How to Become an Astronaut
Application Process
The journey to become an astronaut begins with the NASA Astronaut Candidate Program. This highly competitive process attracts thousands of applicants, with only a select few making it through to become astronaut candidates.
NASA Astronaut Candidate Program
The NASA Astronaut Candidate Program is designed to select highly qualified individuals for human space programs. Both civilian and military personnel are considered for the program, but all applicants must be citizens of the United States 10. The program is open to individuals who meet a series of minimum requirements, including a bachelor's degree in a STEM field and at least three years of related professional experience or 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft 10.
Applicants must also pass the NASA long-duration space flight physical, which includes specific requirements such as correctable visual acuity to 20/20 in each eye, blood pressure not exceeding 140/90 when measured in a sitting position, and a standing height between 62 and 75 inches 10.
Application Timeline
The application process for becoming an astronaut follows a structured timeline. NASA typically opens applications every four years or so 11. For instance, the most recent application window was from March 5 to April 16, 2024 12. After the application period closes, the process unfolds as follows:
• April-May: Qualifications Review • June-July: Review of qualified applications to determine highly qualified applicants • August-September: Review of highly qualified applications to select interviewees • October-December: Initial interviews and activities at Johnson Space Center • January: Finalists determined • January-April: Final interviews and activities at Johnson Space Center • June: Announcement of the new Astronaut Candidate Class • August: New Astronaut Candidate Class reports to Johnson Space Center 12
It's important to note that this timeline may be adjusted based on the number of applicants received.
Selection Criteria
The selection process for astronaut candidates is rigorous and comprehensive. NASA's Astronaut Selection Board reviews all applications, assessing each candidate's qualifications 13. The board looks for individuals who possess not only the required educational and professional background but also essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication 13.
During the selection process, candidates undergo a series of evaluations, including:
• Medical evaluations • Psychological testing • Psychiatric screening • Physical fitness assessments
These evaluations help determine a candidate's suitability for the physically and mentally demanding nature of long-duration space missions 14.
The selection process also considers the applicant's ability to learn and utilize complex technical information, make informed decisions in challenging situations, and work effectively as part of a team 15. Candidates who make it to the interview stage can expect multiple rounds of interviews, along with various medical, psychological, and physical tests 15.
It's worth noting that the competition is fierce. In recent selection cycles, NASA received over 18,300 applications in 2017 and more than 12,000 in 2020. From these large pools, only 11 and 10 candidates were selected respectively, resulting in acceptance rates of less than 0.1% 11.
Astronaut Candidate Training
Once selected, astronaut candidates embark on an intensive training program that lasts approximately two years. This rigorous process prepares them for the challenges of space exploration and ensures they have the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively.
Basic Training Overview
The basic training phase is designed to provide astronaut candidates with a solid foundation in various aspects of space exploration. During this period, candidates attend classes on spacecraft systems, science, and technology. They study subjects such as mathematics, geology, meteorology, guidance and navigation, oceanography, orbital dynamics, astronomy, physics, and materials processing 10. This comprehensive curriculum helps candidates develop a broad understanding of the scientific principles underlying space missions.
In addition to technical knowledge, astronaut candidates also receive training in essential soft skills. These include effective communication, self-care, team care, and the ability to live and work in small, confined spaces with people from different cultures 16. These skills are crucial for success in the international environment of space missions.
Survival Skills
Survival training is a vital component of astronaut preparation. Candidates learn how to survive in various environments, including water, desert, tropical rain forest, and glaciers 17. This training is essential because spacecraft leaving the International Space Station may be forced to land in remote areas.
During survival training, astronaut candidates learn to:
• Set up camp and make fire • Find and prepare food • Build shelters and traps • Navigate using nature and stars • Perform basic survival medicine
Candidates also undergo water survival training, which includes swimming tests and treading water while wearing a flight suit 18. This prepares them for potential emergency landings in water.
Spacecraft Systems Training
A significant portion of astronaut training focuses on mastering spacecraft systems. Candidates begin by studying manuals and taking computer-based training lessons on various orbiter systems. They then progress to using single systems trainers (SSTs), where they learn to operate each system, recognize malfunctions, and perform corrective actions 18.
As training advances, candidates move on to complex Shuttle Mission Simulators (SMSs). These simulators provide training in all areas of shuttle vehicle operations and systems tasks associated with major flight phases, including prelaunch, ascent, orbit operations, entry, and landing 18.
Astronaut candidates also receive training in extravehicular activities (spacewalks) using the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. This facility simulates the weightless conditions of space, allowing candidates to practice tasks they may need to perform during actual missions 18.
Throughout their training, astronaut candidates work closely with experienced astronauts and flight controllers, learning to function as a team and solve problems under pressure. This comprehensive training program ensures that when candidates graduate, they are well-prepared for the challenges of space exploration and ready to contribute to humanity's understanding of the universe.
Zero Gravity Training:
Zero-gravity exercise and training are critical components in preparing astronauts for the unique physical challenges of space. Since the heart does not have to work against gravity in space as it does on the Earth there is a change in muscle and bones which begin to atrophy as well as lose density within weeks without the required exercise. To counter such outcomes, the astronauts are taken through practical rehearsals of resistance exercises, cardio workouts, and microgravity movements 19. This preparation often involves underwater training in a neutral buoyancy lab, where astronauts practice moving and handling equipment in a low-gravity environment. Further, they exercise on specialized types of equipment such as treadmills, stationary bicycles, and other resistance training devices designed for use in their space mission. These exercises enable astronauts to achieve endurance, and strength to maintain their cardiovascular systems and muscle energy for extravehicular activities like spacewalk. Through rigorous zero-gravity training, the astronaut’s body condition is kept optimal to support long-duration missions in space 19.
