You can find out more about this in other parts of this article.
How Long Does It Take to Be an Astronaut?
You will not find a perfect answer for this, but it will be safe to say that it will take you long before qualifying to be an astronaut.
Before becoming an astronaut, it will take you some time to become one. You will have to apply to become one. Several reference checks are involved in selecting suitable candidates for this job. Afterward, candidates are evaluated based on skill analysis and medical testing.
You will be required to fulfill some conditions (basic minimum requirements) set by NASA before becoming an astronaut. When making an application;
- Education – You will be required to have a degree in either of these fields. (Engineering, physical science, computer science or math). A master’s degree in one of these fields will be a big boost for the required experience in mission control duties.
- Related experience – You will be required to have at least 1000 hours (pilots) of professional experience. – The experience can be from your past job.
For a mission control specialist astronaut, you will be required to have at least three years of experience in either education field.
To work as a payload specialist astronaut you should have unique knowledge that can contribute to mission success.
- Physical requirements – You should be able to pass the NASA long-duration Astronaut physical – Notably, you will be required to display your ability to demonstrate a 20/20 vision using glasses.
- Citizenship – to become an astronaut, you have to be a citizen or have dual citizenship.
How Do You Become an Astronaut?
Becoming an astronaut isn’t an easy task either. Time, passion, and dedication are key here. Since it is a prestigious profession, the competition for places is intense. As mentioned in the article earlier, you will have to meet some basic requirements.
Application Process
If you ask the NASA recruitment team members, some of them will tell you that they look for some standout attributes from each applicant. The goal here is to assess whether you are competent enough to become a good astronaut. For instance, you may not have operational experience but there are always ways to get that. You will be evaluated based on your skills and medical records. Most of the people get the experience out of their private pilot licenses. There is always a section where you will have to talk about your hobbies and interests.
Intrapersonal Skills
It could be teamwork, leadership, communication, or hygiene. For instance, how will you communicate with a fellow astronaut when you are under pressure or stress? Besides, as an astronaut, you want to be stuck with someone in space who you feel safe around.
Astronauts carry out many roles. You will be required to choose an area of specialization that you feel you can fit inappropriately. The three roles that you can fulfill as an astronaut in the space program include;
- Pilot
The pilots are tasked with the control operations of the space crafts. For a successful mission, you will have to supervise the health of your crew workers. Mission safety is the priority due to the dangerous conditions they face in space. Under the training program, you will receive specialized training; simulation of flights in space environments.
- Mission Specialist
To be this type of astronaut you will be required to have an educational background in science, engineering, and medicine. You will have to coordinate with pilots to launch satellites and carry out routine maintenance on the spacecraft.
It’s quite fascinating working as a mission specialist astronaut. You will be able to perform spacewalks. These missions can last for long periods and that’s why you have to do some basic training on long-duration missions.
- Payload Specialist
Working as a payload astronaut means that you have specialized knowledge about a specific task. Normally, these kinds of astronauts are brought in from different private companies and are required to perform their onboard duties in space shifts. However, unlike other astronauts, they do not have to pass via the selection process but will be required to have extensive training and experience for the specific missions.
To become an astronaut you have to follow the following steps;
Create a plan that includes school and experience
To pursue your dream of being an astronaut, you must have a plan that will help you reach that goal.
Astronauts can be categorized into military or civilian astronauts. Both will however be required to complete a degree in math, engineering, and science.
Studying alone is not enough. You will need relevant experience. Joining the astronaut program after completing your military work means that the military can account for your experience and education.
Getting in peak physical shape
As highlighted above, you will be needed to meet the various physical demands. Health and fitness should be a priority for you to meet the demands that come along with the job requirements. This will condition you to be able to make real-time decisions under pressure within the space environment.
Apply for NASA’s candidate selection
After completing the education. Experience and physical requirements, you can apply for NASA’s candidate selection. After you have submitted your request, the application review will take approximately 60 days before they can get back to you.
Flight Training
If you are lucky to be selected for the NASA astronaut space ship program, you will have to complete comprehensive mission training.
Training takes at least two years. During the first phase, you will carry out classroom-based training. This includes familiarizing and learning about space equipment and vehicles. You will also be required to complete a survival training program.
During the second phase, missions are selected and astronauts meet their fellow veteran astronauts. As a new astronaut, you will learn from fellow astronauts about the space basics and how to launch a successful mission.
Training continues till an advanced stage where you will receive crew and mission assignments. Here you specialize and train your specific role as you await to be part of a larger space astronauts crew. Training usually lasts for approximately 10 months.
If a trip to space is your ideal journey, then working your way out to be a professional astronaut will be vital. However, you will have to create a plan that includes completion of school work, gaining experience, being in good physical shape, applying for an astronaut’s candidate selection, and undertaking the various training programs offered.